How do I set up an autoresponder?
By Ibe Basil,makis_2005@yahoo.com
Before we answer that let us try to define what an autoresponder is for the sake of those who may not know what it means.
An autoresponder is a web platform that sends out ready made replies to a selected or opt in email subscribers.
It helps to answer emails or perform emailing activities that would normally take a lot of time to do.
Imagine if you received 1000 emails in a day and you had to reply to them. With an autoresponder, you can send a ready made email as replies to the 1000 emails you had to reply to.
The autoresponder send the mails in place of you whether you are online or offline. So an autoresponder saves time and keeps connected with you subscribers.
Ok lets now go over to the question proper.
There are many ways to set up an autoresponders and there are many types .you can use the free types or the paid Autoresponder. Setting up one may look like a daunting task, but usually simple if you've chosen a user friendly autoresponder system. Using an autoresponder has many benefits for your business, and will allow you to stay in contact with your mailing list automatically.
Several web hosting companies supply free autoresponders with your personal account, so this should be your first option. Normally, it's a straightforward procedure to get things up and running using the web host's control panel. One advantage of using your webhost's free autoresponder is the absence of advertising. Some subscribers object to reading banners or extra ad copy in addition to your messages, so giving them one less reason to hit 'Unsubscribe' is welcome.
Beyond your web host, you can investigate other free autoresponder software and services online. A cursory search reveals thousands of articles, reviews, and recommendations on what autoresponders to choose. Unlike web host autoresponders, these services will place ads in your outgoing messages. Understandable, because that's how they make money, in the form of "top sponsor" or "bottom sponsor" ads. You have no choice but to accept them - even if they compete directly with you or distract your prospects!
There are many other paid autoresponder programs to choose from, you can use the popular ones like www.Aweber.com , www.GetResponse.com or www.ConstantContact.com . All this autoresponders are paid versions and are usually more effective than the free ones.
Autoresponders are very economical and easy to use. You can find free autoresponders, but they will include ads for other products. You most definitely do not want to send your mailing list someone else’s ad! Also a free autoresponder is not the most solid, longterm solution for your business needs.
Your business list is a valuable asset that can bring you profits year in and year out. Be sure to choose a reliable autoresponder company to entrust your list to. Many newer autoresponder companies so not have a reliable deliverability rate. Their e-mails get trapped in spam filters of ISP's ... what you need is an autoresponder company that offers a very high rate of deliverability.
Step 1
WRITE MESSAGE
The first step in your autoresponder set up process is to write your messages. You can use your Microsoft word or other word processing program to do this. Once your messages are written, log into your autoresponder. You’ll need to select the list that you want to add these messages to.
Most autoresponder enable you to send your messages in plain text or HTML. You might want to use plain text, as not everyone can receive HTML messages. They can also take a while to download, and that can be very annoying to people on your mailing list with dial-up internet.
Step 2
ADD MESSAGES
To add your messages, you will need to open the saved messages from your word processing software. Log into your autoresponder, click on the link that allows you to create a new message. If you are going to send your messages in plain text, you will want to cancel all formatting from your word processing software. To do this, copy the message from your word processing software and paste it into a plain text editor, such as notepad. From there, copy the text again and paste it into your autoresponder. You do not need to save the message into your text editor.
Your autoresponder set up menu will allow you to choose the amount of days to send this message from the last message you have sent. If you are setting up an e-course, you may want to send one lesson per day or one per week.
Note: If you are committed to using a free autoresponder, be aware that it will likely impose a limit on your list size. In fact, the best way to judge your autoresponder needs may be to use a free service until your list surpasses a certain size. From a bottom line, business point of view, "list profitability" should determine whether paid or free is right for you.
A free autoresponder is preferable to having no autoresponder at all, even if your list is small and you have the added burden of dealing with spam complaints. Conventional wisdom suggests that they are suitable for newbies, at least until they're ready to take their businesses to the next level. Still, you should base your decision on tangible criteria, e.g.; the role autoresponders play in your overall e-mail and relationship marketing strategy. Some marketers concurrently employ free autoresponders for limited, list-building campaigns and paid services for true income generation.
Free autoresponders you can use are: http://www.grabthatlead.com/ , http://www.sendfree.com/
Best of luck.
