"Everyone who is serious about marketing over the Internet needs an autoresponder." How many times have I heard that? What's the big deal and how doesan autoresponder help me? Well, the short answer is it's an automatic responder that automatically answers emails that are sent to it. The long answer is an autoresponder can be used to do all sorts of things like confirm subscriptions, send a series of instructional emails, send content, redirect customers to squeeze pages, give unsubscribe confirmation, assure someone that their help ticket will be handled shortly, and more.

You can think of an autoresponder as your own personal secretary who replies to every one of your customers yet who doesn't demand benefits, get sick, or take vacation. Your autoresponder can follow up with your prospects and subscribers, and do it in a personal way.

There are several great autoresponders out there and in choosing one, I first had to figure out just what features I wanted from an autoresponder. Your wants may be different from mine, but here are the features I wanted:

* unlimited # of autoresponders (one time and sequential), unlimited follow ups, unlimited broadcasts

* personalization features (especially first name, but many different fields to chose from)

* unlimited list size

* data analysis

* split testing

* automatic handling of subscribers and unsubscribers

* live chat and good support- very important for me as I'm one of the technically-challenged

* cool templates to use for newsletters

* affiliate program

* cost in line with the features I want

In order to figure out which autoresponders to look at without taking up too much of my already stretched time, I started with looking at which autoresponders the big internet marketers use. I took a closer look at the top two autoresponders in my informal poll, AWeber and GetResponse, and tried to compare features.

They both had:

* automatic handling of subscribes and unsubscribes

* data analysis

* stylish message templates

* live chat and customer support

* blog and forum

* unlimited autoresponders, broadcasts, campaigns, and follow-ups

* segmented broadcast capability

* personalized fields

* web form generator

* form pop-ups or pop-overs

* can customize subscription page, removal page, and opt-in confirmation page

* can move people from an advertising campaign to a customer list

* affiliate program - AWeber's is 2 tier - 20% referrals, 10% on sub-affiliate referrals GetResponse's is 2 tier - 30% referrals, 10% on sub-affiliate referrals

AWeber's cost is $19.95/month/10,000 leads and $9.95 for each additional 10,000 leads. GetResponse's cost is $17.95/month/10,000 leads and $4.50 for each additional 5000 leads. My conclusion to this informal autoresponder comparison? They both have everything that I want, plus way more cool features than I need right now. Most of the features are the same for both autoresponders, so you probably can't go wrong with either. Majority of things being equal, I decided to go with AWeber as I had heard such good things about their customer service. I think customer service, ultimately, is the most important feature to me.

About the Author

Follow Peggy Baron, housewife/mom/pet sitter, as she tries to become a new successful Internet Marketer. Journey along with her as she struggles and triumphs at http//peggybaron.com