I'm considering getting a less expensive email blast service, any ideas?

**hassansr** · 12-17-2008, 05:24 AM

For the past three years I have used http://www.streamsend.com for my email delivery service. They are good for autoresponders, html templates, multiple lists, embedded forms, reports and the like. They also don't require me to have double opt-in for my lists,, which I really like.

Sadly they have recently upped my rate to send emails to $59.00 for 20,000. Does anyone know of a less expensive service that provides the same tools?

**ntkennedy** · 12-26-2008, 05:42 AM

There are many different options for you and I would recommend 1shoppingcart.com if you are interested in keeping your cost down. Others are aweber and infusionsoft.

Nate Kennedy
VirtualREIMentor.com

**TheLady** · 12-27-2008, 05:41 PM

i just signed up w/ trafficwave and would strongly suggest working with them. the list transfer process is simple they offer a free month w/out charging you in advance for the next one, nor authorizing your funds in advance either. additionally the support there has been incredible.

**KeithC** · 02-18-2009, 02:01 PM

I have 40 different domains on the internet. I can tell you from experience that getting messages delivered is getting increasingly more difficult.

Aweber is my choice for autoresponders. I pay around $20-$25/month and they are absolutely one of the best values on the market.

Keith

p.s. I can send you a link if you PM me.

**slavipz** · 03-06-2009, 04:08 AM

I'm interested in using such service, but can you tell me if this is considerred spamy and how do you obtain email lists ?

**KeithC** · 03-06-2009, 07:51 AM

It is only considered "spammy" if you are sending unwanted emails usually unrelated to what you are selling. For those looking for a good deal on a house/mortgage/service, they are usually more than happy for you to send them updates, information, tips, tricks, offers, etc. via email.

You get lists from putting an OPT-IN box (enter your email and name box) on your web page. They fill out the information if they are interested. I usually give them a reason to sign up. I offer a free "report", special report, "The top 10 reasons to ..... type of case study, etc., whatever in order to get their information.

Just think which lists you sign up for on the internet, why you signed up, what you like to receive and do the same.

PM me or post for more information.

Keith

**slavipz** · 03-06-2009, 07:54 AM

Thanks for the quick reply. I would be interested in getting more information on that subject. However i think you are speaking about what i call the catchers, which are something that is attracting the visitor to enter his details... however how do you proceed when your site is relatively new and how do you collect email addresses ?

**DWittlinger** · 03-06-2009, 12:50 PM

I concur, Aweber is a good product. I've used it with much success and it's very user friendly. They also have fantastic customer service which has bailed me out more than a handful of times.

Hassansr... is "20,000" the amount of subscribers you have or the amount of emails you send? Aweber charges based on the amount of contacts you have but my understanding is that you get unlimited # of emails sent with your fee. Aweber would be a better deal if you have 5,000 or less contacts in your database.

In response to slavipz... an effective way to start creating your list is of course to offer something of value so that guests are willing to give up their contact information. Some of the most effective ways I've seen are:

1. Offer a complimentary CMA for a customer interested in their home's value. Stress that it's a FREE service.

2. Sign them up for automatic listing notifications. Your MLS system has this tool at your disposal. Use your website to capture the client information and plug it into the auto-response function of your MLS.

3. Offer a free e-book or other helpful information to entice them to join. The key to using this technique is that it HAS to be something they CAN'T find anywhere else (i.e. extremely valuable!). I can find 1,000 different resources on "Home Selling Tips" with a simple Google search. Your offer has to be more substantial.

My two cents!

**divya** · 03-07-2009, 04:05 AM

Send blaster is good. But there is limit on the email list size. Maximum allowed number for free edition is only one hundred.

**KeithC** · 03-07-2009, 03:08 PM

There are 2 main ways to build your list fast.

The first one (and the best in my opinion) is with other peoples list. Do you know a great contractor, mortgage broker, small business owner catering to home buyers/sellers, etc. You can piggyback off of their list via co-marketing. They would send a message out to their list as a recommendation and drive traffic to your site for a fee or swap or finder's fee, etc.

The second way is advertising on Google adwords. The small ads highly targeted to the area, neighborhood or even subdivision that would offer the prized report, give away for their information. You would only pay for the # of clicks the ad generated.

Keith