by Like it or not, people will unsubscribe from your email list, regardless of the value you provide for free or at a cost. While there are many reasons for this, research has shown that most of those who unsubscribe from email lists usually do so because they either can’t stand excessive emailing or just felt the business wasn’t delivering enough value.
Others simply find the business’ emails too salesy, boring, or redundant. Whatever their reasons, you should always make it easy for them to unsubscribe from your list if they want to and do so in a manner that could compel them to have a rethink. The following are some of the best ways to handle people who wish to unsubscribe from your list.
Make it Easy for them to Find the Unsubscribe Button
One of the biggest mistakes small businesses make is trying to bury their unsubscribe link or make it look as tiny as possible. This alone is bound to irritate your audience. You see, people like it when they have the option of leaving your list. It does not mean that they would, it is just nice to have that option.
So, don’t make your unsubscribe link or process difficult at all. Make it easy, accessible, and something that can be done in five clicks or less. Some companies are known for making it difficult for people to unsubscribe – Comcast anyone? – but you’ll find that they tend to catch much flak for just that. Don’t be one of those firms.
Add Some Wit and Humor
Sometimes, the direct approach is not the best option. A little wit and humor can go a long way in helping them change their minds. For instance, some unsubscribe pages have funny or witty texts and images that cause you to pause and have a rethink. Try something like that on your unsubscribe pages. Some good examples include:
“Do you really want to leave? Please, please please stay…. Pweety please”
“We really don’t want you to leave… but if you insist, we’re sorry to see you go”
“We hate to see you go. Are you sure you want to miss out on our best deals and special offers?”
“Okay… just before you leave, can we ask you to stay? We’d really hate to see you go”.
“Seriously don’t go… we promise to do better”.
You do not have to include these exact phrases. However, you get the idea.
Provide Alternative Contact Channels
Sometimes people just want to unsubscribe from lists so that they can only receive important emails. Offer them an opportunity to continue to enjoy your special offers and deals by providing them with an alternative means of contact. By this, we mean social media, your app, and any other means of contact other than email. This way, you would still be able to benefit from their business, and they would still enjoy your products and services.
Ask Them Why
Sometimes, people can tell you what you are doing wrong. Naturally will give you some insight into the reasons for them leaving and help you stop that from happening again. Just don’t make the process tedious like some companies do by asking people to take surveys or answer a 20 part question. Just create a checklist and ask them to check off anyone that’s similar to their reasons.
Don’t Do Anything
Yes, there’s also the option of doing nothing at all. If your subscribers want to leave, sometimes it is best just to let them leave. However, adopt this approach only if you have tried out the previous strategies without any success. People leave for a myriad of reasons, so don’t sweat it. Just do your best to offer premium stuff, and you’ll find that you will be able to keep your unsubscribe rates at very low levels.
