Worrying About Unsubscribes While Building My Business

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Discussion Overview

This thread centers on participants' experiences and feelings regarding unsubscribes from their email newsletters while building their Pampered Chef businesses. Many express concerns about the impact of unsubscribes on their business growth and share personal anecdotes related to their email marketing efforts.

Discussion Character

  • Anecdotal
  • Opinion-based
  • Exploratory

Main Points Raised

  • One participant shares their experience of losing three subscribers after sending an email, expressing concern about their business dwindling.
  • Another participant encourages not to take unsubscribes personally, noting that they often do not represent potential customers.
  • Several users mention focusing on building new contacts from shows rather than worrying about unsubscribes.
  • One participant expresses relief in having a smaller list of genuinely interested individuals rather than a larger list of disinterested contacts.
  • Another participant discusses the possibility that some unsubscribes may occur due to personal circumstances rather than disinterest in the products.
  • One participant recounts a humorous incident where they accidentally unsubscribed themselves from their own newsletter.
  • Several users note that email tracking may not be entirely accurate, as some recipients may read emails without registering as opened.
  • One participant mentions following up with those who unsubscribe, finding that some may want to be added back to the list after explaining ordering options.
  • Another participant highlights that some unsubscribes may come from individuals who do not fully understand what the newsletter entails.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Views differ on the emotional impact of unsubscribes, with some participants advocating for a positive outlook while others express frustration. No clear consensus emerges on the best approach to managing unsubscribes.

Contextual Notes

Participants share personal experiences and strategies related to email marketing within the context of their Pampered Chef businesses, emphasizing the subjective nature of their feelings and outcomes.

Who May Find This Useful

Consultants navigating similar challenges with email marketing and subscriber management may find the shared experiences and perspectives relevant.

babywings76
babywings76
Gold Member
Messages
7,266
I sent out my outlet e-mail yesterday and have now had 3 people unsubscribe! I'm trying to build my business...and it's dwindling! :cry:

Thanks to iContact, I know who is opening my newsletters. It's kind of a double-edged sword. Nice to know who's opening, but sad to think who isn't opening it.
 
Awww, don't take it personal! If I did, I'd probably be out of business!!

Keep your head up and sign up for a fair or 5! You'll build a ton of contacts that way!
 
Don't think about the ones who unsubscribe, they don't normally buy from a newsletter anyway. Focus on building it with new contacts from shows. Let them know it will come 1-2-3x's a month, and you will be surprised of how receptive they will be. I understand the double-edge sword. When I first started with icontact I realized my mom never opened my emails. The ones you expected don't always open, and the ones you don't always expect are the ones that order.
 
I lost 3 customers last time too off of my list, and I only had about 20 in my list :( I feel for you!
 
I look at it this way -- at least I'm not clogging my list with folks who aren't interested. I'd rather have a small list of true PC people, than a large list of anybodies.
 
Don't take it personally. Sometimes I've had people cancel my newsletter as it is a bad time for them personally and they just can't be tempted or know they can't afford anything. After they send me an unsubscribe, I just tell them thank you for letting me know and they have been successfully unsubscribed. I tell people about it at my shows and that if they want to cancel at any time it is fine and I don't take it personally. It is all a numbers, and time game.
 
It could be the same as what happened to me.. I send out my monthly news letter, and of course I send it to myself..... I got 1 unsubscribe............ It was myself... I don't know how or why.. but I got unsubed from my own mail list without any intervention on my part.
 
colegrovet said:
It could be the same as what happened to me.. I send out my monthly news letter, and of course I send it to myself..... I got 1 unsubscribe............ It was myself... I don't know how or why.. but I got unsubed from my own mail list without any intervention on my part.
Click to expand...
That's a case of the left hand not knowing what the right hand is doing....ba-da-bump...:D
 
Perhaps (and I know this probably isn't much consolation) the people that unsubbed were people that were never getting your email before (due to email/spam filter), and since you started using iContact, which has excellent deliverability, they started receiving it.... and you're just getting the unsubs now. Hugs! I know it's hard but try not to take it personally. Some people just don't have time or patience to filter through emails, no matter how good the info.
 
Don't worry! I sent mine yesterday and had 36 people unsubscribe!! The people who unsubscribe aren't your customers anyway - if they're going to unsubscribe, they're not going to order from you most likely. Just move on and get some more solid leads.
 
