Canadian Anti-Spam Law (CASL) explained

July 16, 2014 Leave a Response

On July 1st, 2014 the Canadian Government put into effect the Canadian Anti-Spam Law (or CASL). Designed to reduce unwanted emails from your inbox, the new law ensures businesses properly broadcast their emails to interested customers, while not emailing others that do not. This effects not only Calgary marketing clients but every business Canada-wide, so its important that everyone be compliant with the new set of laws.

So what does CASL mean for the average Canadian business?

In short, not complying could cost a business upwards to a $10 million dollar fine.
Did that get your attention?

Reviewing the law and knowing more about what you can (and can’t do):

There are two forms of consent from customers online:

Implied Consent:
An example of Implied Consent would be if a business has a relationship with an existing customer.  Communication between business and an active customer is implied. As part of CASL though, ALL customers need to give Expressed Consent in the next 2 years – so by July 1, 2016 there will be no implied consent emails allowed for businesses.

Expressed Consent:
CLEARLY describe WHAT information they will receive, WHO will be sending, and they can OPT-OUT of future mail outs.  This should be communicated on your website, any email outs and ensure your sales representatives verbally mention this and write notes on the backs of collected business cards for paper trails.

So all this being said, what CAN’T you do vs. what CAN you do under CASL?

 CAN’T:

• Collect email addresses from websites randomly.
• Purchase mailing lists for email campaigns.
• DO NOT sell your mailing list to others!
• Have your opt-in forms on your website be automatically checked off for email subscriptions.
• All email outs MUST have an unsubscribe option, and clearly identify your business & contact info.

CAN:

• Send an Opt-In email to your customers. This way you convert them from Implied Consent customers to Expressly Consented customers and you have a paper trail of this.
• Networking events and exchanging business cards  is still a great way of connecting! When doing so, ask them if its ok that you email them about your products and services – if they agree, write that on the back of their business card and note the date. This is your paperwork trail and needs to be kept securely. You must be able to PROVE consent if asked.
• Create a contest to encourage more users to opt-into your email campaigns.  Run a promotion, give away an iPad to a winner, etc.

Not sure if you’re compliant with the new CASL laws or want to learn more about online marketing? Read more about Calgary Online Marketing strategies and drop us a line today to review your current marketing strategies!

Does Your “Startup” Leave People Wanting More?

May 19, 2014 Leave a Response

**Caution this post will make you hungry**

We all know that first impressions count the most especially when you are building a startup business. But does your marketing strategy insure that you have left an impression that will last?

Take a look at one of our clients, Savino Pizzeria, making their debut into the world of Calgary’s competitive Food Truck scene.

Looks like the streets of Calgary have been invaded by Savino’s delicious Italian style pizza!

When offered the chance of helping create a brand for Calgary’s newest food truck, we of course jumped at the opportunity. We knew right away that the brand had to capture not only our clients Italian heritage but also his passion for pizza, made in a real wood burning oven. (Wood burning oven – how does that even work in a food truck?)

Here are 3 simple questions you should always ask yourself when it comes to your brand:

Does my brand appeal to todays market?
Does my brand depict what I am offering?
Will my choice of brand generate sales?

No matter what keep it simple. If your product and service are good your brand will speak for itself – and that is the true key to making a lasting impression.

Next time you see that giant Italian flag driving down Deerfoot Trail or in Glenmore park, make sure you stop to say “ciao” and try one of their amazing mouth watering pizzas (as if you could resist). We may have given Savino Pizzeria the tools to capture that first impression, but that delicious pizza will leave you always with a lasting impression.

#startup #branding #sales

Post by: Katharine Pirie

Contact us today to find out how we can help your business make that first impression.