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WHERE TO
USE AUTORESPONDERS
by: Cary Christian
We've talked before about the benefit of using autoresponders in your
marketing efforts, but there still seems to be a lot of confusion about
where and how to use them.
First off, autoresponders are a terrific timesaver, especially if you
receive a lot of requests for information. The time it takes to personally
respond to a large number of similar emails can become quite inhibiting.
Second, autoresponders give you a terrific way of following up with
prospects on a schedule without having to remember to do the follow-ups and,
again, without having to spend the time to follow-up manually.
But where do you put these things so they can start working for you 24 hours
a day?
1. YOUR WEBSITE
There are a number of ways you can use autoresponders on your website:
- Have a page where you offer free email courses with each each course set
up on its own autoresponder. People who visit your site can sign up any time
of day or night and you don't have to be involved in the process. Naturally,
the email course should be designed to help you increase sales.
- Offer answers to frequently asked questions or support issues via
autoresponder. This can be a tremendous time saver.
- Offer more in-depth information on your products or tips for using your
products via autoresponder. You can even offer a complete catalogue and
periodic updates automatically.
2. CLASSIFIED ADS
We've talked before about how classified ads are generally worthless for
actually trying to sell something. But they're good for giving something
away for free. Offer your email courses, with your advertisements or subtle
sales message included, on free classified ad boards, in ezines, and
anywhere else where you can post a short ad. Get that autoresponder address
out there wherever it might be seen.
3. IN YOUR SIGNATURE FILE
If you're not using a signature block on every email you send out, you're
missing a great opportunity. Place an appropriate short ad and autoresponder
address in your signature file wherever you can use one. Using a signature
file on your personal and business emails is a given, but remember to use
them when you post on forums and newsgroups as well. Here's an example:
Cary Christian
Learn how to become a high-earning affiliate
champion with the free Affiliate Masters Course
mailto:tamspeaksbc@sitesell.net
Your signature file can be three to five lines long and you should keep each
line under 60 characters to make sure it will always display properly no
matter what email client the recipients of your emails are using.
4. OFFLINE MATERIALS
Let's not forget that people live offline, too! Put your autoresponder
address on business cards, stationery and other printed materials you use in
the brick and mortar world.
5. IN FREEBIES AND OTHER GIVE AWAY PRODUCTS
If you're using free downloads, like software or ebooks, to create some
viral marketing for your website, don't forget to use your autoresponder
address in these items. This will help make your viral marketing efforts
just that much more viral by multiplying the effects of your activities.
STILL DON'T HAVE AN AUTORESPONDER?
Autoresponders are among the most effective and efficient tools you can use.
You're really short-changing yourself if you're ignoring their potential.
Not sure where to get one?
There are a number of free autoresponder options available these days, but
most of them will include an ad at the very top of the email. This detracts
from your message. If you must use a free one, FreeAutobot at
http://www.freeautobot.com/
works well. You'll be somewhat bombarded with ads while you're working on
the site, but they do not include ads in your emails.
If you want an outstanding professional autoresponder you can't go wrong
with GetResponse's Smart Responder. It's just terrific and you can get it at
http://www.getresponse.com/index/43791
You should take every chance you get to put as much of your online business
on autopilot as possible. There's a great feeling in knowing that you're
selling even when you're fast asleep!
Copyright (c) 2002 |
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