Hi Folks!

I've not happy with the autoresponder I've been using and I'm looking elsewhere.

Aweber seems to be the most commonly recommended autorepsonder. How do aweber users feel about it?

Also, I want to import my existing list into the new autoresponder and I've got 2 questions:

(1) Is this legal? It'll be the same newsletter so, morally, I don't see a problem.

(2) Is this something that can be done with aweber (using a CSV or similar)?

Cheers,

Steve

Steve,
I love Aweber, especially like the great customer service. I believe they now have 24 hour support, so even living in the U.K., you shouldn't have a problem with normal U.S. "off-hours".

Something you should realize is when converting over to a double opt-in autoresponder, your list of subscribers will have to "re-subscribe".

You will certainly lose some of your list during the conversion process, so be prepared for that.

To answer your questions:

1) Yes, it's legal, but as stated above, your subscribers will have to re-subscribe by clicking on a "join" link. One way to help this go a bit smoother is to offer your list a bribe of some sort... perhaps a free ebook or some other free offer.

Don't get too disappointed though. Many people on your original list may not even open your email. Sad but true.

Many that have already signed up will be lost either due to spam filters or they won't open your email. Make sure your email headline is enticing enough for them to do so.

2) If you have your list in CSV, you can import it into Aweber when making the change-over.

The other thing you have to work around with AWeber is the whole idea of sublists.

If your customer buys product A and you want to add her to your Product A autoresponder... she needs to opt-in again...

If she buys product B and you want her on that list... another opt-in is required.

They don't view a customer's opt-in as giving you permission to mail them about anything... they are just opting in to that one list.

It's a little awkward if you like to keep your lists separate.

Aweber is an excellent choice. So is GetResponse.com.

I have several clients whom use GetResponse.com and they're extremely satisfied with the service.

Of course, with either service, I recommend you do your own due diligence.

Dale King

Thanks for the replies, guys, all very helpful.

Stephen,

I have a question for you:

Do you mean that I can import it and use aweber to send an invitation to my "old list" to join my "new list", but I can't simply add the names to the new list myself?

(BTW, the old list is double opt-in, but aweber obviously doesn't know that)

Steve

Hi Steve,

Aweber's a great company that offers a great service, and one of the few newsletter providers that allows you to 1) have unlimited lists and 2) create true autoresponders along with the ability to do broadcast emails.

You summed their policy up perfectly, and they (along with most other major emailers) will send a confirmation email to your imported list asking them to verify that they wish to receive emails from you.

I know this really bothers some people, but I say if a newsletter's not good enough for people to verify they want to keep receiving it, you didn't have all that great of a list to start with.

Hope this helps,

Steve

P.S. Other good services in my book are Constant Contact, Campaign Monitor and MailChimp, but they all seem to have their own pros and cons so you should do your research and try as many as you can out before making any decisions.

Good point

As Stephen said, there's going to be some drop-off - I'm on some really good lists myself, but lack of time forces me to cherry pick what I read from many of them - but if the drop-off is high, I can't blame Aweber!

I'll put together a bribe before I switch over.

Steve

On importing leads:

Here's a video on how this is done.

Aweber's video tutorials are just one more reason why you might consider using them (quick learning curve).

I just want to say "thanks" to the people who took the time to post advice about aweber.

I signed up and I have to say I'm very impressed and I'm glad I switched over from my previous supplier.

I've still not imported my existing subscribers - still got to write the "bribe report" - but it looks like it'll be straightforward.

So, thanks again, guys.

Steve

Good luck Steve... one of the best investments since going online. Great company!