subject: How To Select A Reliable Autoresponder [print this page] How to select a reliable autoresponder How to select a reliable autoresponder
Autoresponders became a necessity for online businesses nowadays. Not only do they make life easier for the businessmen, they also provide reliable service for clients too.
But not all autoresponders are the same. They may or not work to your advantage, depending on the choice you make. That is why it is very important to check the features, capacities and weaknesses of the autoresponder before you integrate it in your system and let it take over some aspects of your business. Here are some things you should know in deciding what autoresponder to choose.
1.Autoresponder interface
The interface of the autoresponder must allow you to manage responders easily. You do not need to have your manual with you all the time just to do some quick adjustments.
If you have a complex interface, there is a greater chance of configuring it the wrong way. Thus, messages will be sent to the wrong persons, or clients will get wrong information.
2.Follow-Up messages
The autoresponders must be capable to send unlimited numbers of follow-up messages at a specified schedule (daily, weekly, monthly, etc.). This way, you do not have to worry about tracking different prospective buyers all the time. The autoresponder will do it for you.
According to experts, it takes at least 7 messages before you get the prospective buyers attention. So just keep follow up messages flowing.
3.On Multiple Autoresponders
It is important for a business to have multiple autoresponders, especially if they have different campaign strategies and customer feedback units. More autoresponders mean more strategic handling of information and customer relations.
4.Inclusion of signature files
Make sure that your signature file is included in the messages sent by your autoresponders. In this way, advertising is maximized. Imagine that you get to advertise free when you use your signature file.
5.Message Formats
Make sure that your autoresponders can send messages properly in all mail programs. The client (or prospect client) will have a hard time reading your messages if it is the wrong format.
6.Send-to-many capability
Some messages need instant dissemination to all of your clients. This includes urgent announcements, promos, advisories, etc.
In that regard, your autoresponder must have a one click button in the interface that allows you to send messages at once, to all email addresses in your list.
7.Manual deletion of members
Unsubscribe functions are common in autoresponders. However, not all of your subscribers are accustomed to use that feature. Oftentimes, they will send an email to you, asking for their deletion in the mailing list. It is then up to you to remove them manually.
8.Importing and Exporting Lists
You must be able to manipulate your mailing lists in autoresponders to maximize the exposure of your products to other sources. In that way, you do not have to start your mailing list from scratch if ever you opt to use other services.
9.On Personalization
Messages must be personalized by placing the names of your clients in the message. In that way, it appears that you are exerting more effort in reaching out to them as compared to sending them a generic advertisement.
Remember that customer feedback is increased up to 70 percent when you address people by their names.
10.On Email Capture
Popup windows that capture email addresses can serve both your business and your site visitors. It will be easier for them to subscribe to your services if they only have to click a button that allows them to be included in the mailing list. So it will be easier for you to find new clients.
11.Filters
It works the same way that filters in emails work. It will get rid of unwanted emails for you so as not to waste your precious time in deleting it manually.
12.Generating forms
Your autoresponder must be capable in creating html forms to ease you on the burdens of making it yourself.
13.Campaign Tracking
Real-time reports must be given by your autoresponders for you to track the success of the campaigns you are conducting.
14.Support System
Your autoresponder service must provide you with assistance whenever you need them. It may come in the form of a website, a service center, or a toll number from which you can ask for help.
After knowing these guidelines, you now know better in getting a reliable autoresponder that will cater to your business needs.
