One of the most commonly used mailing list programs out there is AWeber. It’s a well-used and well-loved way to build an email list, and send out regular newsletters to followers.
I even used Aweber to build an email list for Create Hype. However, over time, I realized that it might not be the best option for my site. After looking around, I discovered that GetResponse offers more of what my list needs. Here are some of the reasons that I decided to replace Aweber with GetResponse.
Responsive RSS-Based Emails
GetResponse offers cleaner-looking RSS-based emails that are attractive, and that appear to come from my email address, rather than from my site. The open rate of such emails is a little better.
Aweber only recently added responsive typed newsletters, but GetResponse has had them for a while. This means you can easily send out responsive emails typed out, as well as RSS-based emails (which Aweber still doesn’t have).
Easier Template GUI
Aweber’s template GUI is a pain. It’s painful to work with in a lot of ways. Getreponse offers a template GUI that is much easier to work with. Plus, it’s a little more customizable and it looks more professional. It’s very clean and crisp, and I’ve been happy with the way the emails look now.
More Automation Options for Autoresponders
One of the best ways to continue to engage your email subscribers, and keep them subscribed, is to provide autoresponder items. This can include autoresponder courses, and special tips and other items meant to provide useful (and exclusive) content to the reader.
With GetResponse, it’s possible to trigger emails based on the type of transaction the subscriber is involved with, as well as on such items as a subscriber birthday and other situations. There’s an entire range of options that can help you tailor your autoresponder to your subscribers so that they feel as though they are truly connecting to you.
Compatible with Everything We Use
GetResponse is compatible with everything we use to make Create Hype easier to run. I use Hybrid Connect, WP eStore, and WishlistMember to automate different aspects of my web site… including the affiliate program for the Create Hype’s products. Since GetResponse is compatible with these plugins, the transition was mostly seamless, and I didn’t lose any usability related to my site.
Costs Less
GetResponse actually costs a little bit less than Aweber. On a monthly basis, the difference isn’t that great; GetResponse only has a slight edge. However, if you make an annual payment instead of a monthly payment, the savings when you use GetResponse are better. You can save 18% percent a year. That’s pretty good.
Other Features of GetResponse
GetResponse has all of the features you would expect and want in an email marketing autoresponder. Some of the other features include:
- A/B Testing, so you can figure out which offers work best with your audience. You can also test different items aspects of your emails, such as form field, subject line, and even what time of day works best.
- Landing Page Creator, allowing you to create a good looking landing page for your campaign. You pay an extra $15 per month, but if you use a lot of campaigns, it can be worth it, since you have a dedicated URL and integration with your social media and ecommerce.
- Social Sharing that encourages your subscribers to share your newsletters with others.
- List Booster, which allows you to import contacts from different services right into your email campaign.
- Form Builder as a way to put together attractive and custom forms that can encourage more signups on your site.
So far, I’ve been very happy with GetResponse, and it’s been great for Create Hype. If you have been looking for a viable alternative to Aweber, this could be it.