Comparing 3 Major Types of Autoresponders All autoresponders currently available in the market may be classified into three major types as follows: 1. Remotely-hosted autoresponders
2. Locally-hosted autoresponders, and
3. Desktop-hosted autoresponders. Locally/desktop hosted autoresponders have several important advantages over remotely-hosted ones. By hosting the autoresponder on your own website, you have complete control over the program. You can have unlimited number of autoresponders with your own domain name inside e.g., webmaster@my-domain-name.com, which matches your domain name (my-domain-name.com). If your autoresponder is remotely hosted, you will not be able to get an autoresponder that matched your domain name. Instead, you will most likely get one that looks like: ezine@remote-host-name.com. Notice by having your own domain name in the email address, it makes it much clearer to your potential subscribers that you are sending them messages, and your messages will not be treated as spams. Another advantage of having your domain name in the email address is you can conceal the fact that you are using an autoresponder to send your prospects messages. This makes it difficult for people to tell whether or not you are sending them messages using an autoresponder! Imagine what your subscribers may think if they start receiving emails from the email address ezine@remote-host-name.com trying to promote something on your website with the domain name http://my-domain-name.com (with an email address like webmaster@my-domain-name.com). They know right away they are receiving messages from an autoresponder. If you are a subscriber, would you like to receive messages from an autoresponder? Or do you prefer to receive messages from a real person who gives you individual attention? I think you would prefer a real person right? By having an autoresponder with your own domain name inside, it makes it less obvious that you are using an autoresponder. Besides, it also projects an image of professionalism in your website. However, if you are just starting out and have a limited budget on how much you are willing to spend initially, then a remotely hosted autoresponder may be cheaper in the short term. However, in the medium to long term, it is likely to be more expensive as the monthly charges quickly add up. So if you are in this situation, I suggest that you start with a remotely hosted autoresponder first. As soon as you have save up enough capital, invest in a locally-hosted autoresponder. It is worthwhile for you to do so, as you can enjoy more features and more effective responses in your online marketing campaign. There are many remotely hosted autoresponders on internet. Examples: Getresponse, Aweber, etc. You can go to their websites to find out more and to sign up. Important Features to Look Out for in An Autoresponder In this section, we list down the important features in an autoresponder. You can use the list to decide on which type of autoresponder is suitable for you. 1. Must use the host's domain name in your autoresponder. 2. Monthly fee. 3. Restriction on number of autoresponder. 4. Restriction on number of follow-up messages. 5. Restriction on number of subscribers. 6. Restriction on number of domains or copies. 7. Restriction on import or export of databases. 8. Require 24 hr dedicated PC and internet access. 9. Difficulty in setting up. 10. Problem in handling large mailing list. 11. Host dependency. 12. Problem in customization. 13. Other Useful features. Disadvantages of A Remotely-Hosted Autoresponder Remotely hosted autoresponders have the following disadvantages: 1. You cannot use your own domain name in the autoresponder. 2. You must pay a monthly fee. 3. Some have restrictions on the number of autoresponders, number of follow-up messages and number of subscribers. 4. You are limited to only one copy of the program. 5. Limit on import or export of database. 6. Little room for customization. Disadvantages of A Locally-Hosted Autoresponder Locally hosted autoresponders have the following disadvantages: 1. Some limit you to a certain no. of domains you can install. 2. Some technical knowledge is required for the setting up of the script. This is not a problem if the vendor provides free installation. 3. The script is host-dependent in the sense that it needs to use your server's resources. 4. Less features than the remotely-hosted type. Disadvantages of A Desktop-Hosted Autoresponder Desktop autoresponders have the following disadvantages: 1. Some limit you to a certain number of copies of the software you can install. 2. Require 24 hr around-the-clock internet access with dedicated PC. 3. Some technical knowledge is required for the setting up of the script. This is not a problem if the vendor provides free installation. 4. The script is host-dependent in the sense that it needs to use your server's resources. 5. It is not suitable for very large mailing list. 6. Less features than the remotely-hosted type. |
