What is an autoresponder? Autoresponders are emails that have a template message. When a prospect sends an email to the autoresponder email address, a trigger is created sending back a predetermined informational message. You can have various targeted messages, hundreds going out at once. Autoresponders are flexible, affordable, and are by far, one of the most powerful marketing tools for any business or organization.
Any business today knows the importance of building email list, while creating accurate, demographic targets. But how does any business stay in constant contact with their prospects and leads, while focusing on building their bottom line? A manual approach is not the answer. What are your choices? Autoresponders are the solution because they will do the work for you. If you are a beginner, you may not be aware there are two types of autoresponders, autoresponder programs and autoresponder services. What are the differences; which one is right for you?
Autoresponder Program: An autoresponder program is set up on your web server. Normally, this service comes free with your website host provider. You have total control, with all the tools necessary to create your messages and scripts. However, you need to know what you are doing. If this is a free program with your website, then you will need to troubleshoot any problems that occur, without the help of a technical support team. Please note: your email campaign must be in compliance with the Can Spam laws. That will be your responsibility to avoid the label of spammer.
If you are an advanced user, this alternative is sufficient giving you the greater flexibility to do what you want. Many autoresponder services have restrictive rules, so having your own autoresponder program, gives you more freedom in the decision making process. BUT, if you are a beginner, then an autoresponder service is your best alternative.
Autoresponder Services: This is a third-party service that is not set up on your server. Autoresponder services are browser based, meaning that you can manage your opt in and opt out lists, with your messages, all through a web browser. Prior knowledge or expertise is unnecessary. Step-by-step tutorials are given with a technical support team behind the product for questions or problem solving.
If you have decided that it is more worthwhile for you to employ an autoresponder service, here are some simple facts that you need to know.
- Using purchased leads with an autoresponder service. Autoresponder services comply with all Can-Spam laws. Using purchased leads can create too many spam complaints, and most services will not use them. If you have purchased spreadsheet leads, an autoresponder program hosted on your site will serve your purpose.
- High deliverability rates. Third part autoresponder services offer you high deliverability rates. They can help you create the targeted campaigns you need, while managing your subscriber list. As stated above, they are in total compliance with all Can-Spam laws. They help you avoid the spammer label, while getting more of your email campaigns into the inbox of your prospects.
Some essentials to look for in an autoresponder service:
- Unlimited text length. Your campaign message needs to contain your entire message. Text limits shorten the message, and possibly the results.
- Tracking features. Building client relationships is the core of your email campaigns. You need to have stats on all your campaign results. Click-throughs, delivery rates, subscriptions, and open rates are just some of the stats you need. Optimizing each email marketing campaign based on those results, will only lead to more successful future campaigns.
- Capturing email addresses. A great feature that an autoresponder can do is help build your email mailing lists. To capture each email of a prospect that has requested information is vital when creating your demographics and targets. Make sure this feature is available in any service you pay for.
- Know what you are paying for. Do you pay for altering your messages? Does the cost include unlimited hits or is there a cap?
- Cost. Shop around. Make sure you spend what you can afford, getting the best service, available features, and marketing tools that you need.
- Look for full version trial and demo software. Testing autoresponder software helps make your decision easier. Seeing how user-friendly a product is, and the knowledge needed to create your campaigns, help determine just the right choice for your business.
Should you consider a free autoresponder service? Free autoresponder services are ad based, meaning that each of your messages will have other people’s ads placed on them, either top or bottom. Some tracking features are disabled. As tempting as the word free might be, third-party advertising creates an unprofessional message in appearance and tone.
When choosing an autoresponder service or autoresponder program, make sure your choice is based on your goals and needs. In today’s economy, we cannot afford to waste our money, as well as our time. Having the internet at your disposal, do your research and shop around.
