Opt-In and/or AutoResponders

Basically what I'm looking to do is create the option on my ecommerce site so that the customer can sign up for a newsletter, or opt-in as I've been reading.

I noticed that when I visited a site yesterday for some info that they required a username and email address in order for me to access some info I needed, then they turned around a subscribed me to an autoresponder. Now as clever as this is, I found it kind of annoying that I was getting email from these people although it was my own fault for giving them my email address. I did remove myself from thier mailing list, however I was wondering if anyone else here does this with thier own site, sets up autoresponders in order to create a relationship with the customer and let them know that they are glad they checked out the website (something to that effect) OR if you think this is a bad way to do business and should be avoided?

[Paul_KY]

If you comb through this site you'll find a detailed thread on the subject. I believe the post is less than 3 weeks old.

Autoresponders rock! Just make sure you're telling your users they are subscribing to your list.

That's the general thought I had as well, it can be a great way to create a rapport with the customer. That's the mistake this guy made, he didn't tell me I was subscribing to him and I wasn't interested in doing so. But at the same time, while I did put my email addres in the box on one site, it was information on another of his sites on a totally different topic that he was linking me to, the cool thing was that the autoresponder sent me info on the topic I was looking for, because of the way he set it up. I have access to autoresponders with EasyAutoPro, this is something I'm going to look into doing.

Sorry about that, I didn't notice until a moment ago that I'm not seeing all the topics in this forum unless I choose "from the beginning", kinda annoying but now I know!

Originally Posted by Pentarix

I did remove myself from thier mailing list, however I was wondering if anyone else here does this with thier own site, sets up autoresponders in order to create a relationship with the customer and let them know that they are glad they checked out the website (something to that effect) OR if you think this is a bad way to do business and should be avoided?

The sad thing about this is that clicking a link to be removed from a mailing list usually does exactly the opposite. Sure you don't get that mailing anymore, you just get double the traffic from their affiliates or partners. It may not happen in this case but it certainly does happen.

Very good point Duke! The thing with the autoresponder that I have is that they actually do remove you right away without signing you up for tons of other crap. Hopefully the same can be said for the one I removed myself from as well but knowing a bit about the site I trust that it will.

[temi]

I personally find unnecessary auto-responders annoying so one should keep auto responders to the barest minimum, perhaps and email asking the user to confirm their email address before is added to a list is essential, companies who annoy me too much with unnecessary automated emails tends to lose my custom .

Good point temi, whatever you decide to do Pent, make sure it doesn't seem as an invasion of a person/customers privacy. There's nothing worse than receiving this in your inbox, especially if you don't want it.

The other thing to check on is to see how these messages filter. I actually receive software update news (that I don't remember asking for) that is labeled as [SPAM] by my ISP.

[Paul_KY]

If you truly wish to make a living at this, don't do things based on what YOU like, or annoys YOU. Use tools, such as autoresponders, that have been proven effective for years. If you feel the need to set up a double opt-in (That's where the visitor initially signs up for your autoresponder/mailing list, and then has to click a link in their first e-mail to confirm) list, so be it.

Pop ups annoy me. Banner ads annoy. Google adsense annoys me. But if I did things based on what annoys me, I'd be broke and out of business.

I have learned to have many yahoo/hotmail type e-mail addresses I use only for signing up for online stuff. This way, if get on some spam list without my consent (or I didn't spend 4 hours reading their fine print), who cares, as the yahoo/hotmail spam filters send it to bulk and I simply delete the bulk without having to read it.

JMHO

Do your own DD.

Originally Posted by Paul_KY

I have learned to have many yahoo/hotmail type e-mail addresses I use only for signing up for online stuff. This way, if get on some spam list without my consent (or I didn't spend 4 hours reading their fine print), who cares, as the yahoo/hotmail spam filters send it to bulk and I simply delete the bulk without having to read it.

JMHO

Do your own DD.

This is what I do as well, using a free email to take the flack from sites where I need to sign up for something, but probably will just get spammed in return.

I'll agree with you on the pop-ups/banner ads, that's why I avoid them and I have seen positive results with the autoresponders however I think I will be more forward and honest about it then the other site was to me, they should definetly know what they are signing up for.

btw have you or anyone else heard of one Paul Barrs? Basically this will reveal my knowledge level :P but I'm a newb when it comes to selling online and have been following his ebusiness guide. However, the search engine stuff he is using is out of date, which is why I have more then a few questions on how to get listed well without breaking any rules.

As far as building a website, I've probably done a dozen or more with varying degrees of sucess but with this one it is not only important that it does well, it is essential. So I've got a lot to learn.

[Paul_KY]

I don't follow the Internet book writers. And I don't make sites that sell. I like to think I make sites, which allows people to buy/sign up for things.

IMHO you could flush 99.999999% of all of those, "Success on the Internet" books/e-books down the sh*tter.

This business is, "caught", not, "taught", but that's not to say you can't improve other's ideas you see written on message boards, providing that person isn't in some way self promoting.

JMHO