Last updated - July 8, 2021
It seems like everyone’s goal, in 2019, is to build an email list. Well, not everyone, but those who understand the power of email marketing and are ready to seize the moment. However, growing your list just for the sake of numbers isn’t a wise strategy. What’s wise, instead? Growing your list while making sure is stays healthy and accomplishes its purpose. That’s why installing an email validation plugin on your WordPress website is key to better email hygiene and a more successful email marketing.
Let’s see what email validation is
If the term is new to you, don’t worry: many WordPress website owners aren’t aware of this niche industry. Email validation is the process that establishes whether an email address has an accurate format and is associated with a valid domain. In the past few years, email validation has become an important part of email marketing and email communication in general.
Why you need it
If you run an online business, being able to confirm that you’re communicating with real people is crucial. Otherwise, you spend time and precious resources talking to bots or emailing dormant accounts. Whether you send invoices or other transactional emails, or you send out a newsletter, data quality supports – or sabotages – your efforts.
By removing risky addresses from your list, email validation helps you maintain a good sender reputation and communicate safely.
Ok, but what exactly does it do?
So far, you’ve got an idea about the benefits of email validation. So let’s dive deeper into the topic and see exactly what it does for your business.
A good email validation system:
- helps to reduce bounces by removing invalid addresses from your list
- detects spam traps, catch-all, abuse, or disposable email accounts
- boosts your email deliverability by improving your data quality and sender reputation
- increases your open rates and conversions
How to use an email validation plugin in WordPress?
Validating emails with Zero Bounce in WordPress is a fairly easy task. What you’re looking for is a system that provides you with an API key – a little piece of code. Once you have it, you install it on your WordPress signup forms to make sure you collect valid email addresses.
Every time a new website visitor types their email address in one of your forms, the API checks to see if it’s accurate. The more advanced the system is, the better job it does at detecting bad signups.
Here are some examples:
- when someone misspells their email address, the API will automatically reject it and suggest a correction
- just like a bulk email validator, the API can detect abuse emails – these are known email complainers you don’t need in your list
- spam traps, catch-all, or temporary accounts won’t get the chance to sign up
- if your goal is to gather only corporate email addresses, the API won’t allow free accounts to join your list
- do you only want personal emails in your database? The system will prevent business accounts from signing up
As you can see, an email validation API is a powerful tool to accompany your list-building forms. Plus, once you install it, you don’t have to worry about it, as it runs silently in the background.
Should I use the double opt-in, too?
Absolutely! When it comes to protecting your email hygiene, there are never too many measures you can take.
More than half of the world’s email traffic is spam. Why let it affect your list when you have the right tools to fight it? Email validation is the most effective one, but adding the double opt-in to your forms also helps to preserve your data quality.
Some marketers are reluctant to implement it, as they believe the process makes it harder for them to grow their list. But by asking your new subscribers to confirm they want to receive your emails, you’re doing more than verifying their address. You’re taking an active step towards a better engagement. When people make the effort of clicking your confirmation link, they’re more likely to participate in a conversation. You’ll see your open and click-through rates go up, which, in turn, will improve your sender reputation and deliverability.
What else can you do to win at email marketing?
- I’m not going to say that “content is king,” but content really is king. Make your emails informative, educational, helpful and entertaining. Focus on your subscribers, not yourself.
- keep a steady sending rhythm. People like a good routine and when they get your emails on time, they’re going to become more involved with your brand.
- consider separating the types of emails you send by choosing different IPs and domains for your marketing and transactional emails.
- think twice about your subject lines. Avoid spammy words and try to sum up your email content in an engaging phrase.
Let’s wrap this up
Your email list has massive potential, as long as you take good care of it and nurture it consistently. Don’t compromise on its quality for the sake of a few more (fake) subscribers. Also, never even consider buying one – it will get you in trouble before you can say “spam.” Following email marketing best practices is the hardest – and the most reliable – way to secure your spot in your subscribers’ inboxes.
