If your business uses email to market itself or build relationships with customers, you need email subscription management software. There are far too many regulations involved in sending email messages for you to attempt email communications without the help of email list management software. Also, as the number of email addresses you acquire grows, it will become difficult trying to keep track of them without the use of some sort of email management software.
In general, any email list management software tool will assist you by doing the following:
Email subscription manager software is available in a number of different formats. The first is software you manage yourself either with your current email program or on your website, the second utilizes autoresponders, and a third kind is a full featured email marketing company. The best courses of action will depend on which type of email subscription management program you are considering.
Consider self-installed email distribution list management software if you want more control
This was the first type of email list management software tool offered although it is primarily for the technologically savvy. This solution involves installing software that reads incoming emails and adds them to an internal database. Available scripts can be implemented to create forms on web pages which allow users to sign up and have their contact information automatically stored in a database.
I recommend: If you are interested in running an email subscription management system yourself,
dmxREADY offers a solution which integrates into a website using ASP and Microsoft Access.
Atomic Subscription Manager is a solution which allows you to read emails from a designated email account or HTML form and selectively add them to an email database.
Investigate autoresponders as your email subscription management system
Autoresponders have had a rocky history because they are often associated with spamming. However, they do have a number of legitimate uses which many internet and email marketers are now beginning to use to their advantage. Their most basic function involves collecting emails and then responding with a Thank You message or a short information packet. Additionally, autoresponders can be used for sending simple follow up email messages.
I recommend: Choose a trusted name in autoresponder software such as
AWeber Communications or
GetResponse. There are a lot of services available, some that are hosted and some you will have to install yourself, but these two companies have been around and offer the most features for the right price.
Sign up for a free trial of email list manager software
Some companies specialize strictly in email subscription management software and marketing. These businesses go beyond merely providing the basic functions of email management software to give savvy marketers the tools they need to successfully execute email marketing campaigns, as well as the reporting and analytical features to measure their success. Many autoresponder companies are moving towards this model, but there are a few companies which stand out as shining examples of email marketing service providers, and will offer free trials of their services.
I recommend: Strongly consider a fully-fledged email marketing company for your email subscription management software needs, such as
Constant Contact, which is a leader in email marketing services.
iContact also offers an extensive range of email marketing features. Sign up for a free trial at either company's website and test their ability to support your email marketing efforts and achieve your goals.
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