Where is the best place to put an unsubscribe link in an email?

Summary

The best placement for an unsubscribe link in an email is debated, but the overriding principle is to ensure it is easily visible, accessible, and functional. While the footer is a common and generally accepted location, some suggest placing the link above the fold (in the header) to reduce spam complaints, especially for less tech-savvy recipients. Experts and documentation emphasize that a straightforward unsubscribe process is vital for maintaining a positive sender reputation, complying with regulations like CAN-SPAM and GDPR, and promoting ethical email marketing practices. Furthermore, offering options for preference management can reduce the rate of outright unsubscribes.

Key findings

  • Visibility and Accessibility are Paramount: The unsubscribe link must be readily visible and easily accessible to recipients, regardless of the specific placement.
  • Footer is Standard, Header is an Alternative: While the footer is a conventional location, placing the link in the header may reduce spam complaints.
  • Easy Unsubscribe Reduces Spam: A simple and efficient unsubscribe process minimizes the likelihood of recipients marking the email as spam.
  • Compliance is Essential: Adherence to regulations such as CAN-SPAM and GDPR mandates a clear and functioning unsubscribe mechanism.
  • Preference Management Offers Control: Allowing recipients to manage their email preferences (e.g., frequency, content type) can decrease complete unsubscriptions.

Key considerations

  • Know Your Audience: Consider the technical proficiency of your target audience when deciding on unsubscribe link placement.
  • Email Design Matters: Ensure the placement of the unsubscribe link aligns with the overall design and user experience of the email template.
  • Legal Requirements are Non-Negotiable: Prioritize compliance with applicable laws and regulations regarding email marketing and data privacy.
  • Offer Alternative Unsubscribe Options: Provide alternative unsubscribe methods (e.g., a 'mailto:' link) to cater to users who encounter issues with standard links.
  • Regularly Test and Optimize: Monitor email metrics and user feedback to optimize the placement and functionality of the unsubscribe link continuously.

What email marketers say
11Marketer opinions

The consensus among email marketing experts is that unsubscribe links should be easily visible and accessible in every email. While the footer is a common and accepted location, some advocate for placing the link above the fold (header) to reduce spam complaints, especially for less tech-savvy audiences. Making the unsubscribe process straightforward is crucial for maintaining a good sender reputation and complying with regulations like CAN-SPAM and GDPR. Providing options for preference management can also reduce outright unsubscribes.

Key opinions

  • Visibility & Accessibility: Unsubscribe links must be easily visible and accessible to reduce spam complaints and improve sender reputation.
  • Footer vs. Header: While the footer is standard, experimenting with placing the unsubscribe link in the header can be beneficial, especially for less technical audiences.
  • Ease of Unsubscribe: A straightforward unsubscribe process is crucial for compliance with regulations (CAN-SPAM, GDPR) and maintaining a good sender reputation.
  • Preference Management: Offering options for managing email preferences (frequency, content type) can reduce outright unsubscribes.

Key considerations

  • Audience: Consider the technical proficiency of your audience when deciding on the placement of the unsubscribe link.
  • Template Design: Ensure the unsubscribe link placement does not negatively impact the visual design of your email template.
  • Legal Compliance: Ensure your unsubscribe process complies with relevant regulations such as CAN-SPAM and GDPR.
  • Alternative Methods: Consider providing alternative unsubscribe methods, such as a 'mailto:' link, to cater to users who may have trouble with standard links.
Marketer view

Email marketer from Email on Acid Blog responds that providing a clear and easy-to-find unsubscribe link is essential for maintaining a good sender reputation. Hiding or obscuring the unsubscribe link can lead to higher spam complaint rates and negatively impact deliverability.

December 2023 - Email on Acid Blog
Marketer view

Email marketer from Campaign Monitor Blog responds that it is important to include an unsubscribe link in every email, typically in the footer. They also suggest providing options for managing preferences (e.g., frequency, types of content) to reduce outright unsubscribes.

July 2024 - Campaign Monitor Blog
Marketer view

Marketer from Email Geeks shares that if someone wants to unsubscribe, they will do so regardless. Making it easy for them to leave allows focus on acquiring subscribers more likely to convert and stay long term, and retention is a long-term strategy.

May 2021 - Email Geeks
Marketer view

Email marketer from Stack Overflow shares that in addition to a visible link in the footer, consider adding a 'mailto:' link with a pre-populated subject line like 'Unsubscribe' as a backup. This caters to users who may have trouble with standard unsubscribe links.

September 2021 - Stack Overflow
Marketer view

Email marketer from Mailchimp Resource shares that placing the unsubscribe link in the footer is a common practice, but it should still be prominent. Mailchimp also recommends using a double opt-out process to ensure users genuinely want to unsubscribe, which can improve email list quality.

January 2023 - Mailchimp Resource
Marketer view

Email marketer from Litmus Blog shares that an unsubscribe link is a must-have in every email. If subscribers can’t find it, they might mark your message as spam, which can hurt your sender reputation. It’s an essential part of email deliverability best practices.

October 2021 - Litmus Blog
Marketer view

Email marketer from Reddit suggests that while footers are standard, experimenting with placement above the fold (e.g., in the header) can sometimes decrease spam complaints, especially if the audience is less tech-savvy and might miss the footer.

