Interest in Self Hosted Autoresponder?

by Donimo
14 replies
I am looking to find out the interest among Warriors in self hosted autoresponders?

I have managed to create a system based in PHP which basically completely replaces Aweber for me, and is actually fantastic to use. I have integrated SMTP support so I can send emails directly to inbox, and have also set up tracking like open tracking etc.

Overall, the system has pretty much all of the core features that is required for an autoresponder such as Aweber.

Due to the success I have been having with this autoresponder, I am possibly looking to develop it further, and actually turn it into a system I can sell, so everyone can use it! However, it would be a bit of work to make it usable for all, and I am looking to find out whether it would be worthwhile or not.

The fact that a self hosted autoresponder means no monthly fees (with possible exception to SMTP server), unlimited emails allowed to send, and no stupid limitations like some of which Aweber put on you.

So, would you use a good quality self hosted autoresponder other than a reputable service like Aweber? If so, what would you pay for it if it was really good?
#autoresponder #hosted #interest
  • Profile picture of the author Shaun OReilly
    I already use a self-hosted autoresponder that allows
    me to send e-mails from my own server and external
    SMTP servers like smtp.com, AmazonSES, SendGrid,
    etc.

    Most well-developed scripts like this cost $495+ and
    then the running costs for support and the VPS or
    dedicated server to host the script.

    I don't use a self-hosted autoresponder to save money.
    I use a self-hosted autoresponder to get greater CONTROL
    of the main asset in my business - my list of prospects
    and customers.

    Dedicated to mutual success,

    Shaun
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    .

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    • Profile picture of the author Donimo
      Originally Posted by Shaun OReilly View Post

      I already use a self-hosted autoresponder that allows
      me to send e-mails from my own server and external
      SMTP servers like smtp.com, AmazonSES, SendGrid,
      etc.

      Most well-developed scripts like this cost $495+ and
      then the running costs for support and the VPS or
      dedicated server to host the script.

      Dedicated to mutual success,

      Shaun
      Thanks for your reply! Yeah I'm aware theres some scripts out there that cost upwards of $xxx+, however, the script I've created, if I were to sell it it would be for like $30 max.

      A dedicated server or anything like that is certainly not required either due to the fact the emails get sent through SMTP.
      Signature
      Sendorika
      The cheap, newbie friendly, and super high quality autoresponder.



      Want to become a beta tester for Sendorika? PM me and we can discuss further!
      Twitter: @Sendorika !
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      • Profile picture of the author sethriley
        Originally Posted by Donimo View Post

        Thanks for your reply! Yeah I'm aware theres some scripts out there that cost upwards of +, however, the script I've created, if I were to sell it it would be for like $30 max.
        If you are selling it for $30.00 bucks go ahead and send me a copy over right away. I would be happy to pay $30.00 bucks to get my 60,000 leads back online!
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  • Profile picture of the author blackrabbit
    I think the big benefit of using something like awebber is that you know that they are going to support the system for you - self hosted is great for those of us who know how to support web apps but for the average joe internet marketer I don't think this is possible.

    Maybe reframe your business and provide a cheaper alternative to awebber (especially for those just starting out who don't have any money coming in yet). You could have a free tier for lists with under 50 emails on and then start charging after that. I am guessing you would become the go-to source for newbies to email marketing and then you hook them for life.
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    • Profile picture of the author Donimo
      Originally Posted by blackrabbit View Post

      I think the big benefit of using something like awebber is that you know that they are going to support the system for you - self hosted is great for those of us who know how to support web apps but for the average joe internet marketer I don't think this is possible.

      Maybe reframe your business and provide a cheaper alternative to awebber (especially for those just starting out who don't have any money coming in yet). You could have a free tier for lists with under 50 emails on and then start charging after that. I am guessing you would become the go-to source for newbies to email marketing and then you hook them for life.
      That's an idea! Although that would require an even higher amount of re coding I think, although it could be done if there is a higher demand for that.
      Signature
      Sendorika
      The cheap, newbie friendly, and super high quality autoresponder.



      Want to become a beta tester for Sendorika? PM me and we can discuss further!
      Twitter: @Sendorika !
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    • Profile picture of the author Sinistar
      Originally Posted by blackrabbit View Post

      I think the big benefit of using something like awebber is that you know that they are going to support the system for you - self hosted is great for those of us who know how to support web apps but for the average joe internet marketer I don't think this is possible.
      Serious question: What is a web app and why would I need one for email marketing?
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      • Profile picture of the author Donimo
        Originally Posted by Sinistar View Post

        Serious question: What is a web app and why would I need one for email marketing?
        A Web app could be a Web tool, anything really that is really programmed.

