So you know the importance of lead generation and you realize you need those leads to stay afloat online. But what about AFTER the lead is generated? What do you do with it? What is the next step? Let’s look at those questions right now.

It’s important for a farmer to fertilize his crops, and it’s the same with following up with a new lead. You can think of follow-up as a way of “fertilizing” your leads to help them grow into actual customers. That contact behind the computer at the other end is a person who needs to know you’re worthy of his trust, so you never want to remain anonymous and aloof. Instead, you should follow up with that prospect right away.

Using an autoresponder is the most effective way to follow up with leads. An autoresponder is a piece of software that helps the user keep up with new leads, manage older contacts and follow up with both on a regular basis. This process is particularly important at the beginning of the relationship. And yes, relationship is the right word. You are developing faith and trust in each other.

Whenever someone joins your mailing list, an autoresponder immediately sends that person a welcome or thank you message. It can be configured to send the number of messages you need at the intervals you select. Although the initial welcome message should be sent out immediately, subsequent messages can be sent at the intervals you choose – daily, weekly or whatever other interval you need.

Messages will be able to guide your prospects through your system and offer them items to buy along the way. You’ve probably already set the precedent that they can believe and trust you, just by giving them something for free right at the beginning. Sell inexpensive products to your prospects and build their trust while you are bringing them along. They’ll be much more comfortable buying your main moneymaking product when they arrive at the end of this process.

An autoresponder can do several other things in addition to helping in this way. If you receive a lot of inquiries and signups, an autoresponder will organize your prospect list and tell you precisely how far every person has progressed through the process. An autoresponder will also let you send individual messages called “announcements” whenever you think it’s appropriate. For example, you might get a great deal on an especially good product. You can offer it to your prospects by sending an announcement.

One thing with email marketing of this sort is the danger of SPAM reports. Autoresponder software guards against that with an “unsubscribe” option embedded in every message. If the customer has the option to leave at any time and they don’t, then the emails you send are not SPAM; they are expected and you are safe from that, so it’s like insurance, in manner of speaking.

Basically, you have to follow up with your leads and stay in contact with them at all times and auto responder software does that automatically and easily. Believe me, customers expect you to follow up with them periodically, and if you don’t, you are seen as a liability and they will leave your list without even a goodbye.

Use auto responders for follow up and you will always have a satisfied list of buyers on a constant basis.

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