When it comes to automating your business, you have a tremendous variety of autoresponder choices. Finding a decent hands-on review off the various options was also very rare. To simplify the decision, I have separated them into three main categories. The right choice for you depends on your programming skills and what features you need for your specific situation. As a rule of thumb, I believe it is best to put a system in place that will handle not just your current needs, but also your anticipated needs for your future growth. The right autoresponder system of course can actually help you grow much faster.
Here are the three main categories I group autoresponders under for my reviews:
Locally Hosted – These are scripted applications that you must install on a web server. Once installed these programs are accessed via a web browser. These tools are normally written in PHP, Perl, ASP, or some other scripted language. Quite often they require a database backend as well such as: mySQL, SQL2000, or Postgres. Utilizing one of these programs normally requires some basic knowledge of the scripting language it is written in, but not always. Many providers of these programs will install their application for you. If you are a webmaster, a professional marketer, or have your own web space at an ISP to utilize, then this may be the choice for you.
Remotely Hosted – These solutions are similar to the locally hosted solutions in that they are normally scripted web applications but they are utilized by a subscription based service. This option is very popular as the end user doesn’t need to maintain a scripted program, a database, or even a web server. Programs vary but the main providers are very good and have been around a long time. Normally the price is also quite fair, but if you are running a medium to large size operation you may outgrow this option quickly.
Desktop Solution – As the name implies these are programs that run directly on your workstation. Of all the solutions these are perhaps the easiest to operate as well as maybe the most cost effective. Typically these options have very good filter tools for your email lists and often good database support. The obvious drawback is that the program must be connected to the internet in order to operate. Also a 56K connection will not suffice and broadband in some form should only be considered. Overall using this solution will get you started the fastest but may be quite easy to outgrow as well.
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