This way you can send your newsletters in compliance with GDPR.
Working GDPR-compliant is not only mandatory, it also demonstrates professionalism and reliability. Therefore, avoid these common mistakes and prevent legal issues while building trust with your relationships. And: in Laposta, it is very easy!
The GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation) has been in force since 2018 and has changed a lot in how we handle personal data. Yet many organizations, often unknowingly, still make some mistakes when sending newsletters. This can not only lead to complaints and fines, but also to a loss of trust among your contacts.
In this article, we discuss five common mistakes made when sending digital newsletters and show you how to avoid them (and in Laposta, that’s really easy!).
1. Ask for explicit consent
A pre-checked box or ‘silent’ subscription is not allowed when adding someone to a contact list. The GDPR requires an active opt-in: the subscriber must indicate themselves that they want to receive your newsletter.
Use clear language, such as 'Yes, I want to receive the newsletter.' and add an extra checkbox that your contacts can tick for this purpose. This is how you do that in Laposta.
2. Clear information about the use of data
You must clearly inform people in advance what you use their data for. Vague wording or no explanation at all does not comply with the GDPR.
Therefore, state in the sign-up form what the email address is used for. Optionally add a link to your privacy policy, or describe where your privacy policy can be found.
3. Use good lists
It is not allowed to email old customers or purchased addresses without explicit consent.
Therefore, build your own mailing list through your own sign-up process. You can use the sign-up forms in your account for this, and here you will find tips to optimize the sign-up process.
Want to approach old contacts again? First send an email in which you explicitly ask for permission by, for example, setting up a consent campaign this way.
4. Clear unsubscribe option
Every newsletter must contain an unsubscribe link that is clearly visible. Removing or hiding this link is prohibited.
Therefore, always leave the (default) unsubscribe link in Laposta in place. It automatically complies with the law. Make sure it remains clearly readable and do not use a smaller font size or a text color with poor contrast.
5. Sign a data processing agreement
If you use a newsletter program such as Laposta, you are required to sign a data processing agreement.
At Laposta, you can easily sign a data processing agreement before you start sending newsletters and download it via your account settings. If you want, you can also have Laposta sign your data processing agreement for you (if you have a paid subscription).
Is someone else, such as a communications specialist, creating the newsletters in your Laposta account for you? Then also remember to make an agreement with that processor.
Want to know more?
Want to learn more about this? Also check out our comprehensive GDPR dossier or contact our help desk.