In saying this I realize that unless your autoreponder is making you money or saving you time then it just does not make sense to pay for one. I used a free service for 3 months before going with a paid service and that was only because of the extra features and the fact that I was making a few sales with my autoresponder series.
It all comes done to your needs, if you are selling a product the last thing you want is competitors ads in your autoresponder messages (which many free services do). I have put together a list of some of the needs that an autoreponder will fulfill and a few options of service providers that I feel best meet those needs.
- Sending a reply to a message sent to your autoresponder address
This can be very handy for when you are unavailable for an extended amount of time or even just to send out a FAQ reply with an alternate email to answer more in depth questions. The best thing about this option is the fact that you more than likely already have your free solution. Your web host (if you have a web site) typically supplies this basic option. The address of these autoresponders normally look like this name@yourdomain.com with your name and domain featuring in this option it has a very professional look. If you don't have a web host or they don't provide this service it can be found here freeautobot.com (Yes like every thing on the net they may try to sell you something but just sign up for the free account) - Creating an opt-in form (captures email addresses for newsletters, ezines, giveaways, reviews ect)
If you want to start a using an autoresponder to its full potential you need to start capturing email addresses of potential customers. The best way to do this is typically with a bonus or give away offer, free subscription or just great content in your newsletter. This makes autoresponder services with features that allow attached files a winner. There are many kinds of opt-in forms including a simple form on your website to the unblockable hover opt-ins (controversial as they are they do work, so I hear). The best services are ones that you just type your text, ad your pics and then it creates the script that you paste on your site (this makes things much easier). Here are my two favourite sites for creating opt-in forms. Getreponse. simple cut and paste and you get the option of using the unblockable hover if you so desire. Getresponse free account The second is called Reponders.net, this site has many great free options including opt in forms creation, I also like the general look feel and navigation of this site. - Creating sequential messages (Pre written messages sent at a pre determined time, some will even let you set this to within a minute)
This is the real power of autoresponders, send newsletters, followups, reviews, thank you for purchase, free reports ect. The best part is the fact that you can run different series of messages, one for existing customers, one for potential customers, one for people who's favourite colour is red, one for people who's favourite colour is blue ect. What ever questions you have in your opt in form can determine which series they receive and its all automatic. They say it takes an average of seven messages to make a sale (the trust thing again) and sequential messages are perfect for this as well as really looking after your existing customers. Most of the Free services have a bit of advertising in your message or send you a promotional email from time to time. Here are my top 2 picks I like Getresponse because you have the option of upgrading and you don't have to set up all of your messages again (they are also the best out of all the main players for a paid serivce. Getresponse free account. The second is SendFree. I just don't like there interface as much but they have some good points like marketing advice and an exchange auto responder adverts program. SendFree Free Account.
Note: I always put a little "sponsor" link in my potential customers messages with a similar product that I get commissions for and find I well and truly pay for my autoresponder service that way. I use getresponse and pay $17.95 a month but you save $70 if you sign for a year.
