Types of Autoresponder Systems – Which Is Best?

Types of Autoresponder Systems – Which Is Best?

Most online sales occur during the follow-up process. An autoresponder enables you to do this automatically by sending one or several emails at different intervals of time. Because there are so many different types of autoresponder systems it can be confusing trying to decide which one is best.

Types of autoresponders:

Single autoresponders

These types of autoresponders are usually included in your web hosting account. They automatically generate a single e-mail response. This can be used very effectively for answering frequently asked questions. For example you can place a question on your web page and link the answer to your autoresponder. The autoresponder software automatically sends the answer to the customer’s e-mail box.

Sequential autoresponders

These are used to send out a series of e-mail messages automatically over time. For example you can set up your autoresponder to deliver a new e-mail lesson every week for one year. This helps you to free up time to run your business. They also automatically store the emails in a database. This enables you to easily manage your list or even several lists at the same time. For example you can send an email to everyone on your list or several lists at once.

Types of autoresponder systems – Which type is best?

There are 3 types of autoresponder systems. Web-based, Scripts, Desktop applications

1. Web-based

These are self hosted solutions where you pay a monthly fee for the service. You simply login to your web-based account to create your series of e-mails. Your e-mail lists are stored on their servers and they provide the code for sign-up forms to be placed within your web pages. Companies like Aweber have the reputation of high e-mail deliverability to ensure your e-mails get delivered to your customers.

2. Scripts

This is a script that is installed on your server. If you are not able to install it yourself you can hire a person to do it for you. The cost of the installation will be much less than paying monthly fees. One of the problems associated with using an autoresponder script is that you may have to deal with deliverability problems and spam complaints.

3. Desktop application

This is software that’s installed on your computer. It’s easy to set up and maintain and has a high degree of customization. Your mailing lists will always be on your computer so you’ll have total control.

My recommendation

If you’re creating multiple email lists, want to ensure the deliverability of your e-mail, and not worry about spam complaints I would go with a web-based autoresponder system. The monthly fee will pay for itself by saving you time, money and hassles.