3 Reasons to Use Autoresponders

If you struggle to keep in regular contact with past, present and potential customers, using autoresponders will make the job much more manageable.

Basically, autoresponders are emails that are sent out automatically, to a timed schedule. Once someone is placed in your autoresponder system – maybe because you add them to a database, or they fill in a sign-up form on your website – they receive a series of emails from you at time periods you specify. It could be that you send them an email once a week, or every three days, or once a month over the course of a year. Autoresponders give you complete flexibility to set up the series of emails to suit your needs.

So how could you use autoresponders to enhance the relationship between you and your customer, or to increase sales? Here are three reasons to use autoresponders.

Use autoresponders to build a relationship with your customers

It’s a well known fact that we need to be made aware of a product up to 7 times before we’ll consider buying it. If someone expresses an interest in your product or service it’s often difficult to find the time to follow up with them once, never mind seven times! You can use an autoresponder to send your warm leads a series of emails that will build a relationship and keep your product at the forefront of their mind. When the time is right for them to buy, they’ll come to you – because they already have a relationship with you.

You can also use autoresponders to maintain the relationship with existing customers – and to upsell.  For example, if you sell widgets then you could set up a series of emails with: a message thanking them for their purchase; tips on how to get the most out of their new widget; a voucher for money off future purchases; news of a new product launch or an upgraded widget. Make the emails useful and of benefit to the customer and they’ll keep coming back for more.

Gain valuable data with autoresponders

Traditional methods of marketing are useful, but it’s not always easy to monitor how effective they are. You can’t tell how many people noticed your newspaper advert or were interested in that flyer, or whether the direct mail letter you sent was read or recycled. Unless you ask all your customers how they discovered your company, you’ll never really know which bits of your marketing are working.

With autoresponders, however, you get access to a wealth of data that will show you what people are interested in, and you can use that information to tailor your marketing for maximum impact. When you send out emails via autoresponder you can see instantly who has opened your email. If you’ve attracted their attention enough for them to read what you’ve got to say, you know they’re a warm lead! And if they click on one of the links to get more information, you know they’re really interested! You can then tailor the emails you send to give them exactly the info they want – which will make the sale that much easier to achieve.

Use autoresponders to showcase what you do

You know your business inside out; you’re an expert in your field. But how do your customers know that?

Demonstrate your knowledge by using an autoresponder to send a series of weekly hints and tips to people who sign up on your website. For example, accountants could send weekly tax tips and reminders of important tax return dates. A gardener could send regular emails with recommendations on what to do in the garden each month. A food supplier’s customers would love to receive recipes every week. It doesn’t matter what industry you are in, there’s plenty of information you can share. Showcase what you do and when people need what you offer, you’ll be the person they go to.

These are just three reasons to use autoresponders. How could you use autoresponders in your business?

If you would like to find out more about how autoresponders can benefit your business, please call HodgesNet on +44(0)8432 894 402 or use the contact form on the top of this page to get in touch.