UPDATED July 2020 – AWeber just came out with a FREE pricing option and you don’t even need a credit card to get started. This provides you with a great way to test it out and not risk your pocketbook. Per the update that I got, you can use the free version as long as you want and it remains free as long as you have under 500 subscribers. Their paid version starts obviously provides more, larger audience, more lists and etc… which isn’t unusual. This helps compare a little to MailChimp. However, no support with Mailchimp but the free version of Aweber does provide that and that is a plus, for something that can get complicated, quick, like email marketing.
**********
If you have a business of some sort you have likely heard of email marketing, autoresponders or list building. Hopefully, that was one of your first things that you set up, if not, please get on it now. When I first started my business, that was one of those things that I needed and wanted to get started on, but labored on. Why… because I wasn’t sure what to write, how to do it, why people would follow me, how to get them to opt in and more. Surely you have had this internal argument conversation, right?
If you are a quick learner, you got started on your email list right away, I… was a little stubborn and it took me longer. Want to know one of my top regrets… that I didn’t start my list sooner, why, because it takes time to build. But I finally got started and did research on which autoresponder to use.
Get started on your list building now, it has huge benefits for your business Click To TweetWhat autoresponders are out there?
There are many, but several tend to stay in the forefront of marketers and business owners everywhere – AWeber, MailChimp, Constant Contact, Infusion Soft and many more. I’m NOT here to compare them, many have done that work. However, feel free to do a search for AWeber versus MailChimp and the like, and you’ll run across all of the pros and cons of each.
Pay special attention to the fine print (like for MLM’s), what your goals are with your business, your
growth, what type of website you have and the functionality of the autoresponder. I happened to like AWeber and haven’t turned back yet. I’ve had them over a year and have been really pleased.
Customer service is key with this service
With having an autoresponder, you are doing the work, or you have a marketer, like me, helping you out. But other than that, you have to figure it out, so a huge plus with this type of industry, is killer customer service – AWeber has it. I have been pleased with their customer service via phone, email and even chat. They have helped me manage my campaigns and understand the process, by the way, yes, it can be confusing.
In one of my first conversations with customer service, I learned that I could get their designers to help me create a customized template – WHAT?! How awesome is that, and so I took them up on their free services because learning new software, which I am fine with, can still be overwhelming when “extra time” is limited. Additionally, they do have a help section, which is pretty robust, that helps you with DIY stuff when you want a quick answer and you are one of those, coughMEcough, who wants to figure things out themselves – yea, I’m stubborn! (Take note, offers may vary based on when you sign up with them, check em out either way.)
.@Aweber has killer customer service & they can help build your templates too - awesome, right? Click To TweetThey even have a blog – ummm, hello, what good business doesn’t, right? By the way, if you don’t, you seriously must get to blogging, that is huge value to your consumers and oh, it’s super kicking for search engine optimization (SEO) too!
Go with what works for you, but just do it, really
So, I’m not here to tell you what to do or which autoresponder to use, but I am telling you that I have done research, found one, set myself up and continuously working on my email marketing campaign with AWeber. Within that year plus, I have seen great improvements, not that they were poor before, but there is ALWAYS room to improve, they listen to their customers and make the changes that they can. I would highly recommend AWeber to you, Mr. or Ms. Business Owner. If you want to ask me any questions, I’m happy to help.
And, if you have any questions about SEO, marketing your business or if you need help with your list building, just contact me and I’ll get you rolling.
(Please note, I am NOT being paid to write this post, however, if AWeber would like to, by all means, we can talk. LOL On the other hand, I am an affiliate member so if you click on the AWeber links within this post, and sign up, I will be compensated so thank you.)
~Kristen
Thanks for your insights. I always appreciate hearing a personal perspective from someone who has actually used the product!
Thanks Crystal, I appreciate that.
I’ve heard excellent things about AWeber. I don’t use it myself, as I have a content management system that includes all that stuff, but I recommend AWeber to my clients. And tell them not to be cheap about it either, because the most valuable thing you have is your contact/email list. Which reminds me…I need to get out a newsletter. Thanks for the goose!
