building_email

A: An auto-responder is an e-mail account that automatically sends out e-mails with information to those who choose to opt-in to receive more information.

Q: Why should I build an e-mail list?

A: You should build an e-mail list to help build your business or sales to earn more revenue for your business.

Q: How can I find an auto-responder to use?

A: You can search the internet for auto-responders by typing "auto-responders" in the search box of any search engine. There are many of them to choose from.
To get you started on choosing an auto-responder, here are some that you can start to check out to see if they meet your needs. There are both free and paid auto-responders in the list below.

E-mail Aces: http://www.e-mailaces.com/
FreeAutobot: http://freeautobot.com/

Q: Should I use a free or paid auto-responder?

A: There are many free and paid auto-responders to choose from. Typically, the free versions will attach advertising to any e-mails they send out. An e-mail without these ads is more professional looking, so if you can afford it, try to avoid these. Your budget will help determine your choices. Your choice will also be affected by the size (in terms of memory) of the e-mails you expect to send, how many subscribers you are allowed per account, and what other options you will be needing when you choose an auto-responder. Read the conditions and features of each auto-responder option carefully to find one that suits your needs.

Q: How can I get people to sign up for more information about my business, product or service?

A: You can do this in several different ways. You can advertise your information via classified sites both free and paid, traffic exchanges, pay per clicks, purchasing leads, etc. Advertise your opt-in subscription based list the same way that you would advertise anything else that you want to advertise.

Q: Do I have to have a Website to use this as an advertising means, because I do not have a clue as to how to build a Website?

A: No, you don't have to have a Website to use this as an advertising means, but it would be a benefit if you did. With a Website, you can add an opt-in box for the visitor to check. When they check this box, they are giving you permission to add their e-mail address to your e-mail list for receiving more information. All auto-responders have a small tutorial on how to put the box on your site. By having a Website with a short description of what you have to offer with this box on your Website, you can use any of the IAHBE Marketing Tidbits to aid you in building this list.

Q: What if I don't have the time to build a list like you mentioned in the previous question and answer?

A: You can purchase e-mail lists to build your own e-mail list. The quality of e-mail lists can vary greatly, so look for one from a reputable company with criteria that fits the kind of prospect you're seeking.

Q: Where can I find a site that sells e-mailing lists with people that are interested in what I have to offer?

A: There are several reputable companies online. Listed below are such companies:

Cutting Edge Media: http://www.cuttingedgemedia.com/Leads/
MLM Millionaire: http://www.mlmmillionaire.com/Business-Leads/business-opportunity-leads.htm

Q: How will I know if these lists are good quality lists?

A: If a company or person has an offer for selling you a list of 10,000 names for $19.99, this list is probably an old list of people whose e-mail is no longer current, has been sold several times to others, and is likely to be unresponsive. A more promising company is one who sells e-mail lists for approximately $150 for 200 names. A reputable company will often offer lists that give you the option of sending back the names and e-mail addresses that are not in service for replacements.

Q: How much should I spend on these lists?

A: It can vary. Stay away from the ones that offer a large quantity for a small amount of money. Lists that are of good quality can cost $1 or more per lead. The amount that you spend should depend on how much you feel comfortable spending and how well you think the list matches your target audience.

Q: How large a list should I build?

A: Opinions differ on this. Some people say build it as big as you can. Some say build it until you have several hundred loyal subscribers. Either way, all of the people that use these types of lists will agree that the main thing is to HAVE A LIST, no matter how big or small it is.

Q: Should I stop using my e-mail list?

A: If you find that this type of customer base or business building is taking more time than expected then yes. I would suggest that you keep the list active as you may later decide to try again. If you find that you don't mind doing the work on building your list and it is working for you no matter how slowly, then you shouldn't stop. Building an e-mail list does take time like any other means of advertising.

Q: Can I deduct any of these expenses at the end of the year?

A: Yes, as long as it is done for business purposes with the intent of increasing your sales. Be sure to keep all of your receipts for anything that you purchase for sending out bulk mailings for your advertising. Be sure to list these items either as office expenses or as advertising/marketing expenses on your tax forms in the appropriate lines. Please contact your accountant for further details.