The Role of the Autoresponder
Once the visitor inputs their name and email address on your landing page, the information is saved in an autoresponder, which you program with a series of email messages and a timeline for them to be sent out. So, for example, the first message might be sent out on the day of sign-up, the second 2 days later and the third 3 days after that, and so on.
Though the concept of using autoresponders does have an impersonal feel and there are times when we all groan to see an autoresponder answering us, the fact is that once your business gains momentum of any kind you just cannot do without this tool. Follow-up is absolutely vital.
Types of Autoresponder
For people who are in MLM, most of the programs have their own autoresponders built into the program's control panel, usually with a series of pre-written emails ready to go. There are also some good generic recruiting systems which provide you with an autoresponder as part of your membership deal.
Whether or not you're in MLM, there are good reasons to have your own stand-alone autoresponder though, and you'll find a number being advertised. Just beware that some systems promoting autoresponders have them set up to market THEIR system, not yours!
Many of the autoresponder providers have both paid and free versions. The practical difference between the two usually lies in advertising - the free version has either the company's advert or paid 3rd party advertising inserted at the top of your messages - and the number of options or features available. For example, the number of campaigns available on a free autoresponder is usually only one. If you have several different businesses, you may want more options than this.
Your very first email contact with the client should be an opt-in request, to ensure that your follow-up emails cannot be regarded as spam. Most of the autoresponder providers set this email up automatically, and the visitor's information isn't registered until they click the confirmation link in that email.
Setting Up an Autoresponder
If you are planning on creating your own capture pages and autoresponder campaigns, you need to either use websites that create pages for you, or else you must have a little knowledge of HTML. If you don't have the knowledge to create your own pages, then sign up for the free online service at Instant Squeeze Page Generator.
Once you have your page, you need to insert the lead capture form. Your autoresponder provider will generate the code for this form for you, already programmed to feed your leads into your account with their system. You copy and paste this code into your page, run a few tests, set up a series of emails, and you're ready to go. Follow the steps provided for you inside the autoresponder account to set up your emails and their timing - and sign yourself up to make sure everything works!
It's also a good idea, on your leadcapture page, to insert just below the form an assurance that the visitor's name and email will not be sold or divulged to 3rd parties. This reassures people when signing up and helps to increase conversion rates. You can use something like this:
NOTE: We respect your Privacy. Your information will not be sold or divulged to any other person, period.
Choosing an Autoresponder
There are two autoresponders of professional quality out there - GetResponse and Aweber. GetResponse has free and paid versions and I recommend it for the following reasons:
- If you start off with the free version and later decide you need more bells and whistles, you can simply upgrade without having to move your subscribers.
- There is no limit on the number of subscribers you can have. But with Aweber, the cost goes up the more subscribers you bring in. Sure, having more subscribers increases your income, but I think it would be rather irksome to be watching subscriber numbers every time a price hike looms.
- GetResponse is a sight more intuitive to operate than some of the systems I've tried - and I'm talking paid systems, here. I exited from one paid system because the website just was not up to my standards of customer usability. In short, it got me angry. (The trials of being a webdesigner!)
After years of trying everything out there, I strongly recommend you to get an account with GetResponse. It's a professional system and free or paid, it's just the best deal there is.
Patricia Howitt
Webdesign, Graphics, Marketing
http://patriciahowitt.com
1st Class Web.Biz
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