Yea Jackie, you definitely have a one stop shop system! That is so true, your list is gold, and get on it! lol You are welcome for the reminder! lol
I love your articles…they always have me laughing while learning! My personal experience with Aweber wasn’t nearly as noteworthy. However, It is always beneficial to read what others have to say about services and products that most business owners need or use. I had no clue about the free template; that is really valuable. You’ve reminded me (again, et hem) the importance of an email list and actually communicating with that list. But at least this time I can tell you that we’re in the process of list building and newsletter writing. 🙂 In the end, it’s like you wrote: just do it!
Thanks Meghan, I definitely write like I talk and think, well, I think I filter it a little. lol Sorry to hear your experience wasn’t great. I have had a few issues, but their customer service helped. Glad you have your list going, for real and great stuff, it better, for the price you paid.
For years we were so happy with constant contact and for some important reason our coach had us switch to MailChimp. Gone was my 24/7 tech support. Our solution was my partner/daughter who learns faster & figures things out, took newsletter & list management onto her oversized plate. Shes not thrilled with MailChimp, says not an intuitive system- have to agree with that,but your point is not to compare, just build & use.
I have a client on Mailchimp Roz and I wasn’t as fond of it, but with all things that aren’t as familiar to us, it isn’t as enjoyable until we learn it better. Thanks!
I started with AWeber, but found it cumbersome. I’ve been using GetResponse for several months now. They’re less expensive than AWeber, have awesome templates and great customer service. I guess that’s why there’s something for everyone!
So glad that you are able to find something that works with you. Heard of Get Response but hadn’t known anyone to use it and nor was it in any reviews I was doing pre signing up for AWeber. Glad it works for you.
I’ve never tried AWeber and have been using Active Campaign since the beginning of the year. I do wish I had started my list building sooner, but it doesn’t really pay to look back, so I’ll just keep moving forward! I’ve mainly been building my list through Facebook ads and a free opt in are there other tactics you recommend?
Yes, I am with you on the wish I started sooner thing Lisa, but it is what it is… however glad you have started already! You have FB ads and doing opt ins there.. what about pop ups on your website and Twitter? Mention it in your blogs?
Ohh I am like you Kristen…I am getting closer and closer…and thanks to a half price until Oct 31 I will get there within the next week to get the hosting etc for my new blog, and have to dig in with you about the mailing list etc. 🙂
Att girl Katarina, you will get there, soon! Let me know!
Somehow MailChimp was recommended to me and I have been using it since my book launch. I find the platform relatively user friendly and have had a few people help me set up the email flow for my various signups. Then I can amalgamate the lists into one master list. I’ve also heard good things about AWeber and appreciate your info on how great their customer service is and that they help you design templates as well. I believe I paid someone to help with that, and then I figured it out on my own eventually. List building is so key and having a great service is also key. Thanks for another information packed article, Kristen! Appreciated.
MailChimp is fine too, but AWeber seems to integrate with WP better. Glad that you have had some help along the way as well. You are welcome and thank you Bev!
Um, so, I guess this is where I do my usual thing and say, “I haven’t had time,” and you pretty much kick my tail. At least I have your blogs “favorited” so I always get the tips. Can the AWeber folks write my final projects for me? I’m sold if they do! 🙂
Yes, Liz… but you need to make the time, only if it is important! Yes, I will be happy to kick your tail. Feel free to bookmark them on your favorite bookmarking site. I like Delicious.com
No, nobody should be writing your final project… you wouldn’t want their grade, you want yours… it’ll be over soon enough!
I’ve been building my list but haven’t really done anything with it – with the exception of sending weekly blog post summaries. I’d like to get started setting up an something a little more professional.
Girl.. you really need to get it going. Stacey, your list is gold… you can’t be online when your consumers are… so why not be sure they see your stuff by YOU sending it to THEM!?
I was never good at email marketing, I find it a little confusing. Thanks for the insight, this is definitely useful information and I could really use some help in this area.
You let me know if you need help Elizabeth… because it is pure gold for your biz.
Thanks for your insights and recommendations. I honestly had never thought about this with my blogging.
Keeps your name and brand top of mind to your consumer, Heather