Autoresponder Overview

This autoresponder overview may help you answer the question...Are you losing sales because you do not have an autoresponder?

If you were a fly on the wall you would notice a curious pattern.

Someone sees your website product, likes it but does not buy it. Enjoying flying around as flies do, you follow this person. Three months pass and they finally consume.

Yours is a superior product, cheaper price, yet they didn’t buy from you. Oh my, what should you do.

If you were just a fly, you would say, “I don’t know why, I am just a fly.”

But your not a fly and with out sales your website will die. So go ahead and cry, let out a sigh and learn about the tool you will need to try. This autoresponder overview may help you.

Why?

It has to do with immediacy and the psychology of selling.

Autoresponders are essential to fill these needs.

What are they? What do they do and how does a website make best use of them?

The Autoresponder Overview

They are computer generated automatic responses to an email that was sent to it. The e-mail coming into the AR is usually from an automated source like a sign up form.

An e-mail message saying...“Your e-mail could not be delivered because...” was sent by an autoresponder.

Thank You letters are often sent by automatic response. To prevent being black listed on DNSBL’s and being in violation of internet service providers Terms of Service many AR’s offer Double Opt In.

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Double Opt In

A double opt starts when an email message is received. It may have come from an order to subscribe, get information, or a free gift. Then another message is sent confirming the first is correct. This happens when the person clicks the confirmation. That confirmation is the double of double opt in.

Three Kinds of Autoresponders

Web Host Autoresponders Most web hosts have autoresponders providing either one or limited AR’s. These are a part of the hosting package and may be part of the sitebuilder program.

Outsourced Autoresponders Hosting companies provide AR services, managing all the workings involved in maintaining an e-mail list. The program can be configured by the end user on a web-based control panel.

The fees start at $12 per month if paid for a year in advance. They can be as much as $150 per month with a subscriber list in the 10,000 to 25,000 range.

These programs are rich in features offered. Often may be more than the average person will need.

There is a potential problem. Your customer list and your mailings, all can be lost if you fail to make the payment and if you have not saved the list.

Server Side Autoresponders These are programs purchased (no monthly fees) and installed on your own system. Instillation may require some tech skills.

Most sellers provide support and install them. You may also need some other add ons to make them work but the cost is minimal (around $12).

For those just getting started, this is more economic. This will provide for greater flexibility as your skills grow. As you shop, you will find that with more features comes higher cost.

These versions have both a blessing and a curse. Outsourced autoresponders often have their name in the tag. So in effect, every mailing your advertising their service for free. For some, seeing their name does add legitimacy to the e-mailing. The purchased versions do not.

Warning This autoresponder overview is not to be considered legal advice. Be aware that there may be potential legal issues involved. It can open you to considerable liability in numerous ways. Theft of your list from the net or actual theft of your computer is just one.

Another concern relates to spam related liability. What will you do with an issue of an opt out request not being honored. Outsourced companies insulate you from this liability so long as you follow the rules.

It is important to make sure that this is covered by your insurance policy.

Free Autoresponder Overview

Free autoresponders are supported by advertisements from other companies. Nothing speaks cheesy and unprofessional like a free service provider that is essentially advertising on your advertisement. If you want to attract flies....well..lets not go there.

If your creating a serious business, avoid this.

Sequential Autoresponders The essential feature is sequential mailing.

Responses, e-mail campaigns, news letters, and e-zines can be sent on a schedule of your choosing. This will allow for many multiples of messages to be sent out.

For instance a newsletter can be sent out weekly, monthly, or variations of days. It is automated. They could go on what ever schedule you want.

Autoresponders and Your Success

Beyond Autoresponder Overview: More Website Creation and building your own website.