Jul 10
30
Autoresponder
You have probably heard the term ‘autoresponder’ many times being talked about over the internet in several places on the internet such as forums, blogs etc. Let’s talk about what is an autoresponder, how does it function and what is its purpose.
An autoresponder is an email service program which sends responds or emails automatically.
Why anyone would wish to send automatic emails?
As an online business owner you need to effectively communicate with the visitors coming to your website. It’s a proven fact if you’re selling some product or service online your prospects need to be reminded at least 7 to 12 times before they actually buy your product.
The autoresponder program helps you to send these reminders automatically. You can pre format the follow up emails to be sent to your prospects and it would send them automatically at some interval of time as specified by you.
The following steps would clarify how it works:
1) You need to set up an account with the autoresponder service provider
2) You prepare an confirmation email, a welcome message, follow up messages and other pre arranged emails and store them into your account
3) You place an opt-in form on your website
4) Your prospect submit his/her name and email into the opt-in form
5) Name and email of your prospect is stored into your autoresponder list
6) It automatically sends the emails to your prospects at pre determined intervals.
To remind them continuously about the features and benefits of your products or services that you are promoting through your website, you need to know a proper contact email of your prospect.
The opt-in forms provided by your autoresponder service fulfill this need. They come with an opt-in form that you can install on your website which in turn facilitate your visitors to seek more information, subscribe to your newsletter or agree to receive updates from you.
The concept of opt-in has its origins in immoral and unethical practice of spamming people with unsolicited promotions and scams. Spam is sending emails to someone with an intention to promote products or services without a prior consent of that person. Spamming is illegal and banned in most of the services.
The concept of opt-in necessarily requires that the prospect opts-in or choose willingly to receive offers, promotions or any information for that matter from specific person or website.
This would safeguard both the prospect and the marketer. This would protect the prospect from being annoyed and scammed. The marketer would be protected from being accused of spamming.
The ways an autoresponder can be used
1) Lead generation
A lead is someone who can be your customer and could buy your product or service. The autoresponder allows you to generate leads through an opt-in form and manage your list of leads.
2) Product promotion and follow up
Autoresponders are mainly used for promoting the products or services and to effectively follow up with the prospects.
3) Running a newsletter
You may run an online newsletter to which people can subscribe through your opt-in form and you can share useful information with them. Your autoresponder will send periodical updates to your subscribers relieving you of the task of sending the information manually. Also, it can facilitate your subscribers to opt-out if they decide not to receive any further emails from you.
This option within your emails is very important and it would save you from being charged with spamming.
4) After sales services
They can be used to communicate with the buyers about the status of their online transaction. An autoresponder would send an email to a buyer who has just made a purchase on your website that an transaction is completed successfully or it may send a download link for your digital product once buyer finished his online payment.
Conclusion
An autoresponder email service is essential for your online marketing business. It effectively helps you to market your products or services and have a high level of customer engagement through regular communication.
