Understanding the difference between Commercial and Transactional emails is crucial for effective marketing communication and compliance within Salesforce Marketing Cloud (SFMC).
This blog will break down both email types, when to use each, and how SFMC handles delivery, content, and configuration for both categories.
What is a Commercial Email?
A commercial email is intended to promote a product or service. It requires explicit opt-in consent and must comply with regulations such as CAN-SPAM, GDPR, and others.
- Marketing campaigns
- Promotional offers
- Newsletters
- Event invitations
What is a Transactional Email?
Transactional emails are sent in response to a user’s interaction or transaction. These messages contain important information specific to the recipient.
- Order confirmations
- Shipping updates
- Password resets
- Account notifications
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Key Differences
| Aspect | Commercial Email | Transactional Email |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Promotion | Information/Notification |
| Consent Required | Yes | No (but must relate to user action) |
| Personalization | Marketing-focused | Contextual, Action-based |
| Unsubscribe Option | Mandatory | Not required (optional) |
How SFMC Handles These Emails
- Use Send Classifications to define email types
- Ensure proper IP warm-up strategies for commercial emails
- Track engagement and unsubscribe metrics for commercial sends
- For transactional, ensure correct triggered send configuration
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
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