The question here is not if should you have an automatic responder email software or not, because you should. The question is how should this autoresponder look in order to please your readers and customers?
What Is the Autoresponder
An autoresponder is a function used by a web site or email software to generate an automatic reply to certain emails sent by users.
Individuals can also use an autoresponder. The most usual is the “out of office auto reply”.
Autoresponders are usually only a part of your broadcast email software (alias bulk email software) and represent a great convenience in sending mass email.
Web sites can use the autoresponder to thank users for subscribing & confirm passwords, for posting a comment, voting, filling in a query or placing an order. Apart from thank you messages, the autoresponder collects double opt ins (asks the user to confirm a previuous online subscription via email); they confirm that an order has been submitted. The same functions go for an email software.
The Autoresponder in a Bulk Email Marketing Campaign
An email software can use an autoresponder to allow users to get more information on a certain topic or product, that you don't want to detail in the newsletter body. This is also an effective selection tip, that helps you identify purchase intentions. The little secret about autoresponders is that you should let your subscribers easily guess that they receive an automatic generated message. You shouldn't make them believe that the answer comes from a real person. A phrase like please do not send reply to this address (message) will do it.
However, autoresponders should carry friendly, personalized messages. If the autoresponder asks for an email address and other data in order to provide information, that data should be used exclusively for that specific (specified) reason. An email address collected by an autoresponder for one-time use, cannot be considered an opt in form for your further newsletters.
Self standing autoresponders
- Aweber — subscription based autoresponder software, available for $19.95 monthly.
- Get Response — available on a subscription basis, that will cost you $17.95 monthly.
- Postmaster — one time software license that you install on your PC and prices can range from $199 to $599, for various versions.