All of the expensive CRM or data based management systems I have seen include autoresponders. Some are more sophisticated than others, but they all are programmed to answer email automatically with pre-determined messages on a pre-determined schedule.
I have been amazed at how many small businesses are not taking advantage of autoresponders to keep in front of their prospects and customers on a regular basis. There are numerous autresponder services available these days. As a result of competition, most of these services have been adding a variety of marketing tools to supplement the autoresponders. Tools such as tracking tools, capture pages, pre-written campaigns, email templates, survey forms and training. One even includes free hosting for unlimited URL's.
Some of the more popular autoresponder services would include Aweber, iContact and GetResponse. Other services such as the Instant Sales System are more of a marketing system that includes autoresponders for about the same price as a basic autoresponder systems. The most sophisticated marketing system for small busisness that makes use of what they refer to as "smart" autoresponders would be Infusionsoft. However, the cost of the Infusionsoft system is about ten times the monthly cost of the basic autoresponder services.
There are autoresponder software systems that you can purchase and install on your own server, but they do not seem to be as popular as those that are configured via a web based control panel which require no technical expertise.
Every small business should be using an autoresponder system. The cost is not prohibitive and the results are well worth the cost.
Rick Armstrong is co-director of the Orange County chapter of the Glazer-Kennedy Insider's Circle, a marketing consultant and former insurance broker. Additional information on popular autoresonders can be located at Autoresponder Reviews.
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