What is an Autoresponder for? One of the most useful tools in a marketer's armory. This tool takes customer touch to another level tool
Estimated reading time: 6 minutes
Table of contents
Your autoresponder explanation
Let's start at a simple explanation;
- Auto, as in Automatic
- Responder being a sender of email following an inquiry by email.
Therefore this one platform automates a marketing plan that works without manual intervention.
When a prospect comes to you via a link of some kind the responder is activated to reply.
Furthermore, this sets a chain of information in a process that can go on for days, weeks, or months.
The email chain is in a very simplified format;
The first mail is usually a thank you for subscribing message and a bit about your company.
This is generally followed by some product information and answering all the questions that may be asked.
Next, we add some background about other users and the benefits of the product
Then a hard sell page taking them to a buying decision.
Finally a thank you page.
The emails are set to go out on pre-determined days so they are spread over a period of time.
What is an autoresponder about?
The principal reason is to take a prospective client on a slow drip sales process. This is designed for them to gather some understanding of you and learn to trust you enough to make a buying decision.
Because this chain of emails may go to any number of inquiries the whole process is automated making it possible for mass execution.
Finally when the series is finished and for those that don't buy your product, they may simply be transferred to your Newsletter base to maintain the long-term association.
What is an autoresponder for in the dictionary
Do autoresponders work?
When you have a large volume of inquiries it makes the sales process possible and also provided good visibility of the client's intent.
- Some of them will buy the product.
- Many will just stay on the journey without making a decision.
- Plus there are those that opt-out of the sequence
You have full visibility at all times therefore you can control what is happening along the way.
Like any mass marketing, it is all about numbers. However, you are in control of the process so you can make changes to get better results.
Your sequence is set by you. It may be, for example, just five simple emails or as many as you need.
When customers buy your product they are taken from the sequence and put into another database and the process starts again. I like to move them to a Newsletter to maintain regular contact unless I can see another new sales opportunity.
How do prospects get onto your Autoresponder list?
This is generally done with a drop-down application from your Web Page or blog.
When you have a large volume of traffic to a webpage it is easy to offer something of value in return for their email address. That link is the start of the process to befriend, educate and close a client.
How valuable is your data base of enquiries?
This is potentially your most prised asset that offers long-term returns for little outlay.
A database is generally recognized to be able to generate at least $5 of income per name every month. That is a 1000 base could generate $5000 in sales depending on the value of items sold.
A good database has a commercial value that can be sold to a willing buyer or just sit on your balance sheet with a value reflecting its price.
Segregating your base
This is really just part of data management. You group your contacts into areas of interest so that future marketing targets interested customers.
| The core product that you sell | Maybe it is Men's formal suits |
| Variations | Those wanting cuff links |
| Additions | Tailoring changes to fit better |
| Newsletter base | This is a general entertainment process |
I run about twenty different groups however when I email my Newsletter they all get included.
Who uses an Auto Responder?
It is available for anyone to use from a single operator to large corporations. The benefit is that your inquiries are not mishandled or lost.
Your contact list represents considerable value so maintenance throughout the process is necessary. You would never let a prospect walk out the door without attending to them and this is no different. Your silent salesperson does the work for you.
Is an AutoResponder time consuming
It does take time for the initial setup. You need to craft your messages and set your timing.
It is important to brand your product so that you maintain recognition and acceptance throughout the series. Those that opt out are not your buyers so it is good management to clear them from your base.
The spamming laws are not applicable to this client capture because they come to you for information. Therefore they are legally found contacts. Thus your base is an excellent chest of legal and interested parties.
It is important that once this is set up it can last forever, therefore the time spent will be recouped many times over and represent good value
Where can I get a good Autoresponder?
Having tried many I have settled on Constant Contact as the most reliable and easiest on the market.
This is all included in your contract with them that covers;
- Bulk email
- Newsletters
- Autoresponders
- Web pages
- Contact forms
It is vitally important to choose the most reliable partner that will stay with you over time.
This is not a short-term game because it is designed to last the distance and continue to provide you with customers ready to spend money.
Conclussion
This is an ideal time to exploit every incoming opportunity to its fullest especially for those that have the traffic.
Your Autoresponder should be a large contributor to your sales channel and responsible for great returns for a small outlay
What is an Autoresponder for by Peter Hanley
Great content, something that I’ve needed to read, as I am in online business and trying to get as many peoples to my website, and potentially buy the products. This is a great tip and I will definitely try it in a couple of days. Email marketing is great stuff, sometimes it can be annoying for potential customers, but a great way to get the attention.
Thanks, Ivan, Capturing every client possible and keeping them is the most important role you can have.
clients have a long-term value and this really works.
Thanks for reading and best of luck for your future.
Peter H