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HOW
TO CHOOSE AN AUTO-RESPONDER
By
NuStreams.com
Auto responders have been considered by many of the
world’s top marketers as one of the most effective technology
marketing tools ever produced. One of the simplest understandings is
that people simply won’t just buy something the first time they
see it. Offers, promotions, sales pitches will have to be
continuously sent to your target markets before your messages can
really kick in.
A FEW USES OF THE AUTO-RESPONDER
- Gives an immediate confirmation at anytime of the
day that the message has been received.
- If you have a cooking course, which consists of 7
lessons, you can deliver them by using auto-responders. The
auto-responders will send out the full 7 lessons to your subscribers
at your selected time periods in its proper sequence.
- As the name suggests, auto-responders are complete
mailing lists managers. They handle subscribe and unsubscribe duties
for your newsletter and provide a very efficient and time saving
platform to manage and maintain your e mail addresses.
- you can automatically send out pre-set follow up
marketing messages for those who have requested for your
information. You can select the time period for those messages,
making your pitches fully organized and automated. They are an
extremely effective tool for marketers to use to increase response
rates and sales.
With numerous auto-responders out there, your choice
of picking a suitable one for your business will not be easy.
Below is a guideline to follow:
There are 3 types of auto-responders:
-
Locally hosted /script based program
-
Remotely hosted/web based
-
Windows/Desktop based program
Locally hosted/script based
They are much cheaper than the rest, mainly because
you only have to pay once and the program is yours to keep rather
than to pay a monthly subscription. Performance wise they come in
second of the lot. This
is because script based services are more flexible and can be
modified and customized to suit your entire specific needs. You
basically get total control over the application.
However, technical knowledge (preferably
someone who is familiar with CGI scripts) is needed for setting up,
upgrading and also customizing the program. It might take some time
initially to get it up and running, as they tend to be somewhat
complex. Those who are not familiar with CGI scripts can still use
them, it just means that you'll probably have to end up paying
someone to install/upgrade or modify it for you. Usually they would
have an installer ready (or recommended) to do the installation for
you but you will have to pay for their service.
Remotely hosted/web based
This is where everything is taken care for you.
It’s the simplest way to get started; the service provider has to
ensure that everything is running smoothly and securely. It is very
easy to set up, no programming on your part needed and extremely
reliable too. You basically let them do all the work sort of like
“outsourcing” your mailing list managers. To remain competitive
they will usually have the latest features so this is to your
advantage.
However, there are disadvantages. If the company
goes down, your mailing lists might follow them as well (unless you
have your backup ready at all times). They’re also not as flexible
when compared to a script-based program. Price is also an issue.
1-year subscription may add up to the cost of outright purchasing a
script-based program. You also have to consider the possibility of
the company raising their subscription rates. The privacy of your
lists can also be an issue. What if they sell off your mailing lists
to others? If you have a number of websites that requires an
auto-responder, you will then have to subscribe for each and every
one individually. Then it’ll be pricey! Bottom line is that you
have got to know to a certain extent what you really want to achieve
before you make your purchase. One of the best web-based
auto-responders out there currently is Aweber.
Fantastic features coupled with affordable prices. No wonder
everyone is using it online! Click
here for more details.
Sideline – Always checkout the
company history & background before you go for a web based
service provider. You will obviously want a stable/reliable and
trustworthy company to handle your mailing lists.
Desktop/Windows based Program
Performance wise, this is the most powerful of the
lot! This whole program runs directly from your local Windows based
computer, which means YOU are now the one with full control of
whatever you want to do with your auto responder to do. This
responder will ONLY be active when it is connected to the
Internet, which means that your computer will have to be
“online” 24 hours every single day. Ideally a fast connection
speed probably a minimum of an ADSL connection will be needed in
order for the responder to be optimized to its fullest potential
(dial-up connections are not very practical).
You are capable of sending out prepared emails to
answer any anticipated questions by your potential customers. Some
sort of an auto-responding FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)
Interactive Tool. Saves a whole lot of your time answering common
sets of questions for your potential customers. Good Customer
Service feature. This program is high value for money; you
basically own the software, don’t have to pay monthly subscriptions fees, can use it for
as many online businesses as you want. They also have extremely good
database management and filter options. In this area, we feel that Mailoop
is the best currently. (to learn more about one of the best e-mail
managers around offering excellent
database and filter options, click here).
Because of its various powerful features, setting it
up can be quite confusing for those without “computer related
experience”. It takes time for the user to get used to its
features but once you get the hang of it, you’ll be over-awed by
its potential to automate your business. You MUST install
added security to your computer as your whole database is stored
locally in your computer, (eg. Encryptions, constantly back up your
files, anti-virus software, etc.) just in case disaster strikes!
Other disadvantages are that they cannot send instant replies (not
within seconds, probably a few minutes later) to your potential
customers, need to be run ONLY on computers that are connected to
the Internet.
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