Opt - In

You will here this term used a lot called "Opt-In". This is a term used when a site offers you something in return generally for you first name and e mail address. As a site owner you need permission from a person to send them e mails now and in the future.

Once a customer signs in the first time they are sent a e mail so they can confirm the request before they continue on with your offer. It usually goes like this:

1. You have a site
2. You have a free offer such as a e book or video lesson
3. Your customer has to supply you with a name and e mail
   
4. You provide a Opt - In form on your site for them to sign in
5. After they sign in a message is sent to their e mail requesting confirmation that they did perform this action
6. They confirm and then are taken to the page with the free offer
7. You now have started compiling a mailing list
   
8. Use this list for future offers

The auto responder is the key tool that coordinates the e mail confirmations and future mailings to your lists.

There are rules for e mailing clients if you are doing it the right way and there are repercussions from Yahoo and the likes if you are not. Basically by opting in the client is giving you permission to e mail them until they change their minds, then they will Opt - Out.