Donor lists age quickly; re-engagement and sunset policies protect reputation.
What re-engagement campaigns are#
A re-engagement campaign targets inactive subscribers with a deliberate attempt to win them back; a sunset policy defines when to stop sending to those who do not respond.
Why it matters#
Continuing to mail unengaged contacts teaches providers your mail is unwanted. Sunsetting protects the rest of the list.
Implementation plan for nonprofits#
- Define inactivity: no clicks or replies in 90 days is a common threshold.
- Send a 2 to 3 message win-back series with a clear ask to stay subscribed.
- Suppress anyone who does not engage after the series.
- Keep a record of suppressed contacts for compliance and future opt-in.
Priorities specific to nonprofits#
Donor lists age quickly; re-engagement and sunset policies protect reputation. Weight your effort toward the steps above that address this constraint first, and measure with metrics that match how nonprofits generate value from email.
Common mistakes#
- Never sunsetting because list size is a vanity metric.
- Using 'We miss you' subject lines that read as spam.
Frequently asked questions#
Will sunsetting hurt my revenue?
Rarely. Inactive contacts produce little revenue, and improved placement for engaged contacts usually offsets any loss.