Integrated Tracking Capability

January 13th, 2009

A good autoresponder system includes tracking code capability. This utility makes it extremely easy to see which of your pages are producing subscribers.

Many responder services provide you with link tracking tools that allow you to measure the clicks you receive with email promotions. While this is also a nice benefit, it’s not as critical as registration tracking.

You can use your hosting server logs and HTML redirects to easily track your click rates. But easily accessing how many subscribers were generated from each opt-in page is more difficult without an integrated tracking code.

Most likely, you have multiple Web forms for building your list. You may have a form on your sales page, one on your blog, and others placed on specific lead capture pages. Clearly, you need to know which pages are producing the best results so you can focus promotions on these and adjust your weaker pages accordingly.

A simple tracking code can be placed directly into each HTML Web form that identifies the page where the form is placed. Then, when you review your database you can readily see the tracking code assigned to each subscriber; you can even perform a search using the tracking code parameter to tally sign-ups from specific sources.

This is an easy way to manage your ad budget and, more importantly, find out what prospects are really responding to. The Email Aces responder integrates tracking code technology for all members, so all you need to do is specify the alphanumeric tracker while using their handy form wizard.

For example, you may set up a tracking code system as follows:

home = Main home page

sales 1 = Sales page #1

sales 2 = Sales page #2

squeeze = Lead capture page

blogtop = Form placed at the top of your blog

blogside = Form placed in your blog sidebar

pop1 = Pop-up form #1 on your site

… and so on.

Can you see how this easy tracking code system will tell you exactly where your subscribers are coming from? This data is invaluable for serious email marketer, and it comes standard with a quality autoresponder.

Categories: Autoresponder Software | Tags: , , , , | No Comments

Autoresponder Software

December 13th, 2008

There are many different types of autoresponder software to choose from. The features and benefits will vary from program to program, and some software is definitely superior to others.

The two main types of autoresponder software are:

  1. Server-side installations which you install and manage on your domain.
  2. Third-party services that work like membership utilities you can use remotely.

Each type of system has its advantages and disadvantages.

Server-Side Autoresponder Software

If you have your own server and are technically skilled, sever-side autoresponder software may be a good fit for you. This option gives you 100% freedom from any terms of service imposed by third-party systems.

However, managing your own autoresponder software can be a lot of work. You’ll need to work hard to be sure your responder can get emails past ISP spam filters, and if you get blacklisted from a false spam complaint it’s VERY difficult to get this fixed on your own.

There are numerous challenges, both technical and marketing-related, that arise with the management of an autoresponder system. Be sure you are prepared to handle all this if you choose a server-side autoresponder software.

Third-Party Autoresponder Software

Third-party autoresponder software is the ideal choice because it allows you to leave the technical issues and SPAM law compliance to the professionals. When you choose a good third-party autoresponder system you will be free to focus on running your business and building your marketing plan.

While there are loads of autoresponder services online, very few are worthwhile. Many services do a poor job of getting your emails delivered, and it’s tough to find a service that gives you the kind of professional features needed for running a successful email marketing business.

Having tested dozens of autoresponders and spent hundreds of dollars in the process, we use and recommend the Email Aces Autoresponder. You can test drive this service for only a few bucks, and you’ll find they provide everything you need for building and maintaining a quality mailing list.

Categories: Autoresponder Software | Tags: , , , | 1 Comment