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Email Marketing · Re-engagement and sunset policies

Re-engagement campaigns and CAN-SPAM compliance in the United States

Short answer

CAN-SPAM requires accurate headers, a physical address, and honoring opt-outs within 10 business days. Re-engagement campaigns supports compliance by making sender identity verifiable and recipient choices enforceable.

What CAN-SPAM requires#

CAN-SPAM requires accurate headers, a physical address, and honoring opt-outs within 10 business days.

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.

How re-engagement campaigns supports CAN-SPAM compliance#

Regulators and recipients need to identify who sent a message and trust that opt-out mechanisms work. Re-engagement campaigns contributes by continuing to mail unengaged contacts teaches providers your mail is unwanted. Sunsetting protects the rest of the list.

Implementation steps#

  1. Define inactivity: no clicks or replies in 90 days is a common threshold.
  2. Send a 2 to 3 message win-back series with a clear ask to stay subscribed.
  3. Suppress anyone who does not engage after the series.
  4. Keep a record of suppressed contacts for compliance and future opt-in.

Frequently asked questions#

Will sunsetting hurt my revenue?

Rarely. Inactive contacts produce little revenue, and improved placement for engaged contacts usually offsets any loss.

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