To collect names and contact information (at a minimum email address) for your prospects you need to select and purchase (usually pay a monthly fee) for a list management service. A list management service allows you to manage and automate communication with prospective clients.
For example, you can set up an autoresponder that you write once and goes out in the same sequence to anyone who signs up. You can send broadcast messages that you schedule to go to your entire contact database on a certain day/time (i.e. weekly newsletter).
Two services that strictly provide list management services are:
Constant Contact – If you are just getting started this platform can be appealing. If you can move graphics around in Word, you can probably figure out how this system works fairly quickly. They offer many templates you can arrange in the order you want. It’s very user friendly when setting up the layout of your newsletter.
However, if you are looking towards the future growth of your business, I discourage you from using Constant Contact. It has limits.
A con to Constant Contact: As soon as your list begins to substantially grow the cost increases. The service does not include an autoresponder or a shopping cart (if you want to sell directly on your site).
Cost starts at $15/month and increases as your list size grows.
Aweber – I currently use Aweber in my business and have been happy with this platform. This service is considered by many the “premiere” list management tool. A great service with high deliverability rates (your emails actually reaching your subscribers inbox) and autoresponder service. Aweber does provide email templates or you may opt to have a custom template designed to use with Aweber.
A Con to Aweber: Does not include a shopping cart and cost increases as your list grows.
Cost starts at $19/month and increases as your list size grows.
Good luck selecting a list management service that’s the right match for YOUR business!
All the best,
Lisa Nelson
Great article, Lisa. I use aweber and am at the point where I need a shopping cart. Is there a way to get email, autoresponder and shopping cart all in one? I’d like to minimize the number of systems I have to use to get the job done.
Hi Verria,
I’m with you. Why manage and pay for multiple services when one can do everything? The most popular all-in-one provider is 1shoppingcart; however, I used their service for ~4-6 months and switched to GoldbarOne. If you have the report 7 Steps to Set Up Your Online, Health Practice in step 3 I discuss the two services in more detail and the reason why I prefer GoldbarOne.
Hope you are doing well:)
Lisa Nelson RD
http://healthpracticesonline.com
I was using Aweber and then switched to MailChimp. It is free if you have a small list. So far I like it as well as A Weber. It has the autoresponders and other features that AWeber has. It may be a good option for those just starting out and on a limited budget.
Great article!
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