Autoresponder Tip: You Don't Want to Do This...

J.Knight · 11-21-2008, 01:51 AM

Hey guys,

I'm just puttin' together my new series of emails, when I just thought of something.

You see, I was asking myself the age old question, "what interval should I have between autoresponder emails?"

Then I thought, "I wonder are there days which people are more likely to open and read their emails?"

I don't have an answer to that question, but I'm sure there are days (maybe like Monday) where people just go through and quickly delete anything which is not of critical importance.

That being the case, I figured it would be unwise to stick to a 7 day interval period between emails.

Reason: if a person happens to sign up on Monday (for example), then your emails are always going to be coming in on the day when they do their weekly inbox spring clean!

Not good!

So it's best to use a 'staggered' interval period. You may ocassionally land on a 'bad day', but it will never happen all the time.

Hope this little thought is helpful.

JK

scheda · 11-21-2008, 01:55 AM

Seth Godin actually has some good statistics on this somewhere. Search on his blog perhaps. I believe Thursday and Sunday were the days he had the most opened emails, and it was early in the morning.

I could be way off on that though, it's been a while since I heard what he had said about it.

Shaun OReilly · 11-21-2008, 02:34 AM

The best time to send out an autoresponder or newsletter
depends upon your target market and their behavior.

Here's a ludicrous example:

If I were targeting Priests and Vicars, Sundays would not
be a good day to contact them (they're pretty occupied
that day).

If I were targeting Rabbis on the other hand, then of
course Saturdays would likely not be a good day to get
them to read their e-mails.

I don't target any of these of course but I hope it
illustrates the point.

Your market has their own best day and time.

There is no one best day or time to send out an e-mail
that works for every industry.

Simply put, you need to test things out for your target
market - and let their response (or lack of it) tell you
exactly what the best day is *for them*.

The same goes for timing of e-mails.

If you're targeting stay-at-home moms then maybe
the afternoon is a good time or later in the evening
after 9pm (when the kids are in bed) - test and see.

If you're targeting people who are working and want
to build their own business on the side, maybe early
mornings or evenings are best (when they're not at
their jobs) - test and see.

Plus, with e-mail newsletters etc, you need to also
know the demographics of your list.

Are most of the people on your list in the US, UK,
Australia etc? - because they're all in different time
zones.

So in summary - test and track for your target market
and let them tell you when they are most responsive -
by their behavior.

Oh and if someone signs-up to your list at a particular
time and day - that may be a good time to get them
online every week and you guessed it...

Test and see.

Dedicated to your success,

Shaun

Neil Morgan · 11-21-2008, 03:46 AM

Here's an interesting report that someone posted a link to earlier this week:

Never on Sunday? Rethink Your E-mail Schedule - ClickZ

Cheers,

Neil

onlineleben · 11-21-2008, 04:41 AM

same applies to time of day: some have good results with sending in the early hours so the mail is in the inbox in the morning, I prefer sending just before lunchtime (because cleaning of overnight/moning emails is done and maybe some free time during lunch break), others send around the same time the person registered as the possibility of them having time to read the email is high at time.

Martin.Avis · 11-21-2008, 04:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by J.Knight

I don't have an answer to that question, but I'm sure there are days (maybe like Monday) where people just go through and quickly delete anything which is not of critical importance.

I don't have the answer to the original question either, but as a successful ezine producer I can tell you that the clue is in what you wrote:

If, as a writer/publisher, you strive to provide your readers with good value, great content and a consistently interesting read, then YOUR ezine will always be of critical importance to them.

Then it won't matter when you send it out - they'll be waiting, eager to read it.

Martin

J.Knight · 11-21-2008, 07:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Martin.Avis

I don't have the answer to the original question either, but as a successful ezine producer I can tell you that the clue is in what you wrote:

If, as a writer/publisher, you strive to provide your readers with good value, great content and a consistently interesting read, then YOUR ezine will always be of critical importance to them.

Then it won't matter when you send it out - they'll be waiting, eager to read it.

Martin

Martin dude, I was thinking that after I posted it.

I've been bustin my butt over here trying to put together a captivating series of emails. Trying my hardest to take a unique approach.

Time will tell if it works or not.

At any rate, you're right. There's only one goal we should have... publish stuff that's so great, it's the first email people click on when they see our names in their inbox.

