Email: When is it a spam?

[SydneyWebService]

Hi,

In Australia, how is spam defined? I mean if I saw someone driving a car with an email address and I try to contact him about my business services, will it be considered a spam? If so, any alternative quick solutions

[ray_223]

A quick google finds:

Australian Spam Laws

Post back if you have any particular questions.

[Robert Gerrish]

Clearly following spam laws is a must. However, making contact with a business need not be spam if genuine thought and consideration has been given.

For example, an email that said something like this:

I saw your business advertised recently and as a consequence visited your website. As a web developer, I observed three key areas where your website could work more effectively for you. I would be happy to outline these improvements to you, either over the phone or by email. Please let me know if you would like to receive these recommendations.

...is unlikely to be viewed as spam. As a rule of thumb when it's all about YOU, it's probably spam. When it's genuinely all about THEM, it's unlikely to be seen that way.

[MissieK]

I find I get a number of phone calls from people wanting to send me emails introducing themselves - it really annoys me because the phone call wastes my time! Especially when their phone message doesn't tell me what they want...

As Robert said, an introductory email that is just that and expresses a wish to work together wouldn't be considered spam.

Melissa

[kathiemt]

Just don't add them to any lists until they acknowledge or agree. One-off emails are usually ok and much better if personalised. I hate it when it's obvious it's a bulk email selling someone's wares.

[ray_223]

Originally Posted by kathiemt

I hate it when it's obvious it's a bulk email selling someone's wares.

That is just pure SPAM and unless you have agreed to receive it, it is illegal in Australia.

[kathiemt]

Originally Posted by ray_223

That is just pure SPAM and unless you have agreed to receive it, it is illegal in Australia.

Yes, and it's amazing how many Australian business owners don't realise that. So many are still internet virgins from what I can see and totally oblivious to the facts.

[SydneyWebService]

Great replies!

Thank you everyone, those are very valueable insights for me as a soloist!

[LeelaCosgrove]

Originally Posted by MissieK

I find I get a number of phone calls from people wanting to send me emails introducing themselves - it really annoys me because the phone call wastes my time! Especially when their phone message doesn't tell me what they want...

As Robert said, an introductory email that is just that and expresses a wish to work together wouldn't be considered spam.

Melissa

The problem is it technically IS spam, because it's unsolicited - and not everyone is as reasonable as you, Melissa!

There are a lot of business people who take severe offense to being contacted for any kind of sales purpose (which I find ironic ... business people who hate sales people are such hypocrites!).

The spam laws are totally over the top - most importantly they don't work. They just hamper honest business people - the scum bags go ahead and do it anyway ... it's all a bit pointless, if you ask me - but what can you do?

In my case ... stuff the email marketing and focus on telemarketing. It's less regulated in the commercial sector and in my experience, far more effective.

[theturnaroundartist]

I have approached organisations on a couple of occasions after seeing their contact details - but the approach is very well planned and constructed to prevent any possibility of the approaching being considered non-genuine.

I always follow up with a call a few days later - on all occasions, the approach was well received by each recipient and has lead to a consulting engagement.

We only ever send our newsletter to those of our customers and visitors who have explicitly opted-in to receive it.

Geoffrey.