How To Set Up An Autoresponder For Profit

By Kevin Needham 

An autoresponder is a software program that resided on a computer. It’s job is to reply to emails that are sent to it first. The most simple autoresponder will return one message each time a request is sent to it.

However the most common type of autoresponder will send an initial message when it  receives a request, and will continue sending pre-programmed messages to the recipient until it runs out of programmed messages, or the user sends a stop command.

The most simple form of autoresponder, the 1-message reply back, is often installed along with any type of web hosting package. It has it’s place when just one reply is enough.

For marketing purposes, we normally require an autoresponder that will send a series of  automatic follow up emails to our prospects.

We want a program that can create as many messages as you like and define custom intervals between subsequent messages. For instance, you may want to send the first email one day after the initial contact, next one a week later and so on… Each message can be completely personalized to show that you care about your relationship with the customer.

There are two popular ways to get your autoresponder set up. You can buy the software and install it either on your web server or on your own computer. If installed on your webserver, it will work 24/7. If you install it on your computer, it will only work while your computer is turned on and connected to the internet.

The second and most popular method is to rent the services of an autoresponder from a reputable company that offers autoresponder services.

Lets look at the pros and cons of both systems.

Costs:
Running your own autoresponder software will normally involve a one time fee to purchase the software. No cost or very little cost to have it sitting on your computer or server. Alternatively, renting the service will normally cost an ongoing monthly fee, ranging from $15 to $30 a month.

Technical:
You may have to pay someone to install the software on your server, depending on your skill sets, it is a bit tricky to do. You would probably be able to follow directions and manage an install on a personal  computer. With the rented version, no technical skills required, it is all done for you. Both methods require you to learn how to use the software. Ongoing support: When running your own software, you must handle the technical needs and ongoing service as required. The rented version includes full operational support.

Efficiency:
The inhouse software may operate well enough with lower volume of emails being sent. The main concern will be deliverability. As time progresses and if you inadvertently receive complaints on your emails, sometimes just because a user has forgotten that they signed up, your domain name may get blocked by larger servers out on the internet.

 If this happens, they your mail will need to find different routes to get itself delivered. These routes can become less mainstream, and eventually not be passable. Your emails will become undeliverable.

With a rented, or referred to as  hosted solution” this normally will not happen. They are in the business of deliverability, they have strict guidelines that all customers follow and they also have strong relationships with the larger web server companies out there when  there is a problem. Basically they take care of it all for you.

Overall, the professional marketer uses the “hosted” solution for his autoresponder services. Primarily because it is more efficient, deliverability is higher and it allows him to stay focused on his core business activities.

If you wanted to buy software that you can install and host yourself, on your own computer, MyAutoResponder pro is a good solution and retails for a one time cost of $49.00

For a hosted, hands off solution we use Aweber autoresponders. They offer unlimited autoresponders to manage many different lists and also unlimited message capabilities. They have had a 100% uptime since I first started using them 6 years ago.

Setting up your autoresponder is as simple as visiting the Aweber website and trying out their $1 trial.

Best of luck with your autoresponder marketing.

Kevin @ follow My Start Ups

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