JK

Bearded · 11-21-2008, 07:19 AM

A 7 day interval is not a bad idea. Heres why. If someone signed up on monday at 3 pm, it's likely they had some time and were sitting it front of their computer at that time for a reason. If their schedule stays consistent they'll also be in front of their computer the next week at that time.

Now, sure, depending on the market you may want to send more than once a week, but don't discount this strategy. Maybe set intervals of 3, then 4 for your first 2 messages.

Joe

J.Knight · 11-21-2008, 07:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bearded

A 7 day interval is not a bad idea. Heres why. If someone signed up on monday at 3 pm, it's likely they had some time and were sitting it front of their computer at that time for a reason. If their schedule stays consistent they'll also be in front of their computer the next week at that time.

Joe...either I'm a dummy, or you're a genius.

I never thought of that!

JK

Shaun OReilly · 11-21-2008, 07:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bearded

A 7 day interval is not a bad idea. Heres why. If someone signed up on monday at 3 pm, it's likely they had some time and were sitting it front of their computer at that time for a reason. If their schedule stays consistent they'll also be in front of their computer the next week at that time.
Joe

Quote:

Originally Posted by J.Knight

Joe...either I'm a dummy, or you're a genius.

I never thought of that!

JK

Joe is in fact a genius with supreme mental powers.

He was able - by the force of his mind - to transport that
very idea into my mind so that I posted it earlier in the thread

Quote:

Originally Posted by Shaun OReilly

Oh and if someone signs-up to your list at a particular
time and day - that may be a good time to get them
online every week and you guessed it...

Test and see.

J.Knight · 11-21-2008, 07:58 AM

If I couldn't laugh at myself, I'd cry...

...then I'd probably throw myself in the rubbish/trash!

Shaun buddy, I'm glad you're dedicated to my success. I'd be a lost cause if it wasn't so!

JK

Note to self: Try getting to bed before 3am some time this week. It might help.

Loren Woirhaye · 11-21-2008, 08:06 AM

Interest in your "offer" is greatest at initial sign-up - and
people will gradually forget WHO you are and WHY they
signed up... and unsubscribe because their original impetus
of desire has faded away.

I send them out on 3-4 day intervals for quite a while -
it's a lot of work but I've found "the more you tell the
more you sell," - it's top-of-mind-awareness that counts.

J.Knight · 11-21-2008, 08:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Loren Woirhaye

Interest in your "offer" is greatest at initial sign-up - and
people will gradually forget WHO you are and WHY they
signed up... and unsubscribe because their original impetus
of desire has faded away.

Which is why:

1. I'm going to encourage them to add me to Twitter.

2. My first email tells them I've got another free gift for them on the way, which they have to wait 3-4 emails for.

Anyone know of other ways to 'open a loop' as it were, which keeps people interested and makes it feel like they'd be missing out if they unsubscribe?

JK

Ben_Curtis · 11-21-2008, 08:21 AM

The guy I most trust, and have bought the most from, doesn't send me an email but once every few weeks. Really! But when he does, he gives me a valuable freebie, with some other options to buy as well. He comes across as so real that I am convinced he would like to help me succeed, and he has. Nearly everybody else, especially those who fill my inbox with only opportunities to buy, are just names to me. I am more apt to delete them.
He emails on a Tuesday, usually.
I'm only one person, but this is just what gets to me!

Louis Raven · 11-26-2008, 12:30 PM

Also, I presume many send their mail in the morning as it's when I get most of my own emails. Try sending in the afternoon as to not be thrown out with the gargage or hidden amongst others

Louis

Floyd Fisher · 11-26-2008, 01:54 PM

There is no such thing as a general best time or day to send an email broadcast.

If you find such an elusive beast, rest assured it's specific to you and applies to no one else.

When should you send one? How about when you actually to say that will benefit your list?

Make that your rule, and any day you choose is a good day to send an email.

Getting email opened is simple: develop a reputation for sending out good, relevant content instead of pitchfests and other crap, and people will actually want to open your emails regardless of the day or time you send them.

