by Melody Helmbrecht
What are autoresponder messages in the first place? And what do they do?
An autoresponder is a computer program that automatically sends preprogrammed messages via email out to people who have subscribed to your mailing list. They can range from simple to complex.
For example, Jon opts in to receive a weekly newsletter from www.freedomgenesis.com. When Jon hit’s the submit button, he will be automatically taken to a ’Thank You’ page. At the exact same time the autoresponder is sending Jon a message via email asking him to confirm that he was the person asking for the information. Jon must then click on a link within that first autoresponder message to confirm. He will then be sent the first of many autoresponder messages which of course are the newsletters he signed up for.
Autoresponder messages are often used as marketing tools, to immediately provide information to prospective customers and then follow up with them at preset time intervals.
Ok, so that is what autoresponder messages are, but how can you make money on the net?
Were you aware that it usually takes more than 7 interactions with a customer before they will buy from you? That is why it is so important that you follow up with each and every person that signs up for your newsletter, an eBook, or even to simply ask you a question about your site or product. You drastically increase the likelihood of making a sale by satisfying each person’s need for information quickly!
When you don’t follow that initial message with additional information later on, you let a valuable prospect slip through your fingers! Who is to say that this curious customer, who may have been very interested in your products, did not simply lose your contact information. If you do not make a follow up contact, he will take his business elsewhere.
Are you losing profits due to inconsistent and ineffective follow up?
Consistently following up with autoresponder messages gets results! Follow up with each customer individually. Contact them at least 7 times, but at set intervals with your pre-written messages This will considerably increase your sales!
First, you’ll need to write your follow up messages. Your first message will be more of a thank you for your inquiry sort of message with any answers to direct questions. Your second letter begins the follow up process, and should contain even more detail.
Your next couple of messages should remain somewhat short yet instructive. You are building trust with this person. Offer a freebie such as an eBook or report. Write each message so that your reader can scan the contents, and still get the full essence of your message. Most readers are busy and do not have time to go through lengthy email messages.
The fourth or fifth follow up message should create a sense of urgency. Give him a reason to order now instead of waiting.
The timing of your messages is crucial. That is another great feature of autoresponders. They will send each of your messages at set intervals saving you tons of time to concentrate on other aspects of your business.
Always send the first message immediately, and the second message within 24 hours. This person is looking for information for a reason and he is itching to buy. You want him to have information he requested as quickly as possible so he can make informed decision.
Send the fourth through eighth follow up messages 2 and 3 days apart. You do not want to annoy him but he is still probably shopping around. Let him know those benefits again!
Which is the best Autoresponder?
It is my humble opinion that AWeber is the best autoresponder company. Of course you could go with thefree autoresponders out there, but they are cluttered with ads and are not as professional in appearance. Appearance is important if you want to make money on the net.
Why AWeber? Because Aweber is easy to use and will take a newcomer through the process step-by-step. It offers the following:
- Templates to jazz up your Newsletter .
- Customizable templates to make your opt-in forms for your webpage.
- Pre-write your messages and Aweber will send them to you readers at predetermined intervals.
- Manage unlimited campaigns.
- Free expert customer support.
- And more…
In reality, most autoresponders provide the above, but I have tried others and AWeber is more user friendly. Plus they usually have a $1 for the first month trial period. Then it costs a mere $19 per month. This is a steal when you consider how using autoresponder messages can dramatically increase your monthly profits.
So, in order to increase your chances to make money on the net, you need to interact with a prospective customer more than 7 times. Using autoresponder messages allows you to make contact both informative and personal. That in a nut shell is how autoresponder messages can help you make money on the net.
