Which statement best describes a contact and a subscriber?

The statement that a contact is a person you are going to send messages to, while a subscriber has opted to receive communications, accurately captures the distinctions between these terms within the context of Salesforce Marketing Cloud.

In Marketing Cloud, a contact encompasses a broader definition that includes anyone in your database, which may involve individuals who have interacted with your brand but haven't explicitly opted in. Subscribers, however, refer specifically to those contacts who have consented to receive communications such as emails or messages, indicating a level of engagement and permission that is crucial for compliance with data protection regulations.

This differentiation is vital for marketers, as it emphasizes the importance of obtaining consent from subscribers before sending marketing materials, ensuring that messages reach an audience that is genuinely interested in receiving them. This helps maintain a healthy sender reputation and increases the likelihood of higher engagement rates.

Understanding this distinction is essential for effectively managing audience lists and ensuring compliance with privacy laws while maximizing marketing efforts.