Opt-In Verification...Yes or No?

[kentheriot]

My 1ShoppingCart Opt-In process is making me crazy. Adding to the confusion is the "opt-in verification" piece that makes the lead confirm that they did, indeed, fill out the opt-in form before they start getting their messages (and their bribe;)).

Is there any prevailing wisdom as to whether or not to use this feature in an Opt-In Auto Responder campaign?

Thanks.

Ken

[deniseoberry]

Ken --

Best practice for list building uses opt in verification. This transition took place a few years ago. Some people still skip the verification. The online audience should be fairly used to this step since it's been around a while.

[kentheriot]

Thanks Denise!

Ken

[GoshM]

Well to be honest i like the confirmation process because if they confirm their email, they are interested to find out whats on the next page. If they dont confirm well I'm better off that person in first place. I'm not sure how 1shoppingcart system works but i like Aweber's because when you fill the form the next page will be a nice voice message from Aweber telling you to confirm your email to receive "the thing".

[lertno]

I had previously just had my own opt in form without verification and I can't tell you how many of them were simply spam or someone thinking if they enter a fake e-mail they will get it right away instead of a link in an autoresponer e-mail.

I have since changed to get response. I find that this way I know that these people are interested. If they aren't then they just opt out themselves at the end of the mini course. It's going good so far with the verification. It also tells them to add me to their address book or white list so they get my e-mails. Thats a +

[Lynn Terry]

The double opt-in process became necessary after the CAN-SPAM Act. Otherwise, I could enter YOUR email address into the form just to get the "freebie". The verification process verifies they are indeed the owner of the email address submitted.

You should not give them the download link until AFTER they have verified their email address. Otherwise they have no incentive to verify.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/CAN-SPAM_Act_of_2003