Autoresponders are specifically designed for automating email and for mass or bulk mailing. There original use was for simple one off emails usually as an acknowledgement but over time they have taken on the attributes of mailing list software such that today they are indistinguishable.

As such they are the main tool used in permission based email marketing for sending “follow up” email messages. They have many uses:

• They can be used to acknowledge receipt of technical support requests, sales information requests etc. In any situation were the customer needs reassuring that his request, order etc is being dealt with.
• They can be used to send prospective customers fixed information like price lists or FAQ.
• They can be used to send email course modules, newsletters, special offers.
• They can be used for email capture ( creating mailing lists).

There are two main types of commercial Autoresponder:

• Autoresponder Software- You buy the software and install it on your own server. This solution requires that your host supports the necessary features and requires morework/knowledge on your part.
• Autoresponder Service- Here the autoresponder software resides on another server and you simply subscribe to the service. This is by far the most common method used and although it generally works out more expensive it is far easier to set up and more flexible. If you are new to Autoresponders it certainly is the way to start.

Although it is possible to do many of the autoresponder functions manually a professional autoresponder :

• Eliminates Common Mistakes- like not including your full contact address
• Ensures Compliance - Ensures that any email you send follows various Spam and Good Practise guidelines.
• List Management- Provides the ability to automatically manage your lists including automatic subscribes and unsubscribes etc.
• Tracking- provides tracking reports that enable you to determine the success of your email marketing campaigns.

Although there are many companies offering Autoresponders the four listed below are well established and offer comprehensive features.

• Get Response
• Constant Contact
  
• VerticalResponse- Ideal choice for small business as it uses pay as you go model with no monthly subscriptions
• Aweber

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