What is it and how does it work?
As the name suggests, “autoresponder software” refers to programs that enable internet marketers to respond automatically to those leaving their details on the marketers’ websites or sending the marketers emails. It typically generates the email responses we are all used to receiving when leaving our details on third party websites.
A common pathway by which people receive autoresponder emails is where they click on links on resource pages (e.g. articles) on marketers’ webpages. In order to receive email newsletters, it is necessary for webpage visitors to “opt in” (when asked) and provide their email addresses.
Why do YOU need autoresponder software?
Auto-responder packages are useful as they free you up from the mundane repetition of responding to individual emails, allowing you to focus on higher-value tasks. But the software’s utility extends far beyond just creating automated emails:
- Autoresponder software can also be used to capture customer information (e.g. such as how many of those signing up to a site respond to the site’s various marketing campaigns).
- In addition, some software has a useful “follow-up” function: that is, it can be tailored to prompt potential customers, who may not wish to buy products from your site straight away, to make purchases later on.
- It can also play an important role in assisting internet marketers to build their customer lists and organise their email campaigns.
In addition, the autoresponder package offered by AWeber Communications (a company that develops email marketing software to assist businesses in automating email follow ups and newsletter delivery via email) has several other advantages:
- Easy to use interface
Unlike many autoresponders, the AWeber package is easy to understand and navigate – you’ll be up and running in just a few hours.
- Low cost trial and licence costs
You can trial the AWeber autoresponder package for a month for just US$1.00. After that, should you wish to continue to use the software, the monthly cost is quite reasonable.
- Tracks your “promotional efforts”
As above, the AWeber autoresponder can also generate useful business information by tracking the success of your promotions, letting you know what works and what doesn’t.
OK, now you’ve got your autoresponder software, it’s time to build your “lists”
“List-building” is about creating a directory (with email addresses) of potential customers. It’s essential for internet marketing, and autoresponder software gives you the vehicle to get there. But what else can you do to help the process along? Here are some initial ideas:
(1) Reward your “subscribers” – give them valuable content, such as:
a. quality eBooks
b. free eCourse videos (perhaps publish previews on YouTube). (You may wish to split the content up, and ask people to subscribe to some parts of it.)
(2) Attract new subscribers by writing articles and submitting them to multiple leading article directories.
(3) Use your blog to preview some of the information that you are going to give away. Ask your viewers to sign up in order to receive the full content.
(4) Give give away free admission to an event. As part of any such campaign, you may find it helpful to have a “squeeze page”, a free product (e.g. an eBook) and a product to sell. (“Squeeze pages” typically detail what the subscriber will be receiving and the businesses’ privacy standards.)
The above are just some of the many advantages of using an autoresponder software to help grow your internet business.
