Second Step: You Need An Autoresponder

As I said before: There are many people out there who want to make you believe that you do not need an email list to be successful online. 

Don't you believe them a single word!

You need a list to stay in contact with potential customers and buyers and to build a relationship based on trust with them. 

With your autoresponder you get the chance to provide valuable information to your potential customers and thus build credibility and an expert status in your niche. And this is also one of the most important rules that you have to respect: Do not spam your list. Do not try to sell something in every message you send out, but give your potentials information for free that is very valuable to them.

Having explained why you should absolutely have an autoresponder, we should talk about the different options to get one. I have three different autoresponders that I work with. And everyone has its advantages and disadvantages.

1. An autoresponder software installed on one of my websites
   This is great, because I bought the software once (for only about $ 50) and can use it without any limitations now. The software is not really up to date, though, and therefore the opt-in forms have a somewhat old-fashioned look.
2. Getresponse
   The Getresponse autoresponder is really modern and offers a lot of templates and features. Furthermore you get really good list building training for free there. The lowest monthly rate is for up to 1,000 subscribers. Once you get more subscribers you have to pay more - this is no problem in the beginning but as you list grows, it can be quite expensive.
3. TrafficWave
   TrafficWave offers all the features you need from an autoresponder, but there is more. E.g. you can set up a capture (squeeze) page that is hosted by TrafficWave for you in just a few very simple steps. One more advantage is that no matter how many autoresponder campaigns you create and how many subscribers you manage in your lists: the price always stays the same. What I like most about TrafficWave, though, is the affiliate program. If you want to make money online, why only use an autoresponder as a customer. You can also promote your autoresponder. And with the commission of just three new users, your own TrafficWave account is paid for.
   And it get's even easier: If you join Team Atlantis, they will even help you get those three PAID referrals that will pay for your own account. If you want more information on Team Atlantis and TrafficWave, just click HERE.
   

Now that you hopefully have your first free giveaway and your autoresponder all set-up, we will talk about what a squeeze page should look like next time.