An auto responder is set up to send a series of emails to someone requesting them at regular intervals. This is very helpful for sales letters, training courses, company information and surveys — your imagination is the only limit.

But that is not all. You can also send out “broadcasts” to all the people who have signed up to your auto responder all at once. This is an excellent way to send out a newsletter or time-sensitive information.

There are two ways to approach auto responders — host your own by buying the software and running it either from your computer or your hosted website, or purchase an auto responder account from a service provider. Unless you are very knowledgeable and experienced, I would not recommend option #1. Purchasing an account is much safer, as they will make sure no one can accuse you of sending spam. Many an email marketer had their sites or accounts wiped out because of these accusations, fair or not.

There are two big players in the auto responder provider market — aWeber and Get Response. These two command most of the market, with most preferring aWeber. Here is how their prices compare:

aWeber:

$19/month for unlimited campaigns, up to 500 subscribers
$29/month, 501 – 2500 subscribers
$49/month, 2501 – 5000 subscribers
$69/month, 5001 – 10,000 subscribers
$149/month, 10,001 – 25,000 subscribers

Current special: $1 trial for 1st 30 days

Get Response:

Free for unlimited sending, up to 10 subscribers
$18/month, 11 – 500 subscribers
$28/month, 501 – 2500 subscribers
$45/month, 2501 – 5000 subscribers
$65/month, 5001 – 10,000 subscribers
$145/month, 10,001 – 25,000 subscribers

Current special: 10% off all rates for their anniversary celebration

Constant Contact:

$15/month for unlimited sending, up to 500 subscribers
$30/month, 501 – 2500 subscribers
$50/month, 2501 – 5000 subscribers
$75/month, 5001 – 10,000 subscribers
$150/month, 10,001 – 25,000subscribers

AutoResponder 2.0:

Current special prices, if you join the related always-free program:
Free for up to 5 campaigns, up to 250 subscribers
$5/month, unlimited campaigns, 251 -500 subscribers
$12.97/month, over 500 subscribers