Spam filter software helps increase your chances of getting through to otherwise unreachable customers. But did you know it’s entirely possible to partake of spammy activity without being a bona fide spammer? Doing things like contacting people who haven’t given you approval to email them, or continuing to email individuals that have already asked you to stop, are two ways that any legitimate business owner can cross the line into spamdom. For those of you just tuning in, here are the top four reasons why you shouldn’t spam your customers.

1. They’re your customers! Don’t treat them like you couldn’t care less what they want or like you know what’s best for them. So what if you have the sale of the century coming up? If someone’s asked to be removed from your list, remove them immediately. If they miss out on a special, that’s their business.
2. It’s illegal. Getting past someone’s spam filter to market to them without their consent is against the law and you could find yourself in hot water for flagrantly ignoring that fact.
3. It’s bad for your reputation. Online marketing is highly dependent on what people are saying about you. If you’re purposefully (or even unknowingly) violating people’s rights to no spam in their inboxes, you’re shooting your reputation in the foot. Word of mouth travels fast online.
4. You’re costing your intended clients money. According to reports, spam costs businesses a combined total of $20.5 billion (with a “B”) every year in decreased productivity. Spam filter statistics tell us the average cost of anti-spam programs cost companies between $25 and $40. Taking money out of your customers budgets is probably the worst way to enable them to spend with you. Stop adding to the problem.