Which Autoresponder Service Do You Want?

Free or Paid? Full List Below with Details

ProAutoResponder

Type:  Web-based service

Pros:  Very easy to set up.  This is a web based service so there is no software to install or maintain on your site or computer. 

Can send combined HTML and plain text messages (one message works for both types of email).  HTML messages are a powerful marketing tool because the message can be formatted similar to the way that web pages are formatted.  Studies have shown that HTML formatted messages achieve a greater click-thru rate.  This is the only service we have found that allows for combined HTML - plain text messages that works with all versions of AOL.  If AOL users can see the richly formatted HTML message, they do, if the version the user is using doesn't allow formatted email, they still get the text message.  A great feature!

Allows for optional audio email messages.  Try it to see how effective audio can be.Allows for click tracking of links in the messages you send.  Allows for unlimited messages.Cons: None.  This is the web based service we recommend.

price:  $17.95 per month

AutoResponse Plus

Type:  CGI script for installation on your server

Pros:  Price and power are the main benefits of this script.  As a script based autoresponder, you pay one fee to own the script.  The license is good for running any number of autoresponder messages or threads from one server and one domain.  Therefore, the life-cycle cost is much lower than subscription based services.  This script is very powerful and contains all the features of the web-based services and more.  The installation guide is very thorough, and you can try to install the script yourself.  Professional installation is available, but only through affiliated sites.

Cons:  The many options comes with a price of being more complicated to set up than the web based services.  With professional installation available at reasonable prices, this shouldn't be too much of a problem.  

Price:  $99 (unlimited time)

PromaSoft

Pros:  You only have to pay once, and the cheapest version is less than many year long subscriptions.  Allows the creation of filters which will automatically send out user prepared letters to various types of messages, with no need for supervision..  As opposed to previous versions of the same software, no full time internet access is necessary.  You can try the fully functional copy for thirty days before purchasing registration codes.

Cons:   As a windows based program, this runs on your computer, taking up space and processing speed.  Unlike web-based or script-based services, it only checks e-mail as often as you schedule it to do so, not instantly (similar to e-mail program such as Outlook).

Price:  Personal Edition -- $147 (unlimited time)

GetResponse
Type:  Web-based service

Pros:  Easy to set up.  Web-based so no software to install or maintain.  Web-based interface makes it easy to edit your messages.  Can set follow on messages to any variation of schedule (after one day, two days etc).  Great assortment of bonuses if you sign up for the pay version.  Very fast � email usually goes out and received within seconds of a request.  Can have sign up through an html form or through a blank email.  Excellent reporting � one of our favorite features is the ability to see after which email customers decided to opt-out (if you are using a multiple email approach).  Emails can be of unlimited length and can use plain text or html and can have attachments. Price for three years is great.  Great customer support.

Cons:  Only one set of emails per account.  If you are supporting multiple web sites with different email needs, you will need multiple accounts.

1 year price:  $131.40

AWeber

Type:  Web-based service

Pros:  Very quick and easy to set up.  No software needed, as it is web-based.  Easy to edit your messages.  Sends messages on a pre-set schedule.  Emails are individualized with customer names.  Emails for the original autoresponse are sent within seconds.  You can send out another message to all of the people placed in your leads list.  Any length Email supported.  Free customer service.  Allows 30 day money back guarantee.

Cons:  Only supports one set of emails per account.  If you have multiple businesses with different email addresses, you will need an account for each.  Have to pay more to enable more than seven automated messages.  More expensive than similar auto-responders.  No free trial version.

1 year price:  $179.40

Cons:  Not as inexpensive as other autoresponders. No free trial or money back guarantee given.

1 year price:  $179.40

Optin Lightning

Pros:  Multiple sign up methods, including a pop up box.  30 day money back guarantee.  Contains an autowrap feature, giving your e-mails a more professional feel.  Includes a counter feature which shows how many people are currently on your mailing list on any web page.  Allows personalization of e-mails.  Comes with anti-flame and anti-mail bomb protection systems.  Easy to back up your current mailing list.  Technically possible to install yourself.

Cons:   Only supports up to nine automatic follow up messages.  Highly recommends professional installation, making upgrades or modifications difficult to arrange.

Price: $85.95