Frequently Asked
Autoresponder Questions
Autoresponders
are one of the most popular tools used on the Internet, as they will enable
you to put a portion of your business on auto-pilot.
Over the years, I have received many questions about autoresponders and have
devised a list of the most frequently asked autoresponder questions.
Question: I'm new to Internet marketing and
am continually hearing about the benefits of using an autoresponder. Can
you please explain exactly what an autoresponder is?
Answer: Autoresponders are one of the top
promotional tools available online today. They are also known as automatic
responders, mailbots, automatic email and email on demand. They were derived
from the very popular fax on demand and designed to automatically respond
to any email message sent to it with an automatic response.
Autoresponder programs vary from software set up to run with your desktop
email program and automatically answer your incoming email to a script that
runs on your server. The script may run a Web-based autoresponder system
that utilizes a web page form, or it may run with your pop email account
on your server. It is programmed to automatically send out a predetermined
message when a message is received to a specified script address or email
address.
Question: My hosting company provides access
to autoresponders, but I have no idea what they're used for. Can you please
explain?
Answer: There are many advantages associated
with the use of autoresponders. Not only do they automate the daily task
of manually replying to requests for information, but they also provide instant
gratification for the recipient.
Autoresponders can be used in an unlimited number of ways including:
• Sample ezine copy for potential subscribers
• Articles for publication - A great way for writers to distribute their
articles
• Offer free powerful reports on various subjects and use your signature
file at the end to promote your site or business
• Offer free resources with information about your site, product or
business
• Information about your business opportunity
• Product listings
• Price list
• Welcome letters
• Thank you letters
• Order confirmations
• Advertising rates
Question:
Can you tell me what I should look for when selecting an autoresponder
service?
Answer:When selecting an autoresponder service,
there are many factors that need to be taken into consideration to ensure
maximum performance.
The service you select should provide all of the following:
• Personalized responses - This makes the recipient feel that the message
was sent specifically to them.
• Automatic follow ups - Studies have shown it may take up to seven
contacts before closing a sale.
• Unlimited text length - If you are inhibited by the amount of text
your autoresponder may contain, you may be forced to revise a successful
sales letter, ultimately costing you business.
• Free unlimited updating - It is imperative to provide your customers
with accurate, up to date information on your products and services.
• Automatic notification - You must have the ability to track your ad's
performance. You should be instantly informed each time someone requests
your information.
Question: I would like to set up an autoresponder
course, but I can't figure out how to do it. Can you please explain?
Answer: In order to set up an autoresponder
course, you must use a system that provides follow-up autoresponders. These
follow up messages can be set up to automatically be sent out at predetermined
intervals. In other words, you can set up your autoresponder to automatically
send out a new message each day for as many days as you would like.
Not all autoresponders will enable you to create follow-up messages. However,
the following services will:
http://www.getresponse.com
http://www.aweber.com
If you'd rather have your own autoresponder system that resides on your server,
I recommend using AutoResponse Plus:
http://www.web-source.net/cgi-bin/t.cgi?l=autoplus
The first step in creating an autoresponder course is to decide upon a subject.
Your course should focus on a subject in which you have a great deal of knowledge
and target your potential customers.
Once you have selected your subject, you'll need to make a list of topics.
Each topic will represent one lesson. If you have five topics, then you can
offer your visitors a free 5-day course. If you have ten topics, then you
can offer your visitors a free 10-day course and so on.
Separate each of your topics into course lessons. Your first lesson should
welcome your subscriber to your course and explain a little bit about what
they are going to learn, followed by the first lesson.
The key to creating a successful autoresponder course is to provide quality
information that will be of interest to your target audience. Each daily
topic must contain valuable information or your reader may decide to unsubscribe.
In addition, make sure you include information in regard to your course such
as the lesson number, lesson title, information about your products or services
and highlights of the next lesson.
Your course should identify a problem, provide advice in regard to solving
the problem and provide the solution with your products or services. Keep
in mind, your course should not be written like a sales letter. It must provide
quality information written to teach and inform.
Autoresponders are an absolute essential part of developing a successful
Internet business. The more you can automate your tasks, the more time you'll
have for more important things, such as making more sales.
Copyright © Shelley
Lowery
About the Author:
Shelley Lowery is the author of the acclaimed web design course, Web Design
Mastery.
http://www.webdesignmastery.com
And, Ebook Starter - Give Your Ebooks the look and feel of a REAL book.
http://www.ebookstarter.com
Visit Web-Source.net to sign up for a complimentary subscription to Etips
and receive a copy of the acclaimed ebook, "Killer Internet Marketing
Strategies."
http://www.web-source.net
You have permission to publish this article electronically, in print,
in your ebook or on your web site, free of charge, as long as the author
bylines are included.
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