I love my Aweber account. Ever since I switched over to Aweber from 1ShoppingCart and GetResponse autoresponders, I’ve seen the service improve both in terms of usability (a lot of AJAX-based features), deliverability and most importantly in terms of reporting.
It gives me total control of my mailing list and allows me to do things my friends on GetResponse seem to have a hard time doing; stuff like sending out emails based on country (or even city), RSS broadcasting features, integration with FeedBurner and split-testing emails.
From the screenshot above you can see how just 4 different statistics can give you a complete picture of my mailing list health:
- Bounces – How many emails didn’t reach the subscriber’s inbox, probably due to fake email addresses, space limitations, or other reasons.
- Complaints – How many people report the email as SPAM. I hate those guys.
- Opens – How many people who received your email, actually opens them
- Clicks – How many people clicked on links in your email message (I found using HTML works best for this)
In fact the only thing I regret about Aweber is that I didn’t use it earlier. When I made the switch I had about 500+ subscribers in GetResponse and 8,000+ in 1ShoppingCart. I estimate that only 25% of these made it into my Aweber account when I imported their names. The rest will probably never be recovered.
As per standard procedure, Aweber will send a opt-in confirmation email to everyone you add using the “import” feature. GetResponse and 1ShoppingCart, as well as any other reputable email marketing service, have similar terms as they seek to avoid their service being abused by spammers.
This is why I always tell every one I coach to get the best autoresponder service when getting started, and stick to it. If you try to cut costs, you end up losing out in the long run when you switch services. If you cannot afford Aweber, then at least use GetResponse.
A good email marketing management service is perhaps THE most important investment you can make to ensure success in your home based Internet business, so don’t shoot yourself in the foot by succumbing to the illusion of false economics.
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I would say just use Omnistar Mailer
Thanks Gobala… this is a very informing post.
I’m currently with GetResponse. I still pay $17/month unless I choose to upgrade, which include functions such as split testing.
Damian… I’m thinking of switching to Aweber since so many good things have been said about the company, however it is very troublesome.
Comparing upgraded GetResponse to aWebber, do you think there is still a need to make a switch?
When it comes to web form opt-in, GetResponse does NOT require double-opt-in like aWebber. If I switch to awebber, that means I need to create new pages and ask my subscribers to ‘confirm’ before receiving my free report. I rather not add additional steps to the process.
Please tell me what you think.
Thanks.
Lei
It seems the the new Getresponse 6.0 now have most of the features you highlighted about Aweber.
But there’s a huge jump in prices. GR now has the same price plans as Aweber but a dollar cheaper.
Those that chose GR initially due to costs savings must be moaing now…
Cheers
Damian
@ Damian – GetResponse still seems to be going in a different direction. Do the new prices effect old members as well? That sucks..
I used to use Aweber, just stop last 2 months due to their support attitude problem..! I am using Autoresponse Plus now…Own hosting:)
However, I must stress that Aweber delivery rate is the best! Functionality and reporting are among the best, no doubt about it.
I have been using Aweber for the past year and no complains about them.. their system is super easy to use. The only drawback is the high monthly cost for the system( more expensive then a budget hosting service)..but I guess you have to pay for reliability and ease.
I tried aweber ages ago but seems like I have to give it a second go and keep my getresponse on the side
waw…good for us, its informative. Good job.
Thanks for the article on Social Bookmarking! Very informative… and timely! Keep them coming.
Thanks for this post. Are you integrating your Aweber list with 1shoppingcart product sales in any way? Thanks
I have been using Aweber for a year now and this is what I feel:
Aweber has a very nice feature for e-marketing purposes. Though there are alot of loopholes here and there which could be improved. But thats ok compare to its ease of use.
Their main lacking it only support Latin text. Forget about other text such as, Chinese, Urdu, Arab, Thai, Japs, etc.
I really hope the developer would take a serious matter into these. It would benefit them in many way.
Another irritating thing about Aweber is their customer service. With the amount of fees that I am paying, I feel I should receive a better customer service. Talking to them feel like talking to a robot. Help from customer service does not help at all.
I have been on their ‘trial’ and pretty impressive I must say.
I agree with you.
AWeber is the best. I have been using it for a few years now, and it’s the perfect companion to my blog.
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