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Autoresponder Hell!

by Judith Kallos

Published on this site: August 21st, 2004

Autoresponders are neato tools that allow incoming e-mail to you or through your site to receive an “automated response” almost instantly. We've all received these little acknowledgments ­ sometimes not even being aware they are automatically generated.

As with everything technology autoresponders can be heaven or hell. When used properly they are an efficient information dissemination tool that keeps those you communicate with or your site visitors happy by getting them information pronto. However, when not used with common sense they can be a nightmare for anyone who contacts you.

Let’s cover the differences, shall we?

Autoresponders are heavenly when...

  • They are used to help you be efficient by sending out predetermined information when an e-mail is sent to a specific address or a form is completed.

  • They let the folks who communicate with you know your availability and when they can expect a reply.

  • They can allow you to market to a special niche when the auto’s e-mail address is only provided to those you want to make it available to.

Autoresponders are hell when…

  • You attach one to your everyday e-mail address and then join mailing lists, eZines or newsletters.

  • When you attach one to your everyday e-mail address and those who e-mail you get your autoresponder with each and every e-mail they send to you.

  • When you attach one to your e-mail address for your away or vacation message and do not remove it promptly up your return.

Tips on Using Autoresponders:

  • Be sure the FROM: e-mail address field of your autoresponder message does not have the same e-mail address as that of the autoresponder being sent. If a recipient hits Reply, and they will, they just get your autoresponder again.

  • Be sure the FROM: e-mail address field of your autoresponder message is not an e-mail address that uses another autoresponder. Too many automated responses can get very impersonal fast. Have you called your ISP lately? Enough said.

  • Another reason to not have the FROM: field have an e-mail address that has an autoresponder attached to it is if your message reaches a person who also has an autoresponder on their e-mail address. You then create a virtual loop where each side keeps automatically responding to each other creating thousands of back and forth e-mail very quickly possibly causing your e-mail account to get shut down.

  • Mark your calendar or “To Do” list for your return to the office and turn off your away/vacation autoresponder the moment you reach your desk ­ if not the night before.

  • Make your away message professionally friendly and be sure to include the name and contact information of someone who can be reached in your absence.

  • Autos are many times underutilized marketing tools! Create a new e-mail address autoresponder for each sales or marketing effort. This allows you track conversions as well as to shut them down when the information is changed or your promotions are over.

When used properly, autoresponders are great marketing and communication tools, but when not used smartly ­ they quickly become h. e. double toothpicks!

Judith Kallos is an authoritative and good-humored Technology Muse whose experience, personalized methodology and valuable Web sites have opened doors to a legion of online entrepreneurs.

Are you http://www.TechnoChallenged.com? Then you need to cheat! Programming, Software and OS Cheat Sheets Rock!

 
 
     

 
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