THIS WEEK

Autoresponders with PUNCH!

ALSO IN THIS EDITION

Marketing Tips - Facebook

Business of the Week - Aha Oracle

Christmas Party Cancellation

Next Week ...

Auto-responders are a business's best friend. Before we cover how to write fantastic auto-responders, here is a quick recap. What exactly is an auto-responder?  Think about when you meet someone and you ask them "How are you?" Most times the automatic response is "Fine thanks".  People don't even think – the answer just automatically comes out.

Now – transfer this to your computer. Most people are aware of the "sorry I am holidays so can't answer your email" type of autoresponder email. You know the person is not there answering their email – the computer does it automatically.  This is the most basic sort of autoresponder – one email triggers one response.

 But there is so much more you can do with a decent autoresponder package. When people contact you via email or over the net they want a fast answer. This is where an autoresponder program really comes into its own – they become major productivity enhancement tools. 

Let's start with something simple. Say, for example, someone enquires using a form on your website wanting a brochure. Imagine if your computer automatically received the email and then sent out the brochure electronically, without you having to do anything.

Autoresponders can also be set up to manage subscriptions and unsubscribes to newsletters, sending out appropriate confirmations as needed. They can be set up to deliver e-books or MP3 downloads on successful purchase over the net. They can deliver a broadcast email or newsletter to everyone on your list at the touch of a button.

One of the other great features is you can upload a series of follow up auto-responders to be delivered at pre-programmed times in the future.  Most sales people give up after 2 or 3 follow up contacts. Autoresponders will keep on following up no matter what (as long as you have programmed them into the sequence). Write it once and then let it run over and over again.

OK – enough about the features of autoresponders. Here's my 10 step formula for creating auto-responders with PUNCH.

Auto responders are like mini direct mail letters - you need to cover all of the regular elements of a long copy direct mail letter in a very succinct way. Everything should be covered in no more than 5 paragraphs!

1. Subject line – your subject line is your headline. People will decide whether or not to open your email by your subject line. Make it interesting, intriguing and tempting.
2. Headline – you need a strong headline to grab attention once they click on your email. Your headline must be consistent with your subject line and make people want to keep reading your email.
3. Body copy – your copy needs to reflect a problem –solution approach. This means you hint at a problem and then quickly provide a possible solution.  Focus on the benefits of your product or service, not the features.
4. Links – you need to link through to your sales page quite high in the copy as well as at the end of the copy.
5. Proof/testimonials – it helps to include a testimonial or some other proof.
6. Guarantee – if you offer a money back guarantee then say so.
7. Call to action – make sure you have a clear and compelling call to action. Tell people what to do – this may be as simple as asking them to visit your website.
8. Create urgency – people need to know why they need to act now.
9. Signature
10. PS – PSs are generally always read. Make sure your PS restates the benefits, repeats the urgency or repeats the call to action.

Here's an example of a typical autoresponder sequence promoting a new product or service.

1. Initial email in the format we have just discussed.
2. 4-7 days later – restate your offer and reinforce the urgency of their action.
3. 4-7 days later – reinforce the benefits, pile on the testimonials and perhaps offer added bonuses. Combine this with a reminder of the deadline or other reason they need to act today.
4. If they still don't buy, then you could ask for feedback on the offer at this stage.
5. Keep the person on your email list and regularly keep them updated with newsletters and other broadcasts.

Autoresponders are like silent salespeople. If you take the time to set them up correctly and program them for success, you can automate your business and create more time for other business growth activities.

Facebook is much more than just a place to hang out, meet new people and share photos, as of early November this year it is also a great marketing tool.

Most people who have a website know about pay per click advertising through sites like Google. While you can choose the words and geographic locations where you want your ad shown, that's about it. Facebook PPC allows you to target your demographics to a much tighter detail.

If for example you run an alternative healing practice, then select your ad to be shown only to people within a certain geographic area. You then select women aged between 20-55 who have watched "The Secret" or "What the Bleep".  Can you see how by doing this you are sharing your practice with people who really are interested in knowing more about you and what you do.

I love Facebook precisely for this reason - cuts down irrelevant ads and helps me only to see things I truly may be interested in.

Of course - if you are browsing Facebook, pop over and visit my page. I would love to hear from you.

One of the most talented spirit artists is local lady Linnie Lambrechtsen.

Linnie has finally released the most stunning series of Oracle cards - called A'Ha Oracle. They are truly magnificent - both from a reading perspective as well as meditation tools.

Visit Linnie's website to order or for more information.

It seems that The Great Heart Harmony Christmas Party was not meant to be this year. We have had a few problems with the venue so have had to cancel at the last minute. I apologise for everyone who was looking forward to the party (including me).  Refunds of all tickets are on their way!

Let the Magic begin

warm regards

Ingrid

Heart Harmony

PS: Remember to visit my blog - there are daily marketing and HR tips to keep your business growing http://www.heartharmony.com.au/IngridCliffBlog.html

PPS: Remember to also check out my Facebook page