Double Opt-In is a Premium-only feature that helps ensure recipients explicitly confirm they want to receive your emails. It adds an extra layer of consent and improves both compliance and deliverability.
In email marketing, single opt-in means a user signs up and immediately starts receiving messages. Double opt-in, by contrast, requires the user to confirm their subscription by clicking a special link sent to their inbox. This prevents accidental signups, bots, and spam traps while ensuring every contact genuinely wants your messages.
Why Double Opt-In Matters #
- Better compliance – Meets standards under laws such as GDPR and CAN-SPAM by confirming consent.
- Higher engagement – Users who confirm are more likely to read and interact with future emails.
- Cleaner lists – Filters out typos, fake addresses, and unverified signups before they reach your CRM.
- Fewer spam complaints – Reduces the risk of your domain being flagged as spam.
How It Works in Mass Email Notifications #
The Double Opt-In process connects three forms:
- Sign-up form – Collects the user’s initial information.
- Sending form – Used later for sending mass email batches after users have confirmed.
- CRM or Target form – Stores the confirmed contact record that indicates the user opted in.
When a recipient submits the signup form, they receive an email containing a merge tag link (configured on the Double Opt-In tab). Clicking that link updates their entry on the target form to mark them as opted in.
You can then filter your sending batches to include only confirmed recipients, ensuring messages go exclusively to verified users.
BrightLeaf Implementation Highlights #
- Fully integrated with Mass Email Notifications for Gravity Forms.
- Uses a designated tab on the form settings screen called Double Opt-In.
- The confirmation link is generated by special merge tags (URL or link form).
- Confirmation automatically checks a chosen checkbox field in your target form.
- A convenience option on Feed Settings lets you easily limit batches to confirmed users.
When to Use It #
- For any signup process where consent verification is legally required.
- For newsletters, donation updates, or campaigns where trust and compliance are key.
- To improve data hygiene when your form collects high volumes of public submissions.
Double Opt-In is optional but strongly recommended for any form that communicates with external audiences. It protects both your users and your sender reputation.