January 2024 - Reddit
Marketer view

Email marketer from SuperOffice Blog explains it is important to give your subscribers options to update their preferences or unsubscribe from your email list. By offering options, you give subscribers more control of the emails they receive and what information they want to be contacted about.

September 2022 - SuperOffice Blog
Marketer view

Marketer from Email Geeks reminds that the Spam button is always at the top, and many recipients will use that rather than scroll to the bottom to unsubscribe. He recommends clients put the unsubscribe at the top of the email.

July 2024 - Email Geeks
Marketer view

Email marketer from HubSpot Blog explains that unsubscribe links should be easily visible and accessible, typically in the footer or header of the email. They emphasize clear language and a simple process to reduce spam complaints.

January 2023 - HubSpot Blog
Marketer view

Marketer from Email Geeks says she doesn't have a hard and fast rule as long as it is clear and visible in the template. For clients with clean templates, moving it to the top would impact the visual design.

October 2021 - Email Geeks

What the experts say
2Expert opinions

Experts emphasize that the unsubscribe link's primary function is to be easily found and readily accessible to the email recipient. Both experts highlight the importance of clear and functioning unsubscribe links as critical for maintaining a positive sender reputation and preventing spam complaints. While they do not explicitly state a specific location for the link, they stress the overall importance of visibility and ease of use.

Key opinions

  • Visibility: The unsubscribe link must be conspicuous and easily found by the recipient.
  • Functionality: The unsubscribe link needs to be functioning correctly and efficiently, allowing recipients to unsubscribe without difficulty.
  • Sender Reputation: The ease of unsubscribing directly impacts the sender's reputation, making it important to follow unsubscribe best practices.
  • Legal Obligation: Providing a working unsubscribe link is a legal requirement.

Key considerations

  • Clarity: Ensure the language used in the unsubscribe link and process is easy to understand and does not confuse the recipient.
  • Accessibility: The placement and design of the link should not make it difficult for the recipient to find or use the unsubscribe function.
  • Ethical Practice: The ability to easily unsubscribe aligns with ethical email marketing practices.
Expert view

Expert from Spam Resource highlights that the unsubscribe link must be conspicuous and readily accessible, no tricks to make it less obvious or difficult to use. They emphasize including a working unsubscribe link is a legal requirement and a best practice for ethical email marketing, but they don't specify a particular location.

March 2022 - Spam Resource
Expert view

Expert from Word to the Wise explains the importance of making the unsubscribe process easy to find and use. She emphasizes that a clear and functioning unsubscribe link is crucial for maintaining a good sender reputation and avoiding spam complaints. She doesn't specify a location but implies visibility is key.

June 2023 - Word to the Wise

What the documentation says
5Technical articles

Email marketing documentation consistently emphasizes the importance of providing a clear, conspicuous, and easy-to-use unsubscribe mechanism. Legal frameworks like CAN-SPAM and GDPR mandate readily available opt-out options, highlighting the right to be forgotten. While not always specifying a precise location, the footer is often recommended. The focus is on ensuring the recipient can easily find and use the unsubscribe link to prevent spam complaints and maintain a healthy sender reputation, often achieved via a one-click unsubscribe option.

Key findings

  • Legal Mandate: CAN-SPAM and GDPR require clear and easy opt-out mechanisms.
  • Ease of Use: Unsubscribe process must be simple and straightforward.
  • Footer Recommendation: The email footer is a commonly recommended location for the unsubscribe link.
  • Sender Reputation: Easy unsubscription helps maintain a healthy sender reputation.
  • Header Standards: RFC 2369 defines standard header fields for automated unsubscribe processing.

Key considerations

  • Clarity: Ensure the unsubscribe instructions are easily understandable.
  • Accessibility: Make the unsubscribe link readily accessible to all recipients.
  • One-Click Option: Consider providing a one-click unsubscribe option for seamless processing.
  • Compliance: Ensure your unsubscribe process complies with CAN-SPAM, GDPR, and other relevant regulations.
Technical article

Documentation from ietf.org (RFC 2369) defines standard header fields for automated mailing list management, including "List-Unsubscribe." While not directly about placement within the email body, it highlights the importance of providing an easy unsubscribe mechanism via email headers for automated processing.

May 2023 - ietf.org
Technical article

Documentation from FTC.gov explains that the CAN-SPAM Act requires a clear and conspicuous explanation of how the recipient can opt-out of receiving future email from the sender. The notice must be in a form that is easy for a recipient to recognize, read, and understand.

May 2021 - FTC.gov
Technical article

Documentation from SendGrid states that providing a one-click unsubscribe option is crucial for maintaining a healthy sender reputation. While placement isn't explicitly specified, the emphasis is on making the process seamless for the recipient to avoid spam complaints.

December 2024 - SendGrid Docs
Technical article

Documentation from Constant Contact Support explains that a working unsubscribe link must be included in every email you send. The unsubscribe link has to be easy to locate and understand. The footer of the email is usually best as users know this is the place to look.

April 2022 - Constant Contact Support
Technical article

Documentation from eugdpr.org explains that GDPR emphasizes the right to be forgotten. Unsubscribe mechanisms must be readily available and easy to use, and organizations must promptly process unsubscribe requests. Providing clear options to opt-out is crucial for compliance.

August 2024 - eugdpr.org