From The Golden Thread Mailbag … Opting In
Hello Pat,
I’m putting together a website to market my copywriting services. My question is: Do I need permission to publish letters on my website that I have written for a client or possible client? What’s legal and/or ethical?
John B.
Hello John,
Good for you. Let us know how the website turns out. If you need a couple of suggestions on layout, I recommend looking at Bob Bly’s website – www.bly.com .
To answer your question … yes, you need permission to post copy you’ve written for a client in your online portfolio. Even though you wrote it, it’s their property … work you’ve done “for hire.”
Good luck with the website!
Hello Pat,
Great newsletter! Thanks for all the helpful articles and tips. I have a question, if I may …
What is the correct way to put a client or potential client on the distribution list of my e-newsletter? I certainly don’t want to be accused of spamming by potential clients. Should I ask them if they would like a free subscription to my e-newsletter?
Matt
Hello Matt,
This is a very good question. Everyone who receives your e-newsletter has to “opt in.” Put a page or a pop-up on your website where people can sign up. It only takes a little bit of copy … and it’s good practice for you. Once they sign up, send them a confirmation email with a link they must click to activate their subscription.
Don’t put anyone on the list who doesn’t ask to be on it. And make sure you have a working “unsubscribe” link at the end of every issue. If you don’t, your email address will get blacklisted by Yahoo, AOL, and all the other major ISPs out there. Then no one will get anything from you.
That’s it for this week. Thanks to one and all … and keep those emails coming!
Pat
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