Without a doubt, being able to market through email plays a critical role in how successful you will be on
internet. So, choosing
right listserver to power it will be one of your most important decisions.So, which one to choose?
There are many worth consideration, so here is a list of 'filter' questions that will help you make your decision. Remember, no listserver has ALL of these features - prioritize their importance based on your business:
*Do You Want Your Listserver Located In Your Desktop, Or Hosted By A Third Party?
A Desktop Listserver (as
name implies) is installed in your own desktop computer. ASP (Application Service Provider) programs are hosted on a separate server.
ASP enables a quicker distribution of email, since outside servers typically have access to faster internet connections. However, if you choose to use a desktop listserver, ask whether it distributes emails using multi-threaded internet connections (instead of sending out emails sequentially, one by one, does it search out different 'threads' and distribute multiple emails simultaneously, through your internet connection)?
*Does
Listserver Support Both Text and HTML Messages?
Most emails are sent in simple 'text' format, though sending graphics, banners, etc., through HTML, is becoming more popular. Consider your current and future needs; many listservers offer both options.
*Does The System Support Multiple Languages?
Group Mail, for example, currently supports 30 international character sets. Remember,
internet is a GLOBAL medium.
*Does It Have An Autoresponder Function For Automated Follow-up?
*Does The Listserver Offer An Automated Subscription and Removal Support for Newsletters?
At
bottom of newsletter messages, there MUST be a way for
recipient to unsubscribe, if they wish.
*Can Your Listserver Process and Remove 'Bounces' (Returned Emails)?
*Can New Prospects Be Added To An Opt-in List Automatically?
[NOTE: Make sure these last three functions can be applied to multiple mailing lists, email accounts and newsletters, if you have more than one site. ]