AUTORESPONDERS - OWN OR RENT?
By: Russell Portwood | Posted: 07th June 2006
Want to buy your own software or use a hosted service?
Recommended resources
http://www.autoresponseplus.com
http://www.aweber.com
http://www.1shoppingcart.com
Autoresponders are the tools that automate your e-mail
marketing. If you don't currently use autoresponders, you are
missing out on the majority of results available in your e-mail
marketing efforts. Here's a brief overview of autoresponder
uses and our recommendations for each of the two main types
available: hosted on your site (you OWN the software), and
remotely hosted by an autoresponder service (you RENT the
service).
What can autoresponders do?
1. Automatic reply to e-mail requests.
If you want to distribute information by e-mail, just set up the
special e-mail address, load the reply in the autoresponder,
and it's all automated from there. Here's and example...
freegift@successhosts.com
I set this up years ago and it still answers e-mail without me
ever having to lift a finger. Just send a blank e-mail to that
address and you will immediately get a reply. Look at the
bottom of the e-mail for the unsubscribe link.
2.Automatic SEQUENTIAL replies to e-mail requests.
Same as above but will generate numerous replies spread out
over a specified time period.
3.Autoresponder courses
Use the sequential feature to send a group of articles or
information can be sent out separately over a period of time.
Offer your course as a free bonus for purchasing one of your
products or services. Generate new leads by having people
sign up and give you their contact information before they can
receive your autoresponder course.
4. Broadcast an e-mail to a list
You can send an e-mail to a whole list of people at the push of
a button. Seine publishers use this feature to keep in contact
with their subscribers. Use it to contact customers, leads, etc.
OK, so there are the basic uses for autoresponders. So, which
one should I use? Purchased? Or rented?
-PURCHASE-
You can buy software that will automate your autoresponder
needs. You will want to have some basic features like
automatic subscription, automatic UN-subscription in case
somebody wants off your list (you don't want to have to do
this manually), broadcast to list, sequential timing setup, and
subscription by form. You may also want the ability to insert
dynamic content eg. you put [firstname] in the e-mail and the
software automatically inserts the recipients name.
Pros-
-You own the software
-You have control over the program, and more importantly, -
your list is on your server.
-You have no monthly payments
-You have complete control.
Cons-
-If you get blacklisted because somebody accused you of
spanning, it may be hard to get unlisted.
-You have to install the software (**AutoresponsePlus now
installs for you for free)
-May have issues with non-ARP friendly hosts.
-RENT-
You can subscribe to a service that is hosted remotely that will
handle your autoresponders. You will still want the same basic
features as listed above. Additionally, you will want to have
the option of double-opt-in for your subscriptions.
Pros-
-You will have immediate use of the system (no install)
-Less need for technical support
-Subscription-based autoresponder services will usually have
the clout to keep from being blacklisted thus you have their
clout by association.
Cons-
-You give up some control
-You can be canceled - especially if you are accused of
spamming (even if you didn't).
-Ongoing payment
-Some services force you to use double opt-in
-ANOTHER OPTION-
You may want to integrate your e-mail marketing with your
sales software and maybe even your affiliate program.
1shoppingcart.com has some nifty features that are well worth
the money if you want to go that route. One of the neatest is
the ability to automatically change a person from one
autoresponder series to another as soon as they become a
customer. Powerful.
-So, which is best?
Well, it's up to you. Each has it's pros and cons. I prefer
AutoResponsePlus because I have complete control and no
monthly payments. But that's just me. Choose the one that
best fits your needs based on your business model. If you
have questions, feel free to contact us!
http://www.internetmarketingtoolz.com/
Russell Portwood has helped people use the internet for
success & profit since 1997 using proven, cutting edge tactics.
Visit http://www.internetmarketingnewz.com/blogs so he can
guide you to blazing success with fr.ee tools, tricks, and tips.
Subscribe to Internet Success Tools by visiting
http://www.internetmarketingtoolz.com
Copyright 2006 Russell Portwood
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Tags: e mail marketing, period of time, e mail address, subscribers, marketing efforts, free bonus, publishers, autoresponders, autoresponder service, broadcast, unsubscribe link, new leads, own software, specified time period, period 3