Autoresponder best practise for newbies
Autoresponders are one of the most important components of marketing automation and allow marketers to generate new leads 24/7. If you're new to autoresponders, it's probably a little daunting however the process is very simple, and there are plenty of tools that can be used that are highly recommended by the digital marketing community.
In their simplest form autoresponders are automatic emails that are sent to a mailing list during a promotional campaign, while they may seem simple and unimportant, they are the beating heart of digital marketing and can be automatically triggered based on consumer behaviour to subscribers.
Gone are the days of manual emails, autoresponders can be created for a range of triggers and are an effective way to move consumers along in the buying cycle and engage with subscribers immediately after they have responded to a campaign or CTA.
Autoresponders provide more opportunities for digital marketers and can be used for blogs, e-commerce, and a wide range of websites.
Best practise for autoresponders
Autoresponder tools to consider
While there is not one tool that stands out to be the holy grail of autoresponders, there are plenty of services and tools that are used by a huge number of loyal followers that you may consider looking at to see if they meet your needs.
You can usually base your decision on what features you need for your autoresponder and how clear your needs are for your autoresponder software.
Tools available for autoresponders include:
While this is certainly not an exhaustive list, this is probably a good start to get a feel for what's available and the features you can access from an autoresponder program.
Do's and Don'ts of Autoresponders
While it may seem like an autoresponder is the answer to your email marketing problems, marketers should be aware of a few do's and don'ts for autoresponders.
I'm interested to hear which autoresponders people are using and if they are effective. Feel free to share your experience and which programs have provided results for your campaigns.
In their simplest form autoresponders are automatic emails that are sent to a mailing list during a promotional campaign, while they may seem simple and unimportant, they are the beating heart of digital marketing and can be automatically triggered based on consumer behaviour to subscribers.
Gone are the days of manual emails, autoresponders can be created for a range of triggers and are an effective way to move consumers along in the buying cycle and engage with subscribers immediately after they have responded to a campaign or CTA.
Autoresponders provide more opportunities for digital marketers and can be used for blogs, e-commerce, and a wide range of websites.
Best practise for autoresponders
- Build an email list - having an email list and a good one at that is essential for an autoresponder campaign, developing a managing your list is an artform in itself and I am sure there are plenty of posts on the forum that will provide some tips on best practice in this area.
- Incorporate an engaging subject line - get your point across in the subject line otherwise you can kiss goodbye your subscriber opening up your email. While that may sound a little harsh, your subject line will be a make or break for your open rate.
- Create compelling content - continuing the killer content in your autoresponder is key, don't rest on your laurels, develop content that matches your strategy within the customer life cycle. Sure key messages and included as well as any CTA's and contact details you wish to include.
- Make the autoresponder mobile friendly - this pretty much speaks for itself, mobile optimised is the way to go, and if you're not providing the content in mobile-friendly formats you are missing out on all your clients who are viewing on smartphones.
- Track the performance of your autoresponder - tracking your analytical data provides so much insight into consumer behaviour and it is an essential way to gather data for your subscribers.
Autoresponder tools to consider
While there is not one tool that stands out to be the holy grail of autoresponders, there are plenty of services and tools that are used by a huge number of loyal followers that you may consider looking at to see if they meet your needs.
You can usually base your decision on what features you need for your autoresponder and how clear your needs are for your autoresponder software.
Tools available for autoresponders include:
- AWeber - perfect if you are managing a list of thousands and you collect leads via the web. Ideally suited for online opt-in forms, AWeber is touted as one of the better autoresponders for digital marketers. https://www.aweber.com/landing.htm
- MailChimp - probably one of the first option for most marketers starting out, this autoresponder is available for free for under 500 users and can be upgraded as needed. MailChimp is simple to use a great option for beginners. Send better email. Sell more stuff. | MailChimp
- Constant Contact - another popular favourite, Constant Contact is a great tool to consider and suitable for lists of tens of thousands. http://www.constantcontact.com
- Infusionsoft - moving towards the bigger lists or 50,000 plus Infusionsoft is a more complex program, and if you're up to speed with the ins and out of the program you can set up some specific sequences that will allow you to do far more with your autoresponder. http://www.infusionsoft.com
- GetResponse - ideal for small business, this autoresponder program is well known for a swag of features and is suitable for lists in the tens of thousands.
- Email Marketing Software & Autoresponder from GetResponse
While this is certainly not an exhaustive list, this is probably a good start to get a feel for what's available and the features you can access from an autoresponder program.
Do's and Don'ts of Autoresponders
While it may seem like an autoresponder is the answer to your email marketing problems, marketers should be aware of a few do's and don'ts for autoresponders.
Aim to use a text format for your first autoresponder, to allow for your email to pass through spam filters and any tests in your recipient's server; then you can switch to HTML or get a little fancier.Autoresponders can seriously accelerate your growth if done correctly and can optimise your marketing campaign. While they may be slightly underrated, they are highly efficient and well worth the effort in the marketing and consumer life cycle.
Maintain your list regularly and ensure your list is accurate and your subscriber's details are being updated as they respond to an email campaign.
Update the content of your autoresponders regularly and keep it fresh and exciting. If your autoresponder has time-specific information or content, update it so it makes sense to the subscriber and doesn't feel out of date.
Check for spelling and grammar, and any issues that make the autoresponder appear unprofessional.
I'm interested to hear which autoresponders people are using and if they are effective. Feel free to share your experience and which programs have provided results for your campaigns.