Each year, new updates and information are released regarding GDPR. Keeping up with the original regulations, changes, and additions can feel impossible. To support email marketers, Mindbaz experts compiled the most common GDPR mistakes they spot during email audits. No worries—they've also outlined best practices to ensure compliance with European laws.
Summary- Consent-related mistakes
- Data collection & management missteps
- Complicated unsubscribe processes
- Non-compliance penalties
- Best practices for GDPR-compliant newsletters
- Summary: Common GDPR mistakes that can cost you
Consent-related mistakes
Consent is a core principle of GDPR for newsletters. A common mistake is not getting explicit user consent before sending marketing emails. Pre-checked boxes or adding users to a list without clear permission are violations.
🔗 Go beyond compliance: Benefits of double opt-in for your email campaigns
Data collection & management missteps
Data collection must be transparent and compliant. Common mistakes include:
- Requesting unnecessary personal info for email purposes
- Failing to inform users how their data will be used
- Not allowing subscribers to access, update, or delete their data
Complicated unsubscribe processes
Respecting privacy also means making unsubscribing easy and immediate. Many companies complicate this process, which violates GDPR. A compliant newsletter must include a clear, accessible unsubscribe link.
Non-compliance penalties
Companies failing to comply with GDPR in email marketing face fines up to 20 million euros or 4% of annual revenue. Here are a few risk examples:
| Error | Potential Consequence |
|---|---|
| Sending emails without consent | Fines from CNIL reaching millions of euros |
| No unsubscribe link | Financial penalties and brand reputation damage |
| Excessive data retention | Forced data deletion + fines |
Best practices for GDPR-compliant newsletters
To avoid these mistakes and ensure your email campaigns comply with GDPR, here are some key tips:
- Use a clear and transparent opt-in system
- Manage consent and subscriber preferences rigorously
- Make unsubscribing easy with a visible link in every email
- Avoid collecting excessive info and respect data retention periods
- Choose a GDPR-compliant solution like Mindbaz that ensures data protection and optimized campaign management
No time to read it all? Here's your summary:
Summary: Common GDPR mistakes that can cost you
- GDPR sets strict rules for newsletters to protect personal data.
- Explicit consent is mandatory for marketing emails.
- Data collection must be minimal and transparent.
- A clear and accessible unsubscribe link is essential.
- Non-compliance can cost up to 20 million euros or 4% of annual revenue.
- Frequent mistakes: sending without consent, excessive data retention, complicated opt-outs.
- Best practices include clear opt-ins and rigorous data handling.
- Use a GDPR-compliant solution like Mindbaz for secure and efficient campaigns.
Why do so many companies get caught out by GDPR with their newsletters?
Because many underestimate GDPR rules. Vague consent, hard-to-find unsubscribe links, or excessive data collection can lead to costly penalties. Prevention is better than fines.