Privacy first newsletter practices

Privacy first in plain words

Privacy first means I send newsletters without tracking pixels or click tracking. UTM tags are extra words added to a link to track where a click came from. I ask people to confirm before I send anything, and every message includes simple ways to manage or stop emails.

Why it matters

People want useful email, not a trail of hidden tracking. Tracking links often send readers through redirect servers and can expose more information than needed. Plain, direct links build trust and reduce friction. It also keeps your program simple and easier to explain to subscribers and staff.

What to do this week

• Turn off open tracking in your email tool. That usually adds a hidden image to watch if the message loads.
• Turn off click tracking so your links are not rewritten behind a redirect.
• Use plain, direct URLs with no parameters. Do not add UTM tags.
• Remove tracking pixels and any image whose only job is to measure opens.
• Give people control. Include a clear link to change topics or how often, pause for a period, or unsubscribe.
• Require confirmation before you add someone to a list. This prevents mistakes and shows respect.
• Measure outcomes on your site instead of people in their inbox. Track form submissions, calls, orders, or replies using your own analytics and logs. Look at totals and timing, not profiles of individuals.
• Encourage replies. Use a reply address you read, and treat those messages as real feedback.
• Keep your list clean. Remove hard bounces, honor unsubscribes quickly, and store only what you need.
• Confirm legal and compliance details with your attorney or compliance advisor.

How I put this into practice

I do not use click tracking or open tracking. I use plain, direct links. Every link goes straight to the article page. Subscribers confirm before they get anything, and each email includes simple options to change topics or timing, pause, resume, or unsubscribe.

How I can help

If you want this approach, I can set up and run a privacy first email program through my Email Marketing service, and I can measure results on your site with AppWT Analytics without adding tracking to your emails.