2 types of mailing list

There are several types of mailing lists, but here are two common ones:

  1. Single-Opt-In (SOI) Mailing List: In a SOI mailing list, subscribers explicitly opt-in to receive emails from you by providing their email address and other contact information. This type of list is considered more ethical and compliant with anti-spam laws, such as the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and the CAN-SPAM Act.

To join a SOI mailing list, subscribers typically fill out a form on your website, sign up for a newsletter or promotion, or respond to a specific email invitation. Once they opt-in, they receive regular emails from you, and they can usually unsubscribe at any time.

  1. Double-Opt-In (DOI) Mailing List: A DOI mailing list is similar to a SOI list, but with an additional step. In a DOI list, subscribers not only opt-in to receive emails but also confirm their subscription by clicking on a link sent to their email address. This extra step helps to prevent spam traps and ensures that the subscriber is a real person who wants to receive emails from you.

For example, when someone signs up for your newsletter, they receive an email with a confirmation link. They must click on that link to confirm their subscription and complete the DOI process. This helps to reduce the risk of spam complaints and improves the overall quality of your mailing list.

Both SOI and DOI mailing lists have their own advantages and disadvantages, and the choice between them depends on your specific marketing goals and compliance requirements.