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Service Based Or Self Hosted Autoresponder?

by CPA
11 replies
I've seen many people argue about this in other threads.

Give your opinion here.

Most people believe that it's better using a service like GR or aweber because if you use a self hosted one you'll get blocked by mail delivering services or whatever.

Thoughts?
#autoresponder #based #hosted #service
  • Profile picture of the author Jagged
    Originally Posted by CPA View Post

    I've seen many people argue about this in other threads.
    If you have seen this hashed out in other threads...wouldn't you have seen this already answered in those other threads?

    Just do a serach on this topic (there have been many previous threads regarding autoresponders). Your questions will be answered there...

    Rule of thumb....and summary of most of those other threads....web based beats self hosted on "deliverability" hands down!

    Good luck,
    Ken
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  • Profile picture of the author markwinder
    CPA - I've been wrestling with this issue for a while, myself.

    And - while I agree with Jagged above that deliverability is important, I actually made my decision based on cost (originally, at least).

    At the outset, I decided to go for a hosted solution over a web-based one because I knew I would be making a one-time payment and I'd own the software outright. I was less concerned about deliverability because I knew that I could control each email I sent out (simply run it through a spam filter and you know right away if you're going to get filtered out or not).

    The downside of this approach was that my web-host has a threshold of a few hundred emails sent per hour. What this meant was that I had to throttle back my autoresponder in order to stay within the limits of that threshold. And all that means is just a little time in between mailings - which I'm fine with.

    However, the web-based solutions are OK with the mass mailings (as are some hosting companies). And they also offer tools that check for spam and ensure levels of deliverability, etc. However, they do it all at a monthly charge. I know for me, that I've had good deliverability (based on read-rates), and I've ultimately saved money.

    That said, I'm starting to move into a web-service because I'm about to ramp up my customer acquisition, and want to ensure a quicker turn-around for my mailings.

    So in the end - I'll end up with both.

    I know it's not a definitive answer, but hopefully it sheds some light on the pros and cons of both. Ultimately, the autoresponder just needs to work for you, within the limitations of what you want to accomplish in your business.

    Hope that helps!

    - Mark.
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  • Profile picture of the author Michael Mayhew
    I've used self-hosted Autoresponse Plus script since 2002, I believe?
    Deliverability has NEVER been an issue and I can add all the leads I want. (My leads that I've gotten from different optins/sites.)
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  • Profile picture of the author CPA
    Thanks guys I believe almost everybody votes for web based ones.

    What issues do you face when using self hosted autoresponders?
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    • Profile picture of the author radhika
      Originally Posted by CPA View Post

      What issues do you face when using self hosted autoresponders?
      You need little technical skills to manage your autoresponder (though you let somebody install it for you)
      ex: like if your software throwing an error, you need to contact your software provider and follow the instructions.

      .
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      • Profile picture of the author Troy McDonald
        I think there are reasons for every type of Autoresponder:

        1. If you are new to the internet, then a 3rd party service might be best for you.

        2. If you have special needs (such as working with co-registration and many other things) then software installed on your own server is best.

        3. Some of the Desktop software has a lot of cool features that I have yet to see on any web based autoresponder and should only be used in a rare "special needs" case, because it relies on your desktop computer, issues with an ISP, etc.

        4. I also believe that 1 & 2 can be used together for the best of both worlds.

        Again, things all depend on your end goal and how you want to reach it.
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  • Profile picture of the author Jeff Henshaw
    What issues do you face when using self hosted autoresponders?
    Your host! On at least two counts:

    1. Deliverability - certain hosting providers may not be welcome by other providers' server filters.

    2. If you have large lists then you might be constrained in how many emails you can send in a period.

    If you are going self hosted, then I would recommend consulting your host before you purchase and install your AR script.

    Regards,
    Jeff Henshaw.
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  • Profile picture of the author freudianslip27
    I really don't think there is a substitute for service based autoresponders. I have a double optin setup and i still receive complaints sometimes! I guess people forget what they signed up for, lol.

    It seems like if you are self hosting your autoresponder and mailing, you really have to take care of a lot of details to do it right, something that is so much easier solved by paying someone $30 a month to do it for you.

    Matt
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    • Profile picture of the author ardnutt
      My business partner and myself offer an online Autoresponder service: (Along the same lines as Aweber, getresponse etc..)
      I have to say that whilst self hosted AR scripts jump out as being the most cost effective option, the important thing to remember with 3rd party autoresponders like Aweber, is you're not paying for features, believe me, there worth 2 a penny... It's delivery rates.

      Firstly, if your webspace is on a shared server, there's a pretty good chance your IP will already be blacklisted. That's even before you start!

      I had to go through a lengthy process with each of the major ISP's - AOL, Yahoo, MSN etc, to qualify to be added to their "Whitelist"

      I don't mind saying it had to be the most complicated, technically confusing process I have EVER had to complete. Made worse by the fact each of them has DIFFERENT requirements to qualify for a placement on their respective Whitelists.

      A dedicated server under your full control is a must to begin with. Then after creating your FBL (FeedbackLoop - A way of proving you are in total control of the server) and becoming members of various schemes and programs, all different and all specific to each ISP's specifications: Ie: Joining MSN's Sender ID program, which can only be done once you've created your official SPF Record entry and configured your reverse Domain name Servers to something considered appropriate by each of the ISP's and that falls within their guidlines..... And so it goes on!

      After all this, even then there's NO GUARANTEE all emails from your IP address will get through, and you have to consistently prove you're doing everything possible to minimize bounced emails, dealing with SPAM reports in a timely manner etc. Else they can and will, remove you INSTANTLY from their whitelist, WITHOUT NOTICE.

      I can honestly say setting up the script, integrating it with our website, graphics etc was a "Walk in the park" compared to the time and effort we put in to ensuring our eligibility to join these Whitelists, and the ongoing workload that is required to prove we are monitoring the total email traffic from our server.

      All this is essential to maintaining our delivery levels alongside that of Aweber and the such.

      A nightmare is an understatement!

      When choosing which service is best for you, don't underestimate what the 3rd Party providers have to go through to keep their delivery levels as high as they are (or claim they are...?!?)

      The major ISP's are unforgiving and non discriminating regarding who is on their whitelist and who's removed. And they have been known to "Move the Goal Posts" on more than one occasion!

      If a SINGLE person on AOL hits the SPAM button (whether intentional or not) regarding a message sent from our IP, I receive an email from AOL which I have to action on an individual basis, so the time involved.... Well, you do the maths! It's unbelievably time consuming.
      Trust me, I know.

      You can read more about some of the standards required here:
      DeliveryRates

      And if you do use your own hosted Autoresponder, make sure you check out the thankyou page example shown on the above page, thats the ONLY 100% guaranteed way to make sure your messages get to your subscribers inbox, no matter which service you choose.
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  • Profile picture of the author jameswatson
    Got to agree with the others here. Its crazy not to use a reputable company like aweber or getresponse for your autoresponders. Especially if you're a small business or just starting out.

    Big companies with huge resources can do it themselves however... and good luck to them
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