Sending happy birthday emails: good or bad?

[dutchbb]

We've been sending these for years now, but do they actually do any good?

When I receive them myself, I really don't care about it. Sometimes I even unsubscribe from the sites sending them. So what's everyone's opinion on this?

 

[Allan]

it's good to loyalty.

 

[Vincent]

Well...

On my birthday I get several mails with "Happy birthday from X Forum"
It's good they try, but it's not necessary

 

[Paul B]

I have had members return after a period of absence simply because of a Happy Birthday email.

Anything that prompts members into visiting the site must be a good thing.

Of course, if the member has opted out of such emails then they should never be sent.

 

[Sador]

They could be decent, but I feel like you should personalize them a bit. Not many people like generic messages that feel like spam.

 

[Dean]

I have had members return after a period of absence simply because of a Happy Birthday email.

This.

In addition if the email bounces they may have stopped using that email address, typically if they have moved to a new job. Though I'm not sure what to do about that except try to get them to contact me using other methods.

I really like it when they reply with "Why thank you!" (yes I read the replies)..

 

[Digital Doctor]

I have had members return after a period of absence simply because of a Happy Birthday email.

This is effective.
and people don't see it as "REAL SPAM" because they are in a good birthday mood !