Throughout the Internet, auto responders make for an excellent promotional tool. Although the technical name is an auto responder, other known names include auto email, mailbot, and email responder. An auto responder is a great way to save time, as it responds to any message with an automatic response.

Autoresponders can vary from messages that go through email to scripts that are programmed to run on servers. All types of auto responders work the same, as they will automatically send a message out when a message is received. Depending on the message they receive, they will send out the correct return message. This can be determined by the script or the email address.

If you take care of your auto responder and don’t use it to annoy others , it should treat you well. An uto responder can do a world of good for your business, saving you a lot of time and effort. Auto esponders are easy to set up and easy to use, which is great news for anyone who isn’t technical with the Internet. For the price they cost and how easy they are to operate – auto responders can make your Internet business easier than ever before.

There are several auto responders available on the Internet, although they are divided into three mains types:

1. remotely hosted,

2. locally hosted,

3. desktop hosted.

For many Internet marketers, locally and desktop hosted are far preferred over remotely hosted. Although remote hosted are good, locally and desktop hosted auto responders will allow you complete control – as you are running the program on your own site. If you have a domain name, you can use as many auto responders as you like, all of which will match your domain name.

When you use a remotely hosted program, you won’t be able to use your domain name with the auto responder. Instead, you’ll receive an address from the provider that resembles their link. This can be great for some, although many prefer to have their own domain names listed in the auto responder.If you use your own domain name with your auto responder, you can normally keep it secret that you are using an auto responder. When you sendout emails using your auto responder, it will display your website email, making it very hard to detect an auto responder. This can be a great way to use your auto responder, especially if you don’t want your customers to know that you are using one.

If you use a remotely hosted auto responder, those you send messages to with notice that you are using an auto responder. You should think of this from their prospective – if you were their customer, you probably wouldn’t want to receive messages from an auto responder. Instead, you would want to receive your emails and messages from someone real, giving you complete individual attention. If you are just starting out with your company and happen to be on a tight budget, a remotely hosted auto responder may very well be the best solution. You can use it until you get more money and get back on track, although you shouldn’t use it longterm. Remotely hosted programs can get expensive very quickly; as the monthly charges will add it quick each month you use the program.

You can find remotely hosted auto responders all over the Internet; all you have to do is run a search through a search engine like Google or Yahoo. One of the best on the net is www.automaticresponder.com - Once you have found a website you can read more about them and what they have to offer. If you like what you see, all you’ll need to do is sign up and then you begin using their services with a remotely hosted auto responder.

Although locally hosted auto responders are preferred, they do have disadvantages. Some types will limit how many domains you can install them on. If the vendor doesn’t provide free installation, you could have a problem installing the script, as most require some degree of technical experience. Although you have complete control over the program, locally hosted programs don’t have as many features as remotely hosted programs.

Desktop-hosted auto responders are also great, although they too have disadvantages. Some types will limit how many copies you can install on different computers. To get the most from them, you’ll need a computer that is always connected to the Internet. You’ll also need some experience to set them up, and they aren’t recommended for those who have large mailing lists.

Although there are 3 main types of auto responders, the type you choose should depend on your website and your needs. What’s the best idea for you may be completely useless to someone else. When you make your final decision, you should always decide on what you need for your company – then pick an auto responder that works best for you.

Aweber (free trial only)

Professional autoresponder solution with unlimited follow-up messages, HTML/plain text options, a web form generator, a wide range of HTML email templates, the ability to customize emails with up to 25 fields, and much more. Automated tools to help ensure your emails get delivered and comply with all relevant legislation.

FollowingUp

The free service level is limited to a single autoresponder, 2 messages, and a maximum of 100 subscribers. Several paid upgrades are available that remove these restrictions.

FreeAutoBot

This free autoresponder service lets you send out one or several followup messages at intervals you specify. No ads are added to your outgoing messages; the site makes money off ads on the main site, and by sending advertising messages to registered users.

Get Response

Free autoresponder service that offers unlimited autoresponders, no maximum mail length, automatic multiple messages sent over a period of time and much more. While the service is free, a short ad is included at the top of every message you send out. You can upgrade to remove the ads, and gain access to more sophisticated, advanced features.

Responders.net

Free autoresponder and form for collecting information on your site. You can set up an information request form easily, and specify what message you would like to send automatically to the people who fill in the form.

SendFree

Autoresponder service with an interesting twist: SendFree also acts like an advertising exchange service. How it works: you sign up for a SendFree account and set up your autoresponder service. At the top of every automatic reply your autoresponder sends out is a short text advertisement. Half of these are for other members' sites. The other half are reserved for SendFree's advertisers. In turn, your advertisement will appear at the top of messages sent out by other members.