AutoResponder Programs Vs. AutoResponder Services

Many newcomers to the Internet marketing arena are not aware that there is a vast difference between an autoresponder program and an autoresponder service. Not knowing the difference, they often purchase the wrong type of software, and find out too late that they have wasted money on something they can't use or is too complicated for them.

So what is the difference?

An autoresponder program or script is a piece software that you can set up on your web server. This can either be an autoresponder that comes with your web hosting account or something you purchase from a software company. If you are familiar with programming and coding this can be a viable option. Unfortunately this option should only be used by people who have computer and technical skills that aren't even related to Internet marketing.

An autoresponder service is usually paid for on a monthly or yearly basis. The fees are ongoing, and everything is browser based. In other words, you can set up your follow up messages, manage your opt-in list, or create broadcast emails through your web browser (ie. Internet Explorer of FireFox). Essentially you are leasing a service that runs on the autoresponder service’s web server – not yours or your web hosts.

Beginners are usually far better off using an autoresponder service. These services are very easy to understand and to use, and no technical knowledge is needed to set things up. As a newcomer to the field, however, you might be concerned about the costs of an autoresponder service. If this is the case, there are free auto-responder services out there but they do come with a cost to your credibility.

Free services make their money by placing advertisements in each email message that you send out. Sometimes these ads appear at the top of your messages, and sometimes they appear at the bottom. Some of the free services are simply an enticement to purchase the professional version, and have many of the more advanced features, such as tracking, disabled.

I wouldn't recommend using a free service if you want to be taken seriously as a marketer.  How can you expect someone to purchase a product from you if you can't shell out the $20 a month for a valuable marketing service like an autoresponder?

In the end, the option that you choose is strictly up to you, but in most cases, an autoresponder service like Aweber should suit your needs and be much easier to get setup.