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Email Operations: Subscription & Compliance - Project Details / Task List

Tag: email-subscription Total Hours: 25h Structure: Single Milestone (<=50h)


Milestone: Email Operations: Subscription & Compliance

Description: A technical implementation project that establishes comprehensive email subscription management within a Marketing Automation Platform (HubSpot or Marketo), including subscription type configuration, preference centers, opt-in/opt-out automation, and GDPR/CCPA compliance mechanisms.


Task List: (Email Subscription) 1. Assessment & Configuration

Contains: Parts 1-2

TaskEstDescription
1. Audit Current Subscription Management2hEvaluate existing opt-in/opt-out processes, subscription types, and consent tracking in the current MAP. End state: Gap analysis document identifying compliance risks and missing capabilities.

• Pull current subscription type configuration from HubSpot/Marketo
• Review existing opt-in mechanisms (forms, landing pages, import processes)
• Assess how consent is currently tracked (field-level, timestamps, source)
• Identify any existing preference center or unsubscribe flow
• Document which regions/countries the client markets to (GDPR, CCPA applicability)
• Interview marketing team on current pain points and known compliance gaps
2. Define Subscription Type Requirements2hWork with stakeholders to define the subscription types needed based on email programs and audience segments. End state: Approved list of subscription types with clear definitions.

• Catalog all current email types being sent (newsletters, product updates, events, sales outreach)
• Map email types to logical subscription categories (Marketing, Product, Transactional)
• Define granularity level (broad categories vs. specific topics)
• Document subscription type names and descriptions for preference center
• Get stakeholder approval on final subscription type list
• Determine default opt-in/opt-out status for each type
3. Build Subscription Types in MAP3hCreate and configure subscription types within HubSpot or Marketo with proper settings and defaults. End state: All subscription types created with correct configuration.

• Create each subscription type in HubSpot/Marketo admin settings
• Configure default opt-in/opt-out status for new contacts per type
• Set up subscription type descriptions (visible in preference center)
• Define which types are required vs. optional
• Configure email associations (which emails map to which subscription type)
• Test subscription type behavior with sample contacts
4. Build Preference Center3hCreate or customize the preference center where contacts manage their email subscriptions. End state: Functional preference center allowing self-service subscription management.

• Design preference center layout (subscription options, frequency settings)
• Configure preference center branding (logo, colors, copy)
• Implement subscription type checkboxes/toggles
• Add "Unsubscribe from All" option with appropriate warnings
• Include email frequency options if applicable (daily digest vs. immediate)
• Set up confirmation messaging for preference updates
• Test preference center across devices and browsers
5. Configure Unsubscribe Handling2hSet up compliant unsubscribe processes that honor requests immediately. End state: One-click unsubscribe working with proper confirmation and suppression.

• Enable one-click unsubscribe in email headers (required for compliance)
• Configure unsubscribe confirmation page messaging
• Set up suppression list automation for hard unsubscribes
• Define behavior for partial unsubscribes (one type vs. all)
• Test unsubscribe flow end-to-end
• Verify unsubscribe requests are honored within required timeframes

Task List: (Email Subscription) 2. Compliance, Automation & Rollout

Contains: Parts 3-5

TaskEstDescription
6. Set Up Consent Tracking Fields2hCreate contact fields to track consent status, source, and timestamps for GDPR/CCPA compliance. End state: Consent data captured at field level with full audit trail.

• Create consent status field (Opted In, Opted Out, Not Set)
• Create consent date/timestamp field for each subscription type
• Create consent source field (form name, import, API, preference center)
• Create legal basis field for GDPR (consent, legitimate interest, contract)
• Set up field update automation when consent changes
• Document field mapping for data subject access requests
7. Configure GDPR-Specific Requirements2.5hImplement GDPR-specific consent mechanisms for EU contacts including double opt-in and explicit consent capture. End state: GDPR-compliant opt-in flows for EU audience.

• Configure double opt-in workflow for EU contacts
• Create confirmation email with explicit consent language
• Set up geographic-based consent rules (EU vs. non-EU treatment)
• Implement explicit consent checkboxes on forms (no pre-checked boxes)
• Configure consent withdrawal mechanisms
• Document lawful basis for each email type (consent vs. legitimate interest)
8. Configure CCPA-Specific Requirements2hImplement CCPA-specific requirements including "Do Not Sell" handling and response procedures. End state: CCPA-compliant processes for California residents.

• Create "Do Not Sell My Personal Information" tracking field
• Configure opt-out of sale mechanism if applicable
• Set up data subject request response workflow (10-day acknowledgment requirement)
• Document data categories collected for disclosure requests
• Configure contact deletion/anonymization workflow
• Create internal SOP for handling CCPA requests within required timeframes
9. Create Subscription Management Automations2.5hBuild workflows to automate subscription status updates based on contact actions and form submissions. End state: Automated system that keeps subscription status accurate without manual intervention.

• Build form submission workflow to update subscription types based on selections
• Create import process rules for setting subscription status on list uploads
• Configure API integration rules for subscription updates from external systems
• Set up re-engagement workflow triggers based on subscription changes
• Build sunset automation for chronically unengaged contacts
• Create welcome workflow triggered by new subscription opt-ins
10. Validate Subscription Filtering in Email Sends2hEnsure all email sends properly filter contacts based on subscription type preferences. End state: Verified that emails only go to opted-in contacts.

• Audit existing email programs for subscription type filtering
• Update email send lists to respect subscription preferences
• Configure smart lists/segments that dynamically filter by subscription status
• Test email sends with various subscription status combinations
• Document email program to subscription type mapping
• Set up monitoring for subscription filter compliance in future sends
11. Conduct Marketing Team Training1.5hTrain the marketing team on the new subscription management system, preference center, and compliance requirements. End state: Marketing team confident in using the system correctly.

• Schedule training session (45-60 minutes)
• Cover: subscription types, preference center, consent tracking, compliance requirements
• Demonstrate how to properly set up emails with subscription filtering
• Walk through data subject request handling process
• Create quick-reference guide for common scenarios
• Address questions and edge cases
• Send recording and documentation to team
12. Hand Off to Client2.5hTransfer ownership of the subscription management system with full documentation. End state: Client self-sufficient with admin access, SOPs, and compliance checklists.

• Deliver documentation package (subscription type definitions, field mappings, workflow documentation)
• Create compliance checklist for ongoing email operations
• Transfer admin access and explain configuration options
• Document process for adding new subscription types in the future
• Provide GDPR/CCPA request response SOP (with reminder: not legal advice)
• Schedule 30-day check-in to address questions
• Close out project

Summary

  • Total Task Lists: 2 (consolidated from 5 Parts)
  • Total Tasks: 12 (one per Step)
  • Total Hours: 25h
  • Generated from: playbook_email-operations-subscription-and-compliance.md
  • Generated on: 2025-12-31