If you’re not using an autoresponder, then you’re really missing out on one of the key ingredients to building an online business.
What is an autoresponder?
An autoresponder is a piece of software which allows you to capture your website visitors information and then respond back to them in an automatic way. It also allows you to send “one off” emails to your list as well. It’s a key element to building relationships with your mailing list.
So if you don’t have an autoresponder yet, I want to explain that there really are two kinds. Keep reading and see which kind is best for you and your budget.
Hosted
A hosted autoresponder is software that you pay a subscription for….usually monthly. Costs can range from $10 upwards. Many of the services based their cost on number of subscribers you have or number of emails you send in a month.
Benefits:
- easy to use
- quick to implement
- good support via 800 numbers or online support systems
- send out your emails fast
- good delivery rates: meaning your messages have a better chance of getting through
Disadvantages
- can be costly if you have big list
- some force a double opt-in which you may not want
Some examples of hosted autoresponder systems are GetResponse.com, ConstantContact.com and AWeber.com.
Self Hosted
A self hosted autoresponder is software that you have 100% complete control over and is physically stored on your own hosting account.
Benefits:
- you have full control over how you make it work
- very cost effective for the long run (usually a one time fee, some are even free)
Disadvantages
- send limits on your hosting account can cause messages to take hours to get out
- not as easy to install (but some include a free installation)
- not as user friendly to use
Some examples of self hosted autoresponders are AutoresponsePlus.com and phpList.org
I personally use the self-hosted option because a) I am pretty technical and b) it only cost me a one time payment for life.
Which ever method you choose, you must have an autoresponder.
Let me know what you use and why…
Hi Stacey, Actually I think that requirement is part of the canspam act. I have the same issues because I don’t want to use my home address and don’t have a mailing post box.
But with self hosted you have total control over all that stuff.
Tracy
I didn’t even know that self-hosted auto-responders even existed! I have been looking into auto-responders (I am currently using a free hosted one but would like something a little more fancy).
The only thing that I don’t like is that most of them want you to put your postal address in each mailing and I don’t want people knowing where I live!
.-= Stacy´s last blog ..The Significance of Insignificance =-.
Hi Yorinda,
I use Autoresponseplus.com
Yes my affiliate link is http://www.autoresponseplus.com/link.php?a=tracyselena
Technical only to the point of having to write html emails in another program then copying the code over…beyond that it’s not much more difficult than other systems.
I will try to put up a video tutorial on how to use it.
Tracy
Hi Tracy,
interesting article.
I am in the process of deciding which autoresponder to use.
How technical do you have to be to use the one YOU use and which one do you use? Do you have an affiliate link to yours?
Love and Light
from
Yorinda