What happens when a user re-subscribes after unsubscribing from an email list?
Summary
What email marketers say11Marketer opinions
Email marketer from Reddit - r/Emailmarketing shares that after someone unsubscribes, you should require them to actively opt back in using a signup form or a similar method. Sending emails to unsubscribed users is a violation of CAN-SPAM and GDPR.
Email marketer from GlockApps Blog shares that a reconfirmation campaign provides additional opportunities for users to confirm they want to stay subscribed. The tool walks through how to set up an automated reconfirmation campaign.
Marketer from Email Geeks confirms that you should make sure users confirm before being added back into the mailing list after unsubscribing.
Email marketer from Sendinblue Blog shares that a contact must actively resubscribe through a double opt-in process after unsubscribing. They advise against manually re-adding contacts without explicit consent to maintain sender reputation and comply with GDPR.
Email marketer from Campaign Monitor Blog shares the need to respect unsubscription requests and the importance of employing strategies such as preference centers and targeted re-engagement campaigns to win back subscribers rather than bypassing the unsubscribe request.
Email marketer from Litmus Blog recommends the double opt-in process for resubscribing, because it ensures that new subscribers really want to receive your emails, reduces the chance of spam complaints, and keeps your list cleaner.
Email marketer from OptinMonster Blog explains that after a user unsubscribes, they must opt-in again through a form or other explicit method, as trying to bypass is a violation of anti-spam laws.
Email marketer from Email on Acid Blog suggests implementing a sunset policy and re-engagement campaigns before contacts unsubscribe to prevent sending email to unengaged users. They explain the benefits of keeping a clean email list.
Email marketer from HubSpot Blog explains that if a contact unsubscribes, you cannot email them again unless they resubscribe through a form, opting in again. They emphasize the importance of respecting unsubscribe requests and offer strategies for re-engagement like targeted content and incentives to rejoin.
Email marketer from ActiveCampaign Blog explains that an unsubscribed contact should only be emailed again if they explicitly resubscribe. They suggest using a double opt-in method for resubscribes to confirm the user's intent and maintain list hygiene.
Marketer from Email Geeks explains that re-subscribes are handled by the email platform, not the email client. Unsubscribing via an unsub-header sends a signal to the email platform to unsubscribe.
What the experts say3Expert opinions
Expert from Email Geeks suggests that any emails after a person unsubscribes should require a "reply/click to confirm you want to be readded". Make them take the extra step so that you have the documentation to prove they wanted to be readded to the mailing list.
Expert from Spam Resource explains that proper unsubscribe handling is critical. When a user unsubscribes, they should be immediately removed from active mailing lists. Any subsequent communication should only occur if the user explicitly resubscribes through a documented opt-in process.
Expert from Word to the Wise shares the importance of confirming subscriptions in order to maintain your list health. Reconfirming user's subscriptions every so often is a great way to only target users who are active, and actually want your emails.
What the documentation says3Technical articles
Documentation from Mailchimp Knowledge Base explains that when a contact unsubscribes, their status is updated to 'Unsubscribed.' To resubscribe, the contact must explicitly opt-in again, typically through a signup form. Mailchimp outlines the process and legal requirements for handling re-subscriptions.
Documentation from FTC.gov states that the CAN-SPAM Act requires honoring unsubscribe requests promptly. Sending emails to someone who has unsubscribed violates the law and can result in penalties.
Documentation from GDPR.eu explains that under GDPR, once a user unsubscribes, you need explicit consent to send marketing emails again. The consent has to be freely given, specific, informed and unambiguous, usually involving a re-subscription process.