You have to be really, really careful, even if you purchase a list from a "reputable" source. Even if the people on the list agreed to have the email addresses shared with others, when you send them a list and they don't remember ever having checked that little box, they can report you for spamming. You can get blocked from sending emails, blacklisted and even fined. The laws have changed alot and they are definitely more stringent than ever.

The best way to put together an email list is to have a sign up form on your website and offer the email newsletter or something in return. Another thing - don't just start collecting names if you're not ready to start sending out emails. If you have a list of people from a year ago and you never sent them anything, they too can forget they ever signed up and report you to your isp for spamming. If you are creating a list, make sure you're ready to go and send out emails regularly so your list gets used to seeing your name in their inbox.

You should even consider a double opt-in procedure. People sign up for your list and then you send them an email asking them to confirm their subscription. It's better to be safe when it comes to email marketing. Believe me, you don't want to be blacklisted. Your ip address gets blocked from sending out any emails - and as a VA that's not a good thing at all!

Hope this helps!

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Yvone M. Kon
M.Y. Marketing & Design
Your Virtual Marketing Assistant - At Your Service!
www.mymarketingdesign.com