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Websmart uk > Services > Assisted web site DIY > Autoresponders

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Build your business the Smart way with Autoresponders

Autoresponders are one of the top promotional tools available online today. They are also known as automatic responders, mailbots, automatic email and email on demand.

They were derived from the very popular fax on demand and designed to automatically respond to any email message sent to it with an automatic response.

Auto responder programs vary from software set up to run with your desktop E-mail program and automatically answer your incoming E-mail to a script that runs on your server. The script may run a Web-based auto responder system that utilises a web page form, or it may run with your pop E-mail account on your server. It is programmed to automatically send out a predetermined message when a message is received to a specified script address or E-mail address.

There are many advantages associated with the use of auto responders. Not only do they automate the daily task of manually replying to requests for information, but they also provide instant gratification for the recipient. Auto responders can be used in an unlimited number of ways including:

  • Sample ezine copy for potential subscribers
  • Articles for publication - A great way for writers to distribute their articles
  • Offer free powerful reports on various subjects and use your signature file at the end to promote your site or business
  • Offer free resources with information about your site, product or business
  • Information about your business opportunity
  • Product listings
  • Price list
  • Welcome letters
  • Thank you letters
  • Order confirmations
  • Advertising rates
  • Courses & Training

They can:

  • Save Time
  • Save Money
  • Sky Rocket Sales
  • Boost Cash Flow
  • Increase Profits
  • Assist with Relationship Building
  • Enhance Professional Image
  • Increased Customer Confidence
  • Larger Organizations With Less Work

When selecting an auto responder service, there are many factors that need to be taken into consideration to ensure maximum performance.

The service you select should provide all of the following:

  • Personalised responses - This makes the recipient feel that the message was sent specifically to them.
  • Automatic follow ups - Studies have shown it may take up to seven contacts before closing a sale.
  • Unlimited text length - If you are inhibited by the amount of text your auto responder may contain, you may be forced to revise a successful sales letter, ultimately costing you business.
  • Free unlimited updating - It is imperative to provide your customers with accurate, up to date information on your products and services.
  • Automatic notification - You must have the ability to track your ad's performance. You should be instantly informed each time someone requests your information.

You need to decide if you want an autoresponder that:

Runs on your own server ?

Runs on some one else’s server ?

To use a free or paid for service ?

How to decide

Own server - recommended:

 

  • You need to be able to run cgi or php scripting
  • Some systems need to run a database usually MySql (check)
  • Not at the risk of loosing your service and lists because the operator has ceased          business
  • Pay a one off price to buy the software, so no monthly charges
  • No popup ads from someone else, display your own or sell ad space

Run on some one else’s server:

 

  • At risk of company going out of business and possibly loosing your lists
  • At risk of other people’s system failures
  • Possibility of having someone else’s ads on your mail

Free or Paid for:

    Free usually means limited and must have advertising banners displayed on all email you send out and you have no control over this

    Paid for can be expensive if you pay for a monthly service, you can control this cost by buying the software and running it on your own server

Free autoresponder system:

    Not all auto responders will enable you to create follow-up messages. However, the following service will:

    http://www.getresponse.com/

    They offer free autoresponder accounts that will have little advertisements in every message that you send, but that's what you get for free! It's still a great autoresponder though!

    You can upgrade to a paid autoresponder with all the bells and whistles anytime you want. Upgrading will cost a few bucks, but for the benefits it adds, it's worth it.

    I would recommend upgrading as soon as you can to lose the ads and get the superior features

    Now even though GetResponse are super awesome autoresponders, they are not the best. Not in my opinion anyways.

Paid for autoresponder system:

    If you are going to pay for an autoresponder get one called Auto Response Plus.

    http://www.autoresponseplus.com/

    ARP3, for short, is by far and away the best autoresponder out there. For starters, there is no monthly fee for this little beauty! You pay for it once and it's yours to keep and install right onto your own server.

    This will look much more professional to your customers!

    Also, it has a list of features that honesltly takes over 50 pages to explain. But don't let a long manual scare you.

    This program is super easy to set up and even easier to run. The support manual is about 80 pages but is so easy to read and understand you'll be blown away.

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