In Spotler Mail+, you configure unsubscribe packages to determine what happens when a contact unsubscribes via the unsubscribe link in your mailing. In an unsubscribe package, you choose between permissions (unsubscribe per mailing type) or a global opt-out (unsubscribe from all mailings). If your unsubscribe package is configured via the account settings, it can be selected while creating a new message.
What are unsubscribe packages?
In Spotler Mail+, you use an unsubscribe package to define what happens when a contact unsubscribes via the unsubscribe link in a message. Every message (except a service message) must include an unsubscribe link. In an unsubscribe package, you define how an unsubscribe is handled. You can choose between a full unsubscribe (global opt-out) or an unsubscribe per mailing type (via permissions). Permissions offer more flexibility and targeted mailing, while global opt-out is simpler when working with static lists.
Where can I find unsubscribe packages?
You can find unsubscribe packages in Spotler Mail+ via the dropdown menu at the bottom left: Settings > Settings > Permissions. This page shows an overview of permissions and allows you to add new ones. Below that, you will find an overview of unsubscribe packages and the option to create a new package.
In this article, you will learn how to choose the right unsubscribe package for your situation. You will also learn how to configure an unsubscribe package in Spotler Mail+.
Set up unsubscribing in 5 steps
- Step 1: Choose an unsubscribe process based on permissions or global opt-out
- Step 2: Configure your permissions
- Step 3: Configure your unsubscribe package(s)
- Step 4: Select the unsubscribe package when creating a new message
- Step 5: Check the unsubscribe link
Step 1: Choose an unsubscribe process based on permissions or global opt-out
In Spotler Mail+, you use unsubscribe packages to define what happens when a contact unsubscribes via the unsubscribe link in a message. There are two ways to configure this:
- Based on permissions: a contact can subscribe or unsubscribe per mailing type, such as a monthly newsletter or promotional emails.
- Based on global opt-out: when a contact unsubscribes, they will no longer receive any mailings from your Spotler Mail+ account.
| Option | ✅ Advantages | ❌ Disadvantages |
| Permissions | Targeted mailing per type | Requires dynamic lists |
| Contact keeps receiving other communication | Requires more setup and management | |
| More control over preferences | ||
| Global opt-out | Simple setup | No distinction between mailing types |
| Prevents resending to unsubscribed contacts | Contact receives no emails at all after unsubscribing | |
| Works well with static lists |
In your Spotler account, you can use one or multiple permissions. This means a contact can subscribe or unsubscribe per specific mailing type. If you have an integration with a CRM or webshop, permissions are commonly used.
Examples of permissions include:
- Newsletter
- Promotional mailings
A contact can subscribe or unsubscribe per mailing type. Permissions are stored on the contact in a dedicated database field called “permissions”. This field uses checkboxes to indicate which permissions are active.
Advantage of working with permissions
When a contact unsubscribes from newsletters, they can still receive service messages. The contact remains active in your account. This allows you to continue sending important updates such as service notifications.
Permissions also enable more targeted communication. Contacts can specify what they want to receive. For example, a contact may unsubscribe from newsletters but remain subscribed to weekly promotions.
Disadvantage of working with permissions
When a contact unsubscribes, the permission is removed. If you use static lists, those lists remain leading and permissions may be ignored. This means you could still email someone who has unsubscribed via a static list.
If you combine permissions with static lists, you must manually maintain unsubscribe data. Always process unsubscribes before importing or sending to static lists.
Example: Webshop with multiple email types (permissions)
A webshop sends different types of emails, such as newsletters, promotions, and service messages. Customers choose what they want to receive using permissions. If a customer unsubscribes from newsletters, they can still receive service emails. This enables targeted communication without losing the contact entirely.
Global opt-out means that when a contact unsubscribes, they will no longer receive any emails from your Spotler account.
Advantage of global opt-out
When working with static lists, contacts who have unsubscribed are automatically excluded from mailings. This prevents accidentally sending emails to unsubscribed contacts.
Disadvantage of global opt-out
A contact with global opt-out cannot receive any emails at all. This includes important service messages such as updates or notifications.
Example: Municipality with one mailing type (global opt-out)
An organization sends only one type of email, such as general updates. There is no distinction between mailing types. Global opt-out keeps the process simple and ensures unsubscribed contacts are not contacted again.
Step 2: Configure your permissions
Did you choose Global opt-out in step 1? Then skip this step and continue to step 3.
You manage permissions separately in the Settings section of your account. Here you see an overview of all permissions and how many contacts have each permission.
- View: see which contacts have a specific permission
- Rename: change the name of a permission
- Delete: remove a permission that is no longer used
Add a permission
Only account owners can add permissions. Click the blue Add permission button, enter a name, and confirm to create the permission.
Note: do not change existing permissions without consideration
Changing permissions affects your subscribe and unsubscribe process. If you are unsure about the impact, review the changes before applying them.
Step 3: Configure your unsubscribe package(s)
You add an unsubscribe package via the permission settings. Create a package for each permission and language. Click the blue Add package button.
- Package name: use a clear name, such as Unsubscribe Newsletter EN.
- Unsubscribe type: choose between Global opt-out or Permission. If you choose permission, select one of your configured permissions.
-
Unsubscribe form:
- Automatically generated: creates a form in the selected language.
- Custom form: allows full control over layout and content.
Step 4: Select the unsubscribe package when creating a new message
Once configured, you can select an unsubscribe package when creating a new message in the Messages module. Then add an unsubscribe link in your message if it is not already included in your template. See also: How do I add an unsubscribe link to my message?
Step 5: Check the unsubscribe link
Test the unsubscribe link by sending yourself a test email and clicking the link. Verify that it directs to the correct unsubscribe page.
Frequently asked questions
Can I delete an unsubscribe package?
Yes, you can delete an unsubscribe package from the overview. Hover over the package and click Delete. This removes the package but does not affect contact permissions.
Note: You can only delete a package if it is not linked to a message.