eAdvisor - Feature Article

Why Does Spam Exist?

If spam was outlawed by the congress and detested by most Internet users, why does it continue to exist? The answer is simple: many people respond to spam. Companies sell everything from diet pills to discount travel — drawing the biggest responses from pornography advertising.

Spam may be annoying, but profit-wise spam works. In 2003, spammers generated about $130 million in revenue, according to Ferris Research, a San Francisco-based company that tracks the messaging market. That year, companies pulled in healthy profits ranging from $20 million to $30 million.

While spam is profitable for many companies, it's frustrating for consumers and costly for businesses. It also poses a threat to email as an ideal communication tool.

So what exactly is spam? Many Internet users think of spam as junk email that's unsolicited, unwanted and annoying. According to the government, however, spam is email that has false or misleading routing information and won't allow recipients to "opt-out" or refuse receipt. Regardless of its technical definition, it's unwanted and unasked for blatant advertising.

As a reputable company how can you cut through the clutter, profit from such a powerful communication tool and leave the junk behind. First you must understand what the Can Spam Act really says. Click here to read the federal government's stipulations on what can spam is – and isn't.

ENewsletters provide an ideal way for companies to communicate with potential and existing customers. They can share breaking news, industry trends, important product details and other valuable information. A value-added, monthly newsletter allows companies to market their products and services to prospects over time.

It also can provide instant insight into subscribers' interest, which can lead to increased sales. Well done eNewsletters are:

• permission based, meaning they are sent only to people who request information.
• industry specific, meaning the person receiving them probably is familiar with your company name.
• valuable and educational for the recipients.
• able to easily allow recipients to opt out or unsubscribe.
• attractive and provide accurate contact information about the sender.

To learn about the benefits of spam-free eNewsletters, call the experts at Proven Systems at 970-223-6565 or visit www.provensystems.com.

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