Tweet

Tips on Writing Auto-responders with PUNCH!

Guest post by: Ingrid Cliff

Article Overview: Auto-responders are a business's best friend. Before we cover tips on writing fantastic auto-responders, here is a quick recap. What exactly is an auto-responder? Think about when you meet someone and you ask them "How are you?" Most times the automatic response is "Fine thanks". People don't even think – the answer just automatically comes out. Now – transfer this to your computer. Most people are aware of the "sorry I am holidays so can't answer your email" type of autoresponder email. You know the person is not there answering their email – the computer does it automatically. This is the most basic sort of autoresponder – one email triggers one response.

Tips on Writing Auto-responders with PUNCH!

But there is so much more you can do with a decent autoresponder package. When people contact you via email or over the net they want a fast answer. This is where an autoresponder program really comes into its own – they become major productivity enhancement tools.

Let's start with something simple. Say, for example, someone enquires using a form on your website wanting a brochure. Imagine if your computer automatically received the email and then sent out the brochure electronically, without you having to do anything.

Autoresponders can also be set up to manage subscriptions and unsubscribes to newsletters, sending out appropriate confirmations as needed. They can be set up to deliver e-books or MP3 downloads on successful purchase over the net. They can deliver a broadcast email or newsletter to everyone on your list at the touch of a button.

One of the other great features is you can upload a series of follow up auto-responders to be delivered at pre-programmed times in the future. Most sales people give up after 2 or 3 follow up contacts. Autoresponders will keep on following up no matter what (as long as you have programmed them into the sequence). Write it once and then let it run over and over again.

OK – enough about the features of autoresponders. Here's my 10 step formula for creating auto-responders with PUNCH.

Auto responders are like mini direct mail letters - you need to cover all of the regular elements of a long copy direct mail letter in a very succinct way. Everything should be covered in no more than 5 paragraphs!

1. Subject line – your subject line is your headline. People will decide whether or not to open your email by your subject line. Make it interesting, intriguing and tempting.

2. Headline – you need a strong headline to grab attention once they click on your email. Your headline must be consistent with your subject line and make people want to keep reading your email.

3. Body copy – your copy needs to reflect a problem –solution approach. This means you hint at a problem and then quickly provide a possible solution. Focus on the benefits of your product or service, not the features.

4. Links – you need to link through to your sales page quite high in the copy as well as at the end of the copy.

5. Proof/testimonials – it helps to include a testimonial or some other proof.

6. Guarantee – if you offer a money back guarantee then say so.

7. Call to action – make sure you have a clear and compelling call to action. Tell people what to do – this may be as simple as asking them to visit your website.

8. Create urgency – people need to know why they need to act now.

9. Signature

10. PS – PSs are generally always read. Make sure your PS restates the benefits, repeats the urgency or repeats the call to action.

Here's an example of a typical autoresponder sequence promoting a new product or service.

1. Initial email in the format we have just discussed.

2. 4-7 days later – restate your offer and reinforce the urgency of their action.

3. 4-7 days later – reinforce the benefits, pile on the testimonials and perhaps offer added bonuses. Combine this with a reminder of the deadline or other reason they need to act today.

4. If they still don't buy, then you could ask for feedback on the offer at this stage.

5. Keep the person on your email list and regularly keep them updated with newsletters and other broadcasts.

Autoresponders are like silent salespeople. If you take the time to set them up correctly and program them for success, you can automate your business and create more time for other business growth activities.

Related Articles
  Just what is an autoresponder?
  Exactly How To Use Autoresponders To Make 10K+ a Month! ~ SECRET FINALLY EXPOSED
  Use PLR articles as your autoresponder
  Overcome Your Fear of Writing
  Email Marketing Made Easy #16 - Practical Considerations When Choosing an Autoresponder

Article Tags: auto responders, autoresponders, broadcast email, brochure, confirmations, direct mail, downloads, e books, elements, enhancement tools, mail letter, mail letters, paragraphs, problem solution, productivity enhancement, punch, something simple, subject line, subscriptions



Related Forum Posts
Business Tips - How about: Tips for managers to handle employees more effectively? Tips on how to deal with difficult customers? Tips on how to deal more effectively with suppliers? The only three I have in mind right now, but will try to come up with something else. Chris
Autoresponders! - Great suggestion Stephen! I use Awebber for my newsletter system and find that it's a pretty good system and very price effective. You get unlimited use for a really low monthly fee. I haven't used Autoresponders to date but might consider it after your post! Thanks!
webinars on Autoreponders - Evan, putting it that way you may have a point - the effort doesn't seem to pay off. If you could score webinars with people you profile I can see word getting around and that driving traffic to your site and exposing them to the content you already have on the site. Based on the types of businesses approaching you to do these webinars you could also have them set the whole thing up and all you are doing is exposing it to the group. Example a webinar on Autoresponders and Email Marketing. I'm sure there are companies out there that will do the whole setup for you.
Re: What Do You Outsource Mostly? - Writing, Article Spinning, Backlinking.
Re: Will 2009 be the year you write your book? - Writing a book takes time but its sure rewarding! Thanks for the info.


Share this article with your friends. Fund someone's dream.

Leave a comment below or share on the left and you'll help support entrepreneurs in Africa through our partnership with Kiva. Over $50,000 raised and counting - Please keep sharing! Learn more.

Tweet

Newsletter

Get advice & tips from famous business
owners, new articles by entrepreneur
experts, my latest website updates, &
special sneak peaks at what's to come!

Name:
Email:

Popular Articles

Angel Investors Where Are You?

What Aweber Can Do For Your Online Business

Selling On Ebay The Good The Bad And The Ugly

Suggestions

Email us your ideas on how to make our
website more valuable! Thank you Sharon
from Toronto Salsa Lessons / Classes for
your suggestions to make the newsletter
look like the website and profile younger
entrepreneurs like Jennifer Lopez.