When you unsubscribe from a mailing list by selecting a link in an email message, and you don’t receive any follow-up messages, I call that a win!
And that’s what happened earlier this month when I unsubscribed from a mailing list.
Thankfully, the manager of the email list chose to use a third-party email opt-out service to add an unsubscribe link at the bottom of their message.
That link made it straightforward for me to remove my email address from their list.
Instead of receiving another email message that asked “Did you really mean to unsubscribe from our list?” or something similar, I was able to unsubscribe from the email list with one step.
Unsubscribe Confirmation
After I selected the Unsubscribe link in an email message I received, I was presented with a response in a new browser tab.
Here’s the response I received:
You have been removed from this list.
The email address [your email address] will not receive another email from this sender.
TrueRemove is a third-party service that helps ensure the prompt and permanent handling of removal requests on behalf of its participating senders. To contact the TrueRemove staff and report email abuse, click here. Please do not send opt-out requests, as your address has already been opted out, and no further actions is required.
If you opted out by mistake or wish to re-join this sender’s list, you may request an opt-in invitation email by clicking here.
A Winning Unsubscribe Process
What I liked about their unsubscribe process:
- The unsubscribe link was where I expected it, at the bottom of the email message
- First sentence in the response confirmed my email address would no longer receive any messages from the sender
- Selecting the unsubscribe link was a one-step process; I didn’t have to take extra steps to confirm I wanted to unsubscribe
- Option to re-join the list was provided
- Explanation of why no further actions were required
- Email address provided to contact TrueRemove or report email abuse
The unsubscribe process was quick. Their plain language explanation in their response message made it clear what I could do to report any issues or rejoin the list.
Well done!
Two Minor Changes
After unsubscribing from several newsletters, I’ve become a fan of one-step email opt-out.
I would only recommend changing two items. I guess it’s only one, but it’s used twice in the response message.
Use the word “select” instead of “click” to unsubscribe. That way the action covers users on mobile devices and assistive technology.
Do you have any similar stories about unsubscribing from email lists? Share them in the comments!
