What is an Auto-Responder?
An auto-responder is a computer program that automatically sends a pre-written message in response to a person's inquiry. It's usually used with email lists in order to send a confirmation message or scheduled email after a person signs up for a subscription or makes a purchase on any website.
The auto-responder is the software program that instructs the email program to respond with a pre-written message once individuals submit certain personal information. Auto-responders can be setup to send not only one auto-response message, but several responses at pre-determined scheduled intervals.
How to recognize an auto-responder
Forms on web pages often exist where an email address and name are entered, for example, when making a purchase, so the purchase confirmation email is sent. The form for entering an email address is visible on a web page as a stand alone square or rectangular box design. By entering the email address and name, you provide the information that triggers the auto-response message on another computer. Once the “submit” or “click here” button is pressed or selected, your name and email address are used by the program to send an email. Usually within moments, a pre-written message from an auto-responder arrives in your email Inbox.
Why Use An Auto-Responder
Auto-responders help website owners or web designers gather information from a web visitor that can be used later in a mailing list. The information normally gathered is the name of the person and their email address. Auto-responders may include a request for additional information, such as a zip code, or check boxes to indicate specific interests. Many times a space exists for typing in questions or comments the person may need to make. The use of an auto-responder eliminates the need to have a person respond manually to inquiries on a 24/7 hourly basis.
Anyone who receives an auto-responder message receives confirmation that they correctly entered their name and email address and often the email received includes additional information. Since the auto-response message is simply an automated email, it can be pre-written to include any text, or graphics desired.
How Are They Used and Who Uses Them
Seen on almost every website on the Internet, web owners, web designers and especially Internet marketers, set up auto-responders as part of their website coding for various functions. Here are some examples.
The automated response can provide notification or confirmation email to a customer that their purchase order was received at an online store. Auto-responders are also used to provide customers with welcome messages on enrollment in some newsletter subscription, membership program or organization. Other examples of their many practical functions are that they provide instant support, information and referral information on an around the clock basis--without any human intervention.
To my way of thinking
The best part of using auto-responders is that they are fully customizable to the particular need of their users, the people and businesses who need to reply to many emails and request. And people receive responses with helpful and valuable (usually!) information faster than waiting for a person to respond.
After all, if computers aren't making our lives a little better, they just aren't being useful tools.
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