What is the first question you should ask before emailing any contacts in your database?

The most crucial question to ask before emailing any contacts in your database is whether you have permission to contact them. This is fundamental to ensuring compliance with regulations such as the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and the CAN-SPAM Act, which require that businesses obtain explicit consent from recipients before sending them marketing communications. By confirming that you have permission, you respect the privacy of your contacts and build trust, increasing the likelihood that your emails will be well received and engaged with.

Ensuring permission also affects deliverability rates; emails sent to contacts who have not opted in may lead to high unsubscribe rates and complaints, ultimately damaging your sender reputation. This sets the groundwork for a successful and ethical email marketing strategy, where recipients are more likely to engage positively with your content, enhancing overall campaign effectiveness.

While having correct email addresses, a clear subject line, and an attractive design are important components of an email marketing strategy, they become secondary if permission has not been established first. Without permission, even the most beautifully designed and well-crafted emails will fail to garner trust and interest from recipients.