9 Reasons to Avoid Purchased Email Lists Like the Plague

If you're considering taking a shortcut in your email marketing strategy by purchasing an email list, think again. It's like playing with fire – sure, it might seem like a quick way to expand your reach, but the consequences can be disastrous. Imagine jeopardizing all the effort you've put into cultivating a respectable sender reputation, only to have it go up in flames. Picture your brand's credibility taking a nosedive, all because of a single, misguided decision.

You might be wondering, if buying an email list is such a terrible idea, why are they even available for purchase?

Well, just because something is on the market doesn't mean it's a wise investment. Opting to use a purchased list can lead to a series of ongoing costs, far beyond any initial payment – costs that hit your reputation, deliverability, and overall marketing effectiveness.

Not entirely persuaded? Let’s take a closer look at nine compelling reasons why buying an email list is a path best left untraveled, a decision you'll want to avoid at all costs.

Reason 1: Lack of quality
Settling for a purchased list sacrifices the quality of your audience. These lists are often filled with uninterested contacts, unlike an audience nurtured through engaging content and strategic audience targeting. A quality audience is key to email marketing success, where every contact is a potential advocate for your brand.

Reason 2: It’s illegal
Engaging in email marketing with a purchased list can lead to legal trouble, especially under laws like Canada’s Anti Spam Law (CASL). Violating these laws can result in severe consequences, including legal action and damage to your brand's reputation. It's essential to understand and adhere to email marketing regulations to protect your brand and respect your audience's privacy.

Reason 3: You’re violating ESP policies
Using a purchased list often means breaching your email service provider's (ESP) terms of service. This could lead to account suspension or termination, disrupting your email marketing efforts. ESPs enforce these policies to ensure high deliverability for all clients. Choosing an ESP that promotes ethical email practices aligns with your brand's values and enhances your marketing strategy.

Reason 4: It’s soooooo bad for your brand!
Targeting a purchased list can harm your brand's reputation and customer relationships. Unsolicited emails are more likely to be ignored or marked as spam, hindering your brand's perception and credibility. Building a positive brand image is crucial and requires a consistent, respectful approach to email marketing, as highlighted in brand building strategies.

Reason 5: It’s bad for your deliverability and sender reputation
Your deliverability and sender reputation are at risk when emailing unengaged contacts from a purchased list. This can lead to your messages being blocked or relegated to spam folders. Maintaining a strong sender reputation is vital for email marketing success and involves best practices in email list management and hygiene.

Reason 6: Seriously, it’s not going to do you any good, at all
The primary goal of buying a list – to boost sales and reach – is often unmet. Engaging your audience with targeted and relevant content is a more effective approach than using a purchased list. Understanding and connecting with your audience fosters genuine interest and drives conversions.

Reason 7: Consider the company you’ll keep
Purchasing a list aligns you with disreputable marketers. This association can harm your brand's image and contradicts ethical marketing principles. Building your list through transparent and responsible practices sets a higher standard for your campaigns and strengthens your brand's trustworthiness.

Reason 8: You’ll be a spammer
When you buy an email list, you're at risk of being labeled as a spammer. This label can negatively impact your marketing efforts in the long term. Legitimate email marketing is grounded in consent and engagement. Straying from these principles can undermine your brand's integrity, as explored in avoiding spam tactics in email marketing.

Reason 9: It’s just plain lazy and bad form
Choosing a purchased list is a shortcut that reflects poorly on your brand and marketing ethics. It's a strategy that overlooks the long-term benefits of a carefully built email list. Investing time and effort in growing a high-quality list pays off with better engagement, conversion rates, and customer loyalty, setting a strong foundation for your marketing strategy.

Purchasing an email list is fraught with risks and negative consequences. Embracing ethical and effective list-building practices is crucial for long-term success in email marketing. This approach not only ensures compliance with legal standards but also significantly enhances the effectiveness of your marketing efforts.