The above reasons should be enough to convince you to go with an autoresponder service. The only reason that may require you to have your own autoresponder script installed on your own server is if you need more control over how your script works. Here are my reasons for switching to my own script:

* Integration with other scripts

I needed my subscriber database to synchronize with my membership database. When someone subscribes to a certain list, they would automatically be subscribed as a member. And when someone subscribes as a member, they would automatically be subscribed to the special list. I needed this to work with unsubscriptions as well.

* More control over autoresponder features

At the time I switched to a script, I needed more features than was offered by a service. The script allowed me to have unlimited autoresponders with unlimited messages with tracking systems and rss capability. All of which, surprise surprise, is now available with a service.

So, if you think you need a feature that is missing from a service, you can be doubly sure that you’re not the only one and that the service will quickly pick this up. It would probably take a bit more time but it will turn up.

* Control over subscriber list

I had built an email list of a few hundred when I decided to change over to a script. By the time I realized that I should have stuck with a service, I had then build my list to a couple of thousands. I did try to make a switch back but list imports to reliable autoresponder services require people to double opt in. Which reduced my list number to about 30 people.

They say that if people wouldn’t bother clicking on your confirmation link, it’s because they don’t want to be on your list in the first place. They probably just haven’t had the chance to click on your unsubscribe link. If this is the case, then this reason would be invalid.

To sum things up … just stick to an autoresponder email service … unless you desperately require a unique feature that is critical in determining the success of your online business.

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