There is much debate of the benefits or otherwise of a double opt-in process for internet subscriptions. Most ethical marketers believe that it is the key to building lists with qualified entries, others fear they lose too many subscribers in the confirmation process.
Tom Kulzer, the founder of aweber Communications, believes it is best to ensure that email messages and newsletters are only sent to people who have confirmed that they have asked for them. Ethical double opt-in marketing is the best way to do this. He has put in place very specific procedures and policies to ensure that his autoresponder product prevents abuse of the system. He has absolutely no tolerance for spamming and often speaks on this topic at industry conferences.
Double opt-in with Aweber works this way: the marketer designs a form or link in Aweber, which is then placed on his webpage or in an email. This form seeks information from readers (usually with some sort of reward or bonus for entering the data), which will become date on his list held at Aweber.
Aweber autoresponder immediately sends the subscriber an email to the address they provided asking for confirmation of their intention to subscribe/receive the offer. The subscriber’s details do not appear on the marketer’s list until this confirmation is received.
So, the subscriber fills in the form (first opt-in), and then confirms they did in fact fill in the form (second opt-in). This is necessary to prevent them entering in bogus email addresses – very important to ensuring the marketer’s list is accurate.
Every communication sent to the subscriber through Aweber will also carry an “Unsubscribe” option – not only a good ethical decision by Aweber, but also a requirement in many countries as well, in the fight against SPAM.
If you have any questions about double opt-in, the very professional team at Aweber Customer Support are on hand 24/7 to answer your questions and provide any technical assistance you may have regarding your use of their system.