Autoresponder Thanks

Okay, how do you get people to voluntarily give your their email address? By providing many opportunities for visitors to submit something ... anything. Each of these forms should include a place for them to enter their email address.

Now, do NOT sell or give out these email addresses. There is no need to do this, and in fact there are significant reasons to not do so. Most people do not want their private data spread all over the internet, and very few people want to wind up on hundreds or thousands of spam lists.

One valuable, non-spam way to use these email addresses is called an autoresponder.  What this means is that you send out an automatic email message when the user submits something to you. Just one message, which can say anything that you want.

Be sure that you indicate you are doing this in the description of whatever from they are filling out. A simple line like "you will receive one email confirming your entry" or something like that is all you need.

Some examples of where this is appropriate:

• Guest book
• Polls and surveys
• Feedback forms
• Any other form that you have the user fill out which includes his email address

Keep this email very short (one screen maximum) and be sure and include a way for him to opt-in (sign up) for your email newsletter (I assume you've got an email newsletter?). This will permanently give you, with your visitor's permission, his email address. Again, respect your visitor's privacy. You where given an email address for a specific purpose. Don't abuse it or you will lose your visitor.

Why is it important to send a confirmation email? Well, you had someone visit your site and actually do something. He took the time to fill out a form, do a survey or sign your guest book. I personally think it's great to send him a quick thank you note.  Also, it's a great way to include a quick advertisement or two (don't overdo it).

The main purpose, however, is to remind him about your site. The guy or gal is surfing the web and stumbles on your site. He likes it so leaves a guest book entry telling you it's great, then surfs other sites for another hour. He's forgotten about you and may never return.

Except that when he opens up his email he'll have a quick email thanking him for his guest book entry and reminding him about some services that you offer. Now he remembers your site and perhaps returns. That's the main purpose ... follow-up. Give them a chance to return. And those are the best visitors of all, the ones that keep coming back.

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