What is an email autoresponder and why do I need it

In this post, I’m going to explain what an email autoresponder is and why it’s vital to your online success. I’m also going to suggest 2 providers that I would highly recommend for beginners and professionals that I currently use outlining the benefits of why you need to consider using an email autoresponder for your online business.

The importance of automation

The number one importance of automation is time! The whole idea of an email autoresponder service is so you can send out predefined automated emails at specified times that you choose. The program or software sends out emails to new and existing subscribers that you have on your email list without the need for you to be sat in front of your computer. In fact, it all happens 24-7, even while you are asleep!

Have you heard the term the money is in the list? Well, it’s true… …not literally, but your email list will become one of the most valuable assets you have when building your online or offline business. It’s your potential customer list.

I’ve often wondered how marketers created massive incomes and generate 1000’s of dollars seemingly with ease. A friend of mine who works for a local high street retailer explained how the business they worked for generated their main sales. Obviously, they still had random customers who walked directly into the store. But the main strategy was a mailing campaign!

Mailing Campaign Vs Email Campaign

A friend of mine explained when they send out a campaign via letter, so many people would respond and so many people wouldn’t.
So many people who responded would then go on to book an appointment.
Then later a certain number of customers would then buy a product or service.

Simply put… it’s a numbers game!

That was it, that was how these marketers generate these massive results because the same principle applies, mailing or emailing is the same, it’s simply a numbers game. That is why using an email autoresponder provider to build an all-important customer list should be one of your top priorities. And if it’s not you need to make it one.

Do you need an autoresponder provider?

Absolutely! Without a doubt, if you want to have any chance of succeeding online. This is one of the best tools to help leverage your time better. Your autoresponder picks up a lot of the heavy lifting when it comes to sending your emails so you can concentrate on other important things.

When you eventually start building your client list, which drops into your autoresponder you can create various emails with promotions or offers which you can send to an entire list of customers with one click of a button. Wow!!!!!!!
Imagine having to send out 100’s if not 1000’s of emails to your customer list. Just think how long that would take?

There are quite a few providers out there, some good, some bad, some more expensive than others. The other good thing is that some providers give you extra tools and systems to make the process even easier for you. Such as landing page builders, form builders, and message flow automation.

Who are the main service providers and how much does it cost

There are quite a few email autoresponder providers. But for starters, I’m going to recommend only two providers, partly so I don’t confuse things and mainly because they are two of the most well known and stable providers available. It really boils down to which one you find more user-friendly.

The other reason why I recommend these two providers is because they are affiliate marketing friendly. This factor is really important and the reason why some of the most successful people online still use them today. They also have a good customer support team should you get stuck.

What is affiliate Marketing Friendly? – The provider allows you to send emails to customers with affiliate links embedded within the email. Which is the whole point of the exercise to be honest? But believe it or not some providers don’t allow it which can cause a few issues especially if you’ve gone to the trouble of learning the system and building numerous campaigns. The last thing you need is your account being shut down.

Why wouldn’t you want to include links to sales pages? Isn’t it all about trying to develop and grow an online business. Don’t get me wrong, these providers are BIG on protecting people’s information and being used correctly, they are totally against malicious spamming methods and rightly so.

You still as a marketer or online business owner have to adhere to strict rules. But the providers I’m recommending are geared more towards the Online Marketer, which is why I recommend them so highly. Get Response offers a 30-day free trial, but Aweber recently introduced a completely FREE Account so you can test them out. Bonus!!!

What is an email sequence

An autoresponder email sequence is a number of pre-written emails that get sent out at predefined times you have selected. Come rain or shine, whether you are busy or not they go out all on autopilot. What’s even better, when new people join your list, the sequence kicks in again without you having to do anything. I hope now you are starting to understand the importance of using an email autoresponder.

What other benefits can an autoresponder offer

Probably one of the most important benefits an email autoresponder gives you is the ability to communicate with any number of customers at the same time. Its a relationship builder to the masses. Its a way of communicating your message and brand to your visitors. It’s about giving them relevance and value as well as promoting your product or services, which is built over time.

My thoughts and why nearly every business needs it

To conclude, you can only achieve good sales in any business whether it is online or offline, the principle is exactly the same, by building a strong relationship with your customers. It’s about communication in a consistent way, by helping and advising by providing value and relevance. Having an email autoresponder is simply a must-have tool to help you achieve this in today’s digital age, so not using one is like asking a joiner to build something without a hammer and nails.

I hope you find this post useful and if you have any questions just get in touch or drop a comment below and I’ll be happy to help.

All the best to your success