Managing Inbox Clutter using Multiple Email Lists

When’s the last time you’ve heard about someone missing a meeting because they didn’t get the email? In many student organizations, it’s a common problem. Some large college groups send out more than 50 emails a day, so its easy for the important messages to get lost in the clutter.

Because so many emails are being sent every day, it’s important for large student organizations to use multiple email lists. Using multiple email lists offers many benefits:

1. Emails are grouped according to their subject, allowing for easy filtering.
2. Members can pick what topics they’re interested in.
3. Fewer unwanted messages make the important ones more likely to get read.

Getting started using multiple email lists is easy. First, create email lists that are only for important messages. These email lists will be required for all members, and are used to discuss meetings, important votes, and other pertinent information.

For non-essential messages, create many topic specific email lists. These email lists may include a jokes list, an intramurals list, a poker list, etc. Members will have the option to subscribe to these lists. Since subscribing is optional, only non-essential messages should go out over these lists.

So what’s an example setup for a typical college fraternity?

Required Lists

• All List
  Every active member is subscribed to this list, and all important emails are sent to this list. Information about chapter meetings, group events, etc.
• Brothers List
  Announcements specifically for active brothers only, such as ritual discussions. Pledges are not subscribed.
• Pledges List
  Messages for pledges only, such as pledge meeting announcements, requirements reminders, and more. Many chapters prohibit brothers from subscribing to this list (except for the pledge educator).
• Alumni List
  Newsletters, homecoming information, and official messages from the chapter to alumni.
• Leadership List
  Discussion list for officers or executive board members.

Optional Lists

• Com List
  Jokes, links, videos, and other non-essential information.
• Soccer List
  Messages for the intramural soccer team.
• Social List
  Discussion list for the social committee.
• Philanthropy List
  Philanthropy events and opportunities.
• Alumni Discussion List
  Discussion list for alumni who wish to remain involved – in our experience they’ll share stories, laugh at each other, announce engagements and new jobs, and argue about politics.
• And more… create as many optional lists as your group needs!

The benefits of segmenting your email lists are tremendous. Members receive all of the important emails, and their inbox isn’t filled with junk they don’t want to read. If your group has a system that allows for multiple email lists, try putting this strategy into effect and see how your communication improves. If you’re looking for an email list solution, read more about GoZuus email lists.