Do you need unsubscribe links in the emails you’re sending?
A voice talent’s guide to staying professional, compliant, and effective with your email outreach.
(Read for you by one of Nikki’s voice clones, which you can use too, here.)
Do You Need an Unsubscribe Link in the Emails You’re Sending?
Being a freelance voice actor means you’re not only the talent but also the marketer, business manager, and everything in between, which is confusing—especially when it comes to email outreach. You’ve probably wondered: Am I supposed to have an unsubscribe link at the bottom of my messages? Or can I just say, “I hope to hear from you soon!” and call it a day? Let’s figure it out together.
Why the Confusion?
There’s a lot of conflicting information about email marketing regulations—like the CAN-SPAM Act in the U.S. or GDPR in the EU. The gist is that commercial emails need to offer recipients an obvious way to opt out. But if you’re just sending a friendly “Thanks for working with me!” or “Where do you usually post your casting calls?” it’s not always clear if that falls into the marketing category.
Let’s break it down so you can decide when an unsubscribe link is necessary and when it’s not.
The Universal Email Rule Set
If you want to simplify compliance and ensure professionalism, follow these universal rules:
Always Include an Unsubscribe Option
Even if not strictly required (like for one-on-one transactional emails), providing an opt-out method is courteous and builds trust. This could be:A formal unsubscribe link (ideal for mass or automated emails).
A simple line, like: “Let me know if you’d prefer not to receive further updates.”
Include a physical address
This is one requirement of the CAN-SPAM Act. Uncomfortable with this, because you work out of your home address? I hear you! Either suck it up or pay for a physical mailbox. It can be “a post office box you’ve registered with the U.S. Postal Service, or a private mailbox you’ve registered with a commercial mail receiving agency established under Postal Service regulations” (FTC.gov).
Get Explicit Consent Whenever Possible
For cold outreach: Verify that the recipient’s industry allows unsolicited messages (some places ban it outright, like under CASL, or in Germany).
For email lists: Use opt-ins to ensure compliance with GDPR, CASL, and PECR.
Personalize and Target Thoughtfully
GDPR emphasizes “data minimization”—only contact those relevant to your services.
Avoid generic blasts to large lists. Tailored messaging improves both compliance and response rates.
Provide Accurate Sender Information
Always include your name, business name, and contact details (like email and physical address).
This satisfies CAN-SPAM and other jurisdictional requirements.
Transactional Emails Are Safer—But Stay Cautious
For purely transactional messages (e.g., sending files, following up on invoices), no unsubscribe is needed. But avoid mixing transactional and promotional content.
Track and Document Consent and Communications
Use a CRM or email platform to log when and how you obtained consent or sent communications.
This keeps you safe if a dispute arises under GDPR, CASL, or other laws.
By following these universal rules, you’ll stay compliant regardless of the recipient’s location.
When an Unsubscribe Link Is Necessary
Cold Outreach If you’re sending an unsolicited email that tries to sell your voice acting services or promote your brand in hopes of snagging new clients and getting on new rosters, that’s commercial. An unsubscribe link or a clear opt-out method is usually a must in many jurisdictions.
Mass or Automated Campaigns If you have a mailing list that gets regular “voice actor updates” or promotional messages, you’re definitely in marketing territory. Make sure your dear recipients can bail out whenever they want—otherwise, you risk looking unprofessional (not to mention running into compliance headaches).
Drip Campaigns to Prospects Drip campaigns that nudge potential clients every few weeks with “friendly reminders” or offers are basically mini marketing funnels. If you’re automating these, you must include a way for recipients to opt out.
When It Might Not Be Needed
One-on-One Emails with Existing or Previous Clients If you’re simply following up on a project or negotiating terms with a past customer, that’s transactional. It typically isn’t considered commercial in the marketing sense. Examples include:
“Where’s my money?”
“Here are your files.”
“How did the project turn out?”
These are about fulfilling or discussing the job, not upselling.
Individual, Non-Commercial Inquiries If you’re just saying, “Hey, thanks for working with me last month; how’s your next project going?” or dropping a simple question about their casting process—without upselling yourself—this is more personal or transactional in nature. In many places, you’re not strictly required to offer an opt-out option for that one-off, friendly note.
Understanding Jurisdiction
Email compliance depends primarily on the recipient’s location. Here’s a quick overview:
United States (CAN-SPAM Act)
Requires a clear opt-out method in all commercial emails, and a physical address.
European Union (GDPR)
Requires explicit consent for marketing emails and strong data privacy protections.
Canada (CASL)
Strictly prohibits unsolicited commercial emails without prior consent.
Australia (Spam Act 2003)
Requires clear consent and an opt-out option for all marketing emails.
United Kingdom (PECR)
Similar to GDPR, requires consent for marketing emails and adherence to privacy rules.
In short, always check the rules of the jurisdiction where your recipient is located. The sender’s location can add compliance layers (e.g., GDPR applies to non-EU senders targeting EU residents), but the recipient’s laws generally take precedence.
Practical Takeaways
Err on the Side of Courtesy Unsubscribe links (or at least a short line like “If you’d rather not receive these updates, let me know!”) show professionalism. Even if your email is borderline “just saying hi,” recipients appreciate having an easy out.
Keep It Simple If you do need an opt-out, don’t bury it in fine print. Make it visible. Make it easy.
Bottom Line
If you’re emailing in a purely personal or transactional capacity, you generally don’t need an unsubscribe link. But if you’re pushing your awesome voice actor brand or sending any sort of commercial or automated campaign, best practice (and in many cases, legal requirement) is to include a simple unsubscribe or opt-out mechanism.
Quick Self-Check: Do I Need an Unsubscribe Link?
Am I sending a marketing or promotional message?
Is this part of a drip or automated outreach campaign?
Is this a mass email?
Is my email purely transactional, or am I mentioning my services to upsell?
Answer these questions honestly, and you’ll know if your next step is to add an unsubscribe link or to hit send.
Ready to Make Your Emails Shine?
Whether you’re refining your email outreach or optimizing your P2P profile, we’re here to help. Let’s take the guesswork out of your marketing and help you focus on what you do best—delivering outstanding voiceovers.