Email lists are the fastest growing source of new mailing lists. But all these email lists are not the same. You need to know the differences re list quality, pricing, and expected response from these types of email lists which you can purchase:
Buyers/Subscribers Email Lists
These are email addresses of people who bought something online; or who bought something via traditional mail, and supplied their email address and permission to send them promotional email messages. Email lists with detailed demographics (like those found on postal mailing lists) are slowly emerging on the market. The main reason for delay is that traditional list owners are reluctant to spend the time and money to get their customers’ email addresses AND their customers’ permission to receive promotional email messages. Because of spamming and privacy concerns, many traditional list owners will never make their customer email lists available. So far, most email lists in this category are from controlled circulation publications.
Website Visitors Email Lists
Most of the largest email lists contain people who have registered with a website, or subscribed to a free online information service. These people have given their permission to receive email from the list’s owner, and are thus “opt-in” names. However, these people haven’t necessarily spent money to purchase anything from the email list owner.
There’s wide variation between the quality of these types of lists, and your ability to target people by demographic or purchase details. You should work with an experienced list broker to guide you to the proper email lists.
Compiled Lists
These lists come from data overlays, membership directories, or other forms of compilation. These lists typically have not “opted-in” to the list owner; and frequently don’t have any type of online purchase history. Avoid mailing to these lists unless you’re committed to consistent, repeat usage and lead cultivation – and are using an email transmittal service which specializes in these types of lists.