  • Thread starter
  • #11
Thanks guys! I'm feeling a little better now. It's just hard sometimes when I'm struggling to get bookings and such and I'm trying to do things and they backfire/don't pan out.I'm going to focus on my show for this Saturday. I need to get bookings! My April is empty right now. Now if only my printer would stop acting up so I can print off my stuff I need to make my guest folders! On the bright side, I just got a recruit lead yesterday. A new neighbor asked me about the biz when I brought her a catalog (she asked for it when we met at our little park here).
 
pattikake said:
I look at it this way -- at least I'm not clogging my list with folks who aren't interested. I'd rather have a small list of true PC people, than a large list of anybodies.
Click to expand...

Couldn't have been put ANY better.
 
I always follow up with those that unsubscribe and I PUT that in my e-newsletter so they are aware that I'll do that. I have had people say that they are moving so that's why they did it. After explaining that they could order anyway, they asked to be put back on. As for people not opening it, it's NOT 100% accurate. So they may not seem to open, but maybe they do. I use Constant Contact and have done a list of people that haven't opened any of my last 3 emails. I'll do this for maybe one more month and contact those people to see if they get it/want it. About 1/2 haven't opened anything since January (can't see specifically before then). Also, I've had people that unsubscribe b/c they just don't read it, but they still go to my website and show up at my expos that I'm at regularly. Oh...and don't feel bad if your closest people don't open it. Just tell them you NEED them to. They may NOT b/c they figure they are special and know everything b/c you fill them in personally.
 
I've noticed that if someone reads your newsletter in Outlook and just uses the reading pane, as opposed to opening it fully, it can show as unopened even though the read it.Also - I've had people's husbands unsubscribe because they didn't realize what it was...
 
  • Thread starter
  • #15
With iContact there is also "unsubscribed" and "do not contact". I've had 3 "do not contact", so I won't be able to do a follow up. Good idea though to follow up with the regular unsubscribes.
 
Winnipegk said:
I've noticed that if someone reads your newsletter in Outlook and just uses the reading pane, as opposed to opening it fully, it can show as unopened even though the read it.

Also - I've had people's husbands unsubscribe because they didn't realize what it was...
Click to expand...

I was wondering if that is the case. I had a friend tell me she loves my emails and I was a little taken aback since I knew she never showed as opening them in icontact.
 
What's icontact? Is there a charge to use?
 
I contact is a service to send out your email newsletters. Yes there is a montlly charge based on your number of contacts.
 
Thanks! Chef Success is such a great resource!
 
Don't despair...maybe right now in their life, Pampered Chef is too big a temptation. Mark those people down (especially if you know they normally like PC) and when the new catalog comes out it in the fall, you include them again. If they unsubscribe that time, let it go. A lot of people just hate "junk mail" and if they are using a work address, there may be restrictions on what they are allowed to get.
 

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Should I be worried about people unsubscribing from my email list?

It's natural to feel concerned about unsubscribes, but it's important to remember that they are a normal part of email marketing. Not everyone will be interested in your content, and unsubscribes can actually help you maintain a more engaged audience. Focus on providing value to your subscribers rather than worrying about the numbers.

2. How can I reduce the number of unsubscribes while building my business?

To minimize unsubscribes, ensure that your content is relevant and valuable to your audience. Segment your email list based on interests and preferences, and tailor your messages accordingly. Regularly ask for feedback and adjust your content strategy based on what your audience wants to see.

3. Is it common to experience unsubscribes when starting a direct sales business?

Yes, it's quite common to see unsubscribes when launching a new direct sales business. As you grow and refine your target audience, some subscribers may no longer find your offerings relevant. Use this as an opportunity to learn and improve your marketing strategies.

4. What should I do if I notice a spike in unsubscribes?

If you notice a sudden increase in unsubscribes, take a step back and analyze your recent content and communication strategies. Look for patterns or changes that may have led to this spike. Consider conducting a survey to gather feedback from your audience and make necessary adjustments to better meet their needs.

5. How can I turn unsubscribes into a positive experience for my business?

Unsubscribes can provide valuable insights into your audience's preferences. Use this feedback to refine your marketing approach and improve your offerings. Additionally, consider sending a follow-up email to those who unsubscribe, thanking them for their time and asking for any feedback that could help you enhance your business.

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