Inactive subscribers - six reasons why

They have essentially become 'inactive'. You might think that your opt-in list has been thoroughly researched and compiled but the reality is that an estimated 25-33% of your list can be deemed 'inactive', according to a preliminary email marketing analysis.

Before flat panic sets in and you send off a barrage of 'why don't you love me anymore?' emails you need to try and work out why they have become inactive. From there, you can then take steps to woo them back to your side of the court.
First you need to decide on the level of your subscriber's inactivity, which can be roughly separated into two categories. The first, rather obviously is the group that are just not interested anymore in what you have to offer.

The second are those that are simply too busy or preoccupied to take the time to read your email.

You will, at this stage, start to question why your subscribers are no longer interested. Here are some of the top reasons for this, which may help identify what's gone wrong for you.

1. Your subject line is badly planned

It can't be emphasised enough, if your subject line doesn't grab your reader's attention immediately it isn't going to get opened. It's that simple. Make sure that your subject line is personalised, states clearly what's on offer, creates a sense of urgency and gets put to the test before you send out your campaign.

2. Frequency/Relevancy of your campaign

This can go a long way towards a person not bothering to open your email or simply ignoring it. Do you bombard their inbox every day with reminders, offers and updates? Do you send exotic travel package deals to people who have zero interest in travel and have not in fact ventured beyond the borders of their state? Do your homework. Reduce the number of emails you send out by consolidating the information into one campaign that gets sent out once a week. Investigate your target market and your subscriber list and ensure that what you do send out is relevant to that group.

3. Changed interests/financial changes

This is always a sensitive subject. Perhaps your reader no longer has an interest in the products and services you offer. People change and you need to accept this fact and delete them from your list. The recession has meant that subscribers are also less likely to click on products or services directly from your campaign. People might simply not be able to afford the luxury anymore and their priorities change. They might be waiting for their situation to change or improve before they start buying from you again.

4. Dormant email address

People today often have two or three private email addresses. The problem is that although they are essentially active, they are rarely all used. There is a good chance that some of the addresses on your list fall into this category, in which case you need to attempt to get the email address that your subscriber checks every day.

5. The dreaded spam filters

Are you sure every recipient received your email? Did you check the spam rating of your campaign before you sent it off? No? This is a vital step in the creation of your campaign and will mean the difference between your email landing in the inbox or it getting relegated to the spam/bulk folder. Your email marketing service should allow and in fact prompt you to run your campaign through a comprehensive spam check and make any changes if necessary. It is a prerequisite and will save you time and money in the long run.

6. They only signed up for the competition / incentive

...and aren't actually interested in your product. Most people have done this at some point in their lives. You see a competition to win something grand, fill in the obligatory details and promptly forget about it, until you start getting emails offering products or services you have no intention of buying. You can't be bothered to unsubscribe and the emails start getting ignored. Why though, has no one taken the time to see if you are in fact interested in receiving their emails? It's an easy enough process that will erase any uncertainty the marketer might have.

So there you go, these are some of the most common reasons for subscribers becoming inactive. It is important that you identify the reasons behind your subscribers' inactivity so that you can custom- design a reactivation campaign that is personal, direct and relevant to them.