        I think self hosted autoresponder is good because it gives you more control of your list, it's free (excluding hosting) and loads more.
        Signature
        Sendorika
        The cheap, newbie friendly, and super high quality autoresponder.



        Want to become a beta tester for Sendorika? PM me and we can discuss further!
        Twitter: @Sendorika !
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  • Profile picture of the author NewRiseDigital
    Hi Donimo

    I think blackrabbit makes a good point, that self hosting can be something that feels overwhelming for those starting out in internet business. It'd be interesting to see the percentage of people on WarriorForum that use shared hosting vs having their own dedicated or virtual server. I run my own VPS but I've been in IT for 20 years, most newcomers use a simple shared hosting account, and don't necessarily have access to things like Cron Jobs, full root access etc that might be needed for a self hosted application. That said if you can make it as easy as the Wordpress 5 minute install you're onto something!

    I do favour purchasing a one time license over a monthly fee for most software however in the case of autoresponders another thing to take into consideration is MX blacklisting. What would happen if your self hosted autoresponder caused your server to get it's SMTP server blacklisted, your own IP address would be hit on the web as a potentially unsafe IP, and most hosts won't issue you a new IP address for your hosting (at least not without a charge).

    One of the benefits of having a hosted autoresponder is that they take care of managing IP blacklisting and a whole raft of other behind the scenes things that mostly internet marketers don't want to busy themselves with (or they outsource an IT guy to do). A lot of shared hosting also will have limitations on bandwidth for emailing through their SMTP servers, and even a VPS or dedicated server solution has memory limits when you scale out SMTP mailing.

    So would I buy a self hosted autoresponder, probably not. Would I pay for a hosted autoresponder to take away the technical pain and safegaurd my IP addresses - definitely.

    Just my 2 cents!
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    • Profile picture of the author blackrabbit
      InternetBusinessKickStart has provided some great insight in his post - it's easy for us technical guys to get carried away; what is easy for us can be quite hard for those without experience. I think between our two posts there is a business idea there - and if you don't jump on it I think I might
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  • Profile picture of the author Donimo
    I completely agree. It's a really good idea which I believe has a lot of potential as well as a massive market!

    I am certainly going to look into this further.
    Signature
    Sendorika
    The cheap, newbie friendly, and super high quality autoresponder.



    Want to become a beta tester for Sendorika? PM me and we can discuss further!
    Twitter: @Sendorika !
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    • Profile picture of the author total14
      A bit late to the table but have sent you a PM Donimo
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      • Profile picture of the author Alex Awes
        Its so easy for life to get in the way of managing a self hosted email platform.

        You need to:
        • Set up good relationships with the ESPs (email service providers) to allow your emails into peoples inboxes
        • Set up FBLs (Feed Back Loops) to automatically remove bounced, spam complaint emails from your list or add them to your suppression file
        • Make sure that all unsubscribe emails you recieve and actually actioned with 30 days to comply with the CAN-SPAM act
        • Regularly check your email server's IP address is not blacklisted and if it is (this can happen for several reasons and at any time) you need to request the blacklist be removed which requires negotiation, proof by sending logs of activity on your account, proof of optin...
        It's a lot of work.

        My advice start with autoresponders like GetResponse and Awebber. When you are outgrowing their capacity then look at expanding to your private IPs and all the infrastructure involved.

        By then you'll have the finances to handle it. It can cost over $1,000's to send just 1 email if you've got a massive list (100,000's to millions of subscribers) at this scale.

        Start small and grow.
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  • Profile picture of the author SarahsWebsites
    I like the idea of having a self hosted auto-responder, especially if the initial cost is only $30 and is as/or easier than Aweber to use. I think this is especially important to start out with a simple to use efficient low priced product that does the job well. Once you get into the higher numbers of emails, Aweber out prices itself, followed by Getresponse. I had contemplated World Internet Office as an alternative, but now I like your idea of a self hosted auto-responder. Only trouble is I need one right now.
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    Sarah McLeod
    New Top Products and my blog Sarah McLeod

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  • Profile picture of the author Donimo
    I am still pursuing this kind of business model, only in the form of an autoresponder service.

    The site is called Sendorika, and I and a team of developers are putting a lot of work into getting it ready.

    It's got MASSIVE potential!
    Signature
    Sendorika
    The cheap, newbie friendly, and super high quality autoresponder.



    Want to become a beta tester for Sendorika? PM me and we can discuss further!
    Twitter: @Sendorika !
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