Using Automatic Responders saves an heaps of time in your online business, so much so that you simply have to use them if you really want to stay ahead in the game. I'm surprised, though, how many people don't, and of those who do, how many aren't using them as well as they could be.
What Are Autoresponders? Autoresponders (or email automatic responders) are a series of prewritten emails that automatically get sent out at a specific time that you set. These can go to your list subscribers after they subscribe, or to customers after they make a purchase. What exactly gets sent is limited only as much as your creativity.
The Purpose of Automatic Responders This series of automatic emails serves a few important functions. They ... 1. Build a relationship with your new customer or potential new customer by sending them a series of emails offering free tips, links to useful online resources, and other stuff like free reports and downloads. 2. Schedule product promotions. By pre-designing special offers and product promotions, you can improve your overall sales dramatically. 3. Save you tons of time!
I usually start by sending out a friendly "Thank You" email, which goes out immediately after someone subscribes to my list. It's a great chance to show them that you are a real, living, breathing (and caring) person. Introduce yourself and let them know a little bit about what to expect from you in the future. Keep it short, friendly and most of all, reassure them that you will do your best to help them/provide them with useful stuff.
I also often include a great freebie right away and say something like "to show my appreciation for signing up, I wanted to give you a free copy of my latest ebook ... etc. etc." If you make it something really good then you can be sure they'll open your next email right away!
The "Free E-course" Automatic Responder A great way to build a relationship with your new potential customer is the free E-course. Sending out a series of emails with some insightful information works wonders for your credibility and perceived expertise.
It's not as hard as it seems. Pick a relevant idea - for instance, "how to seal your asphalt driveway," if that's your industry, or "7 steps to increasing the life of your laptop" - and just write a series of short "how to" articles. Don't worry, you're not teaching a Master's Degree here ... just demonstrating your knowledge and providing some useful information.
The Need for an Automatic Responder Plan Whatever you decide to send out, you need a plan. Sit down and make a list of all the things you could send out for free, and another list of all the special offers and promotions you could also make. Then come up with the right delivery mix ... a practical schedule to release each of these pieces of content to all your new potential customers.
Of course, creating all of those pieces of free content might take a bit of time, as will all of your sales pages for the various promotions ... but after you've done it once, then every new potential customer that signs up to your list will get instantly funneled into your automatic responder pre-selling and sales process, all without you ever having to lift another finger. Ultimately that is the most effortless way to increase your exposure, your credibility, and your sales!
About the Author
Mike Deslippe is a published author and internet marketer who uses Fusion HQ to manage many of the steps in his successful online business, including his autoresponders. For more info and online marketing tips, visit his website,
http://www.myfusionhqreview.com