email address list, ~8,000 long

[kdahl]

On my PDF4U website I've collected about 8,000 email addresses so far but don't have any idea on what to do with them.

I get email addresses really easy because my service is set up to convert a document to PDF and send the new PDF document as an attachment to them via email.

I could really use some guidance on what to do with them.

Thanks

[A Posse Ad Esse]

Hi kdahl,

You say you obtained these email addresses to deliver a pdf conversion. Did you ask for permission to use the emails for anything other than this purpose at the time they enter their info?
If not, it would be unwise to use them at all as they haven't made a request to recieve anything more form you (your list wouldn't be opt-in). This would leave you open to spam accusations.
Although it might seem a waste to not do anything with 8000 addresses, it may be more trouble than it's worth.

Of course, if you did ask them to opt-in then you're laughing. I'd quite like to have an 8000 strong list at the mo lol. The problem I think you'd face (or are facing) is in finding a way to target such a list. People need to convert all sorts of things to .pdf so there's no real common theme to target (that I can see anyway).

Cheers,
-Mark

[kdahl]

I don't know if it matters but I do have the following statement in the Privacy Statement area on the PDF4U site.

Some portions of this website require a user to provide contact information (such as their email address). This information is required to notify the customer when their conversion job is finished. The information may be used to contact the customer regarding specific services for which they have expressed interest, but may also include notification of promotional offers.

[BradleyD.Haslam]

It would be a shame to waste 8000 email addys.
And these are people that opted in on YOUR site.

The statement you have does imply that they will receive more info,
but you know how few people actually read the statements, right?

The fear is, the ever growing popularity of the "spam button".
If too many people click it, your domain is toast!
Here is what I would do.

First, when you contact these people, you have to remind them of 2 things.

1- who you are.
2- that they opted in for more info

"Hi {firstname},
Awhile ago you converted a document to pdf on our site at www.pdf4u.com.
When you signed up for our service,
we promised to let you know when other COOL services became available.

We have something you really might be interested in!
What if you could *benefit, benefit, etc.*

See what I mean?

Make sure the offer is something related to
the reason they gave you their email addy.
And I really recommend that you start off with
some free info or something.
Don't just suddenly blast them with a sales pitch if you
haven't talked with these people in a while.
AND, then follow up more regularly,
and establish a relationship with them.

But the important part is letting them know they opted in
and they aren't receiving spam.
You could even use a header
like I used when I used to buy and sell opt in lists.
This is actually the one I used:

[KWRD-firstname], please note the following.

1- This is a solicited email, it has been sent at your request.
2- This email is 100% can spam compliant.
3- We have a zero tolerance spam policy.
4- If you do NOT want to receive these articles in the future, you can very easily unsubscribe.
(to do so, please see the unsubscribe info, below your request details, at the bottom of the page.)
5- We will NEVER share your personal info with anyone, PERIOD.

Hi [KWRD-firstname],
etc. etc.

Then, in the case of buying a list,
I would even send a smaller header in the second email:

[KWRD-firstname], please note the following.

This is the second email I’ve sent you, this is a solicited email, it has been sent at your request.
This email is 100% can spam compliant. We have a zero tolerance spam policy.
We will NEVER share your personal info with anyone, PERIOD.
After this email, I will not include this ‘can spam reminder’.
Instead, you can always see your subscription info at the bottom of each email.
And THANKS !!

Hi [KWRD-firstname],
etc. etc.

Just an idea
Hope it helps.
Brad.

[zaba99]

I would think after reading your Privacy Statement that you should be able to use these emails for mail out of promotions, new products and especially a newsletter. If you have not got a newsletter already, that is the best way to keep in touch with people and for them to remember you buy. Within a newsletter you could place soft sales promotions 1-2 each letter for products you come across and recommend.

But make sure you have an opt out area so if people do not want to be contacted it is easy for them to remove their email address.

This should help you stay on the GOOD side of your clients.

[cscarpero]

Find some related PDF things to sell to them. Like software to convert pdf back into word or into html. Or an e book on marketing their websites and e books.