11-21-2008, 01:51 AM	#1
J.Knight HyperActive Warrior Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Oz Posts: 245 Thanks: 6 Thanked 29 Times in 16 Posts Social Networking	Autoresponder Tip: You Don't Want to Do This... Hey guys, I'm just puttin' together my new series of emails, when I just thought of something. You see, I was asking myself the age old question, *"what interval should I have between autoresponder emails?"* Then I thought, "I wonder are there days which people are more likely to open and read their emails?" I don't have an answer to that question, but I'm sure there are days (maybe like Monday) where people just go through and quickly delete anything which is not of critical importance. That being the case, I figured it would be unwise to stick to a 7 day interval period between emails. Reason: if a person happens to sign up on Monday (for example), then your emails are always going to be coming in on the day when they do their weekly inbox spring clean! Not good! So it's best to use a 'staggered' interval period. You may ocassionally land on a 'bad day', but it will never happen all the time. Hope this little thought is helpful. JK
	You Absolutely DO NOT Want >>> This FREE Report <<< It May Change Your Life! Like to chitter? Add me on Twitter!

11-21-2008, 01:55 AM	#2
scheda HyperActive Warrior Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: SC, USA Posts: 101 Thanks: 23 Thanked 7 Times in 6 Posts Contact Info	Re: Autoresponder Tip: You Don't Want to Do This... Seth Godin actually has some good statistics on this somewhere. Search on his blog perhaps. I believe Thursday and Sunday were the days he had the most opened emails, and it was early in the morning. I could be way off on that though, it's been a while since I heard what he had said about it.
	Get your Free copy of "The Science of Getting Rich" below. www.WeManifestSuccess.com

11-21-2008, 02:34 AM	#3
Shaun OReilly Advanced Warrior Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Nottingham , United Kingdom. Posts: 915 Thanks: 30 Thanked 98 Times in 40 Posts Social Networking	Re: Autoresponder Tip: You Don't Want to Do This... The best time to send out an autoresponder or newsletter *depends upon your target market and their behavior.* Here's a ludicrous example: If I were targeting Priests and Vicars, Sundays would not be a good day to contact them (they're pretty occupied that day). If I were targeting Rabbis on the other hand, then of course Saturdays would likely not be a good day to get them to read their e-mails. I don't target any of these of course but I hope it illustrates the point. *Your market has their own best day and time.* There is no one best day or time to send out an e-mail that works for every industry. Simply put, you need to test things out for your target market - and let their response (or lack of it) tell you exactly what the best day is for them. The same goes for timing of e-mails. If you're targeting stay-at-home moms then maybe the afternoon is a good time or later in the evening after 9pm (when the kids are in bed) - test and see. If you're targeting people who are working and want to build their own business on the side, maybe early mornings or evenings are best (when they're not at their jobs) - test and see. Plus, with e-mail newsletters etc, you need to also know the demographics of your list. Are most of the people on your list in the US, UK, Australia etc? - because they're all in different time zones. So in summary - test and track for your target market and let them tell you when they are most responsive - by their behavior. Oh and if someone signs-up to your list at a particular time and day - that may be a good time to get them online every week and you guessed it... *Test and see.* Dedicated to your success, Shaun
	Want to Get Lucrative Offline Clients? Get your Free Offline Client Report by going to: http://www.GetOfflineClients.com/warrior/?wfsig

11-21-2008, 03:46 AM	#4
Neil Morgan Senior Warrior Member Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Strathaven, UK Posts: 1,258 Thanks: 27 Thanked 38 Times in 31 Posts Social Networking	Re: Autoresponder Tip: You Don't Want to Do This... Here's an interesting report that someone posted a link to earlier this week: Never on Sunday? Rethink Your E-mail Schedule - ClickZ Cheers, Neil
	AutoResponse Plus ~ Kick-start 2009 with free bonuses worth $1,437 My Twitter ~ Follow me on Twitter ScoreforSpam ~ Swerve round over-zealous spam traps

11-21-2008, 04:41 AM	#5
onlineleben HyperActive Warrior Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: , , . Posts: 266 Thanks: 7 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Re: Autoresponder Tip: You Don't Want to Do This... same applies to time of day: some have good results with sending in the early hours so the mail is in the inbox in the morning, I prefer sending just before lunchtime (because cleaning of overnight/moning emails is done and maybe some free time during lunch break), others send around the same time the person registered as the possibility of them having time to read the email is high at time.
	Orchid problems resolved

