How can I create an email newsletter and make the most from my website visitors?

Simple, by using an Autoresponder!

Right... let's first understand in simple terms what an Autoresponder is, then we'll explain how to use it effectively which should help you understand why "your business must have one".

An Autoresponder is the heart of an email newsletter system and is responsible for creating email newsletters and sending them out automatically. An email newsletter system begins with a simple and short form that you place on one or more of your web pages within your site, in which your visitors enter their first name and email address so that they can receive (opt-into) your newsletters via email.

You'll have seen this sort of thing lots of times and it's usually surrounded by some text along the lines of .... "If you'd like to know more about our products/service then please complete the form below". That's the start of an email newsletter system!

Once you've gained sufficient 'sign-ups' for your newsletter you will then need to market to these 'potential customers' as they've shown a willingness to learn more about your company's products or service by voluntarily signing up to your newsletter and this is where an Autoresponder comes in!

So, an Autoresponder is....

An Autoresponder is an automated response email that is sent out to your newsletter customers informing them of your latest offers, discounts, new products etc. An Autoresponder does this by sending out your pre-typed emails to each person, using their first name in each and every email sent from you, (their first name was collected by the form on your webpage when they first signed up) personalises your email so that the recipient feels individually catered for. These automated emails can be timed by you so that they are sent at designated intervals such as weekly, monthly, bi-monthly etc depending upon your business requirements. All you have to do is type up your emails and then the system will sequentially send them out automatically, leaving you free to concentrate on other things.

Hopefully, that's explained in easy terms what an Autoresponder is and also provided a basic idea of how an Autoresponder forms the heart of your email marketing campaign.

Part II:  How to use email newsletters for effective marketing