In this second post on list building, we are going to talk more about building and managing your new list.
Building and managing an optin list provides the list owner direct access to potential customers. As we discussed in the last post, building and managing an optin list includes making it possible for website visitors to fill out an online form in order to sign up to receive email updates from you. These emails can contain updates, information, or news related to your latest products and services.
As you should know, building and managing an optin list is very important. Your list can be used in many ways. It’s a proven marketing technique, that many businesses use to keep customers, subscribers and website visitors updated and engaged in your business.
Gathering email addresses for your optin list can be done in several ways, using many different types of services, scripts and software. For today, we are going to talk mainly about using an autoresponder script or service.
An autoresponder script allows a subscriber to fill in a form and send it in to a specific address. The information is then processed and included in a database file. After that, the list owner can send a personalized reply to the subscriber to thank them for joining their list.
There are several types of autoresponder’s available. They are divided into three main types: remotely hosted, locally hosted, and desktop hosted.
For many list owners, locally and desktop-hosted are far preferred over remotely hosted. Although remote hosted are a very good option in some cases, locally and desktop hosted autoresponder’s will allow you complete control because you are running the program on your own site.
If you have a domain name, you can use as many autoresponder’s as you like, all of which will match your domain name. When you use a remotely hosted program, you won’t be able to use your domain name with the autoresponder, unless you pay for a premium service. Instead, you’ll receive an address from the provider that resembles their link. This can be great for some, although many prefer to have their own domain name listed in the autoresponder.
If you use your own domain name with your autoresponder, you can normally keep it secret that you are using an autoresponder. When you send out emails using your autoresponder, it will display your website email, making it very hard to detect an autoresponder.
If you use a remotely hosted autoresponder, those you send messages to will notice that you are using an autoresponder. If you are just starting out and happen to be on a tight budget and have the technical skills required, a remotely hosted autoresponder may very well be the best solution. You can use it until you get more money and get back on track, although you shouldn’t use it long term. Remotely hosted programs can get expensive very quickly; as the monthly charges will add it quick each month you use the program.
You can find remotely hosted autoresponder’s all over the Internet; all you have to do is search on Google, Bing or Yahoo. Aweber and GetResponse are very popular among marketers.
Although locally hosted autoresponder’s may be preferred by many, they do have their disadvantages. Some types will limit how many domains you can install them on. If the vendor doesn’t provide free installation, you could have a problem installing the script, as most require some degree of technical experience. Although you have complete control over the program, locally hosted programs don’t have as many features as remotely hosted programs. Also, deliverability may be less than compared to a remotely hosted solution.
Desktop-hosted autoresponder’s are good, although they have disadvantages. Some types will limit how many copies you can install on different computers. To get the most from them, you’ll need a computer that is always connected to the Internet. You’ll also need some experience to set them up, and they aren’t recommended for those who have large mailing lists. As with local hosting, deliverability may be less than compared to a remotely hosted solution.
Although there are 3 main types of autoresponder’s the type you choose should depend on your website and your needs. What’s the best idea for you may be completely different to someone else. When you make your final decision, you should always decide on what you need for your company, then pick the solution that works best for you.
Remember, building and managing an optin list is one of the best and most effective ways to increase profits for your business, so it’s important you do it the right way.
That’s it for today’s post. In your next post, we will be talking about building a relationship with your news subscribers.