About Autoresponders : Laura is right, I was wrong -- Update Dec. 15

Hi Philippe -

I would have to agree with the commenters who stated that an autoresponder is merely a TOOL one can use in their business. It is a communication tool, nothing more, nothing less. How one USES that tool determines whether it is perceived as the "right" or "wrong" tool.

I would imagine that the vast majority of folks here on Apsense use the internet in some fashion to market/promote their programs and business opportunities. Suppose, as a result of their marketing/promotion, t

Thank you Warren and Phillipe. I am always happy to help a fellow marketer.

Oldbuddy, on some occasions, we use telepathy. I subscribed to Cathy's video series as well. :) I don't know anything about PeopleString, I joined under my good friend Dawie, a few minutes before Cathy sent me her link, you know what ? She sent me the info about her videos in a PM. Catherine White is awesome.

@Mark, don't worry about me, I'm not about to unsubscribe, unfollow, or block you, you teach me too much about common sense Internet Marketing. I appreciate your friendship. In my book,

Just a sidenote, but I subscribe to Cathrine's list and there is no doubt that it has helped me, as recently as this morning.

Hey Phillipe this is an awesome post - as somebody who uses autoresponders extensively to build relationships, I see them as a significant tool in my marketing armory.
That said, they are one means of communication RSS feeds, social networking and one on one dialogue are all elements of a successful business. I use all of them and ARs are part of the mix, but not the be all and end all.
I do not believe everybody opens my emails, I do not believe everybody is subscribed to my Rss feed, I do

Cathy, I would to know what was your "ah ha" moment, you can send the info in a PM if you want :)

Joe spins a very real scenario for the use of an AR. He hits it right on the mark when he talks about targeting a group and making them your warm market. If you use an AR correctly, you will build relationships or a warm market with those subscribed to hear from you. When you finally offer them a product or service, they won't even think of it as you selling but more of you sharing a great opportunity.

Of course, you will always have someone misuse their list. That is what the unsubscribe

An autoresponder is just a tool. Back in the day, the function an autoresponder provides today was handled by secretaries who would provide a fax back, follow up with clients, sending information to the entire client list using postal mail. Technology has replaced those big staff costs and reduced them to the ridiculous by using a simple tool called the autoresponder. The fact is, if you wish to generate a list of guitar players who love country music, then you would simply offer a free incent

@Al about Wal-Mart, I never heard anyone agree with me on it. I thought I was alone in my corner, I mean, me and the German government. I'm glad we're ( almost :) ) on the same side.

Now let me get my sledgehammer for the next time I hear you went to Wal-Mart. LOL

Not to double-dip, Philippe, but totally agree on the Wal-Mart thing. I was an Asst. Mgr w/ them for 12 yrs., starting when Sam Walton was still alive. By the end, I didn't even recognize what it had become...I believe their low wages, combined with their buying practices are as responsible for this country's economy as much as any other factor. I'm not saying I NEVER go in one--but ya darn near have to beat me with a stick to get me there.

Totally w/ Catherine & Dawie, here--the use of AR's is GREATLY misunderstood. The idea is to build TARGETED lists, voluntarily opted-in, and provide valuable info and content to those subscribers. Over time, that builds relationships and trust. Also as I said before--outstanding for communicating to an existing organization. They got into business with YOU--don't leave it to a bunch of canned messages from the company website's AR to train them--which is what most people do. Also, any good AR a

Great Feed back Catherine - Valuable info from an experienced pro AR user. ;-) Like all things - If used correctly get the Maximum Benefits & Results! Thanks Philippe for posting such a contravercial Blog!

Well, I am on the PRO AR side. Here is why. I was signed up for an AR for months before I started using it. (I agree with Dawie this tool has been misused by many marketers who just want to blast you with offers. That is the INCORRECT way to use an AR.)
Then one day it HIT ME: I had this valuable contact tool I wasn't using but should be using to BUILD RELATIONSHIPS. I had finally cognitively realized what everyone was talking about.

I do believe you can build a personal relationship w

P.S. 1 out of 100 is worse case scenario... If you are creative and have something of value you can dramaticaly increase coversion rates... and to touch on your points Philippe.. personal messages and direct communication always have the best results. So to summarise I think its good to use a mix of AR - Personal emails and direct contact all relative to what you want to achieve.

Hi, I have been looking at Autoresponders for some time now and like you Philippe, I have always had good reason to put it off. I always have tried the personal approach with my gmail account. But lets face the real truth. Who is desperate to get back to checking emails unless it contains some sort of cash, prize or message from a loved one. But when I want to send a newsletter or announcement when my list gets to 5000 - Do you really think I will sit and type out each email or even copy n paste

I'm thankful for this blog and for all the comments. At least now I don't have to feel like I haven't done something on my IM "To Do" list. I would do like Dawie however and use it to pass on important, generic info for my downline, like instructions, etc. Things that they will be looking for.

I did put a sign up form on my blog recently at the suggestion of someone here, but still don't know what to do with the address. I just gave them a present of a success audio clip.

I do not unsubscribe because little gems appear here and there among those emails.

Unfortunately, I probably miss many, they get buried under the sheer numbers of emails I receive.

When the years of experience are behind me, I will know who are the real good marketers. I will be able to choose to stay in their lists.

I don't take the time to create filters. Unfortunately, gmail is not as good as Outlook for folder management.

If everyone were dealing perfectly with everything they ha

A car is a tool to help transport people from one point to another. It is used by billions of people on this planet every single day. I can't imagine my life without a car, to me it is a necessity.

Other people see cars as pure evil. Their position is that car exhaust is poisoning the very air we need to subsist. They say that if we all used bicycles or walked we would save lives, cut down on pollution and preserve the planet for posterity.

Those that do not use cars make a valid argument.

APSense, once again, has the answer :

An autoresponder's best use is for sending special announcements and newsletters, it's the only sure way to reach out to all members, no chance of being accused of spam

I think this is a good topic. Many different points.
I myself use autoresponders. By filtering the messages they wont clutter your inbox.

Scott