11-21-2008, 07:19 AM	#8
Bearded HyperActive Warrior Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Chicagoland Posts: 395 Thanks: 1 Thanked 3 Times in 3 Posts Contact Info	Re: Autoresponder Tip: You Don't Want to Do This... A 7 day interval is not a bad idea. Heres why. If someone signed up on monday at 3 pm, it's likely they had some time and were sitting it front of their computer at that time for a reason. If their schedule stays consistent they'll also be in front of their computer the next week at that time. Now, sure, depending on the market you may want to send more than once a week, but don't discount this strategy. Maybe set intervals of 3, then 4 for your first 2 messages. Joe
	> If you're considering joining The Arbitrage Conspiracy, you NEED to see this... < Become a Niche Store Ninja (steal my methods to turn your site into a Cash Cow with BANS) Get an exclusive coupon for 20% off phpBay Pro (only 50 available).

11-21-2008, 07:58 AM	#11
J.Knight HyperActive Warrior Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Oz Posts: 245 Thanks: 6 Thanked 29 Times in 16 Posts Social Networking	Re: Autoresponder Tip: You Don't Want to Do This... If I couldn't laugh at myself, I'd cry... ...then I'd probably throw myself in the rubbish/trash! Shaun buddy, I'm glad you're dedicated to my success. I'd be a lost cause if it wasn't so! JK Note to self: Try getting to bed before 3am some time this week. It might help.
	You Absolutely DO NOT Want >>> This FREE Report <<< It May Change Your Life! Like to chitter? Add me on Twitter!

11-21-2008, 08:06 AM	#12
Loren Woirhaye It's all in your mind... Join Date: May 2006 Location: Amherst, Massachusetts Posts: 1,655 Blog Entries: 7 Thanks: 15 Thanked 86 Times in 72 Posts Social Networking Contact Info	Re: Autoresponder Tip: You Don't Want to Do This... Interest in your "offer" is greatest at initial sign-up - and people will gradually forget WHO you are and WHY they signed up... and unsubscribe because their original impetus of desire has faded away. I send them out on 3-4 day intervals for quite a while - it's a lot of work but I've found "the more you tell the more you sell," - it's top-of-mind-awareness that counts.
	See the hottest VIDEO marketing for WEB PROSPERITY 2009! ________________________________________________ Free 62pg. Recession Survival Guide _________________________"Control Position Manifesto" ...copywriting, and so forth...

11-21-2008, 08:21 AM	#14
Ben_Curtis Info Entrepreneur Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Texas Posts: 142 Blog Entries: 1 Thanks: 91 Thanked 14 Times in 10 Posts	Re: Autoresponder Tip: You Don't Want to Do This... The guy I most trust, and have bought the most from, doesn't send me an email but once every few weeks. Really! But when he does, he gives me a valuable freebie, with some other options to buy as well. He comes across as so real that I am convinced he would like to help me succeed, and he has. Nearly everybody else, especially those who fill my inbox with only opportunities to buy, are just names to me. I am more apt to delete them. He emails on a Tuesday, usually. I'm only one person, but this is just what gets to me!
	Ben Curtis Internet Resources For Newbies Easiest Newbie Affiliate Marketing Blueprint There's a Goldmine in Ghostwriting--Want Yours? GuruCraft: How The Big Guys Do It!

11-26-2008, 12:30 PM	#15
Louis Raven Elite Warrior Member Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: United Kingdom. Posts: 2,695 Blog Entries: 1 Thanks: 122 Thanked 52 Times in 39 Posts Social Networking	Re: Autoresponder Tip: You Don't Want to Do This... Also, I presume many send their mail in the morning as it's when I get most of my own emails. Try sending in the afternoon as to not be thrown out with the gargage or hidden amongst others Louis
	WARNING Have a list of internet marketers? Make $2000 NOW! Even a small list (200) will make you $960 every month.. > Full Details <

11-26-2008, 01:54 PM	#16
Floyd Fisher Senior Warrior Member Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: , , . Posts: 4,460 Thanks: 52 Thanked 25 Times in 13 Posts	Re: Autoresponder Tip: You Don't Want to Do This... There is no such thing as a general best time or day to send an email broadcast. If you find such an elusive beast, rest assured it's specific to you and applies to no one else. When should you send one? How about when you actually to say that will benefit your list? Make that your rule, and any day you choose is a good day to send an email. Getting email opened is simple: develop a reputation for sending out good, relevant content instead of pitchfests and other crap, and people will actually want to open your emails regardless of the day or time you send them.
	For Serious Listbuilders Only