Practical Tips

So far we have examined the highlights of autoresponder and how to use its power to market your business. We are not making specific recommends for autoresponders; you can do a simple search to find a number of choices. However, we can provide some general pointers and technical information so that you can make a good choice.

Where to Get them

ISP – For basic autoresponder needs such as sending a single message response, you can use the free autoresponders that come as part of your website hosting package.

Free Autoresponder Service -The services are provided free in exchange for advertising; many of them place advertisements in your responses.

Commercial Autoresponder Service –Usually offer more functionality and control than free systems and they doesn't have any advertising. As with the free autoresponders the service is hosted on the providers server meaning you don’t have any hardware or software to maintain. There are two main types of commercial Autoresponder:

Autoresponder Software- You buy the software and install it on your server; it requires your host supports the necessary features.

Autoresponder Service- The software resides on another server and you subscribe to it. This is the most common method used. This the easiest way to get started if you’re new to the game.

Your own autoresponder Software- You have control and responsibility for the hardware or software. This should only be considered for very technically savvy users with very large and sophisticated needs.

Autoresponders are necessary for marketing to, or taking care of, customers. The power of an autoresponder, or the lack of power, can mean the difference between success and failure.

When you use an autoresponder service, make sure that the domain that the autoresponder uses isn't blacklisted by spam watch groups. If it is, your messages likely won't make it past most spam filters, and you won’t have the ability to track responses, which can cost you business. It will also mean you won’t know how effective your campaign is.

Using Email Effectively

Recipients should always be given the opportunity to unsubscribe. Therefore you need to give them a good reason to not do this, so make sure you only send emails that contain genuinely useful information. It is also a good idea to offer your subscribers incentives to remain subscribed by including them in a special group. This could mean that they receive special discounts, advance notifications etc.

The Internet offers many means of affordable marketing with auto responders.

Directory - Some webmasters set up link or article directories on their sites.

Teach a Course - Some marketers write up a simple step-by-step instructional class in their area of expertise.
Previews - Building customer interest and excitement is the first step to successfully marketing many products. Autoresponders play a vital role in building this interest and excitement.

Customer Service - Customer service with autoresponders is quite simple. When an order is placed, an autoresponder can send out the receipt for the sale, the information for accessing the product, and a 'thank you' email.

Set up an additional autoresponder that sends out a list of frequently asked questions or problems that deal with customer service or how to access the product. Also set up a support autoresponder. Think through your ordering process, and consider the potential problems that may occur for your customers. Get an autoresponder set up to address those problems.

When people place orders through your website, it is always a good idea to immediately acknowledge the purchase. One way to do this is with the use of an autoresponder that can be integrated with your shopping cart. In fact, many shopping carts that are available today have their own autoresponders built into the system.

When you set up your autoresponder to send a message to someone that has placed an order, there are several things that should be included in the message. This is an opportunity to 'speak' to your customer, and to let them know about other deals that you have or special items that you have available. You should not miss this opportunity.