If you’ve been marketing online for any length of time, no doubt you’ve read articles that emphasize the importance of collecting email addresses.

Well, I’ve taken that a step further by using an autoresponder, which is a script that automatically sends emails at intervals specified by the user.

I’ve been using AWeber’s autoresponder on my flat stomach site for the past 2 years, and the results have been amazing.

I send Tummy Tips to my audience and I’ve created a serious of messages and have them all queued up to send once a week.

AWeber not only personalizes each message, but sends them out when I specify. So once I create my messages, set the interval and queue them up, the automated marketing machine begins.

While I realize the concept sounds very simple, I continue to reap the rewards from this basic routine day after day.

Here’s why…

I Send Short, Relevant Messages

I realize people are busy and generally have hundreds of emails to sift through. Rather than writing long, drawn out emails that could potentially bore them over time, I keep the messages short and relevant to their needs.

With this approach, they can read my tips quickly, and get on with their day.

It’s a Great Reminder

Sending emails regularly reminds people to visit your site. People bookmark sites all the time and often forget to return or don’t come back very often.

However, when you’re sending emails regularly, it helps keep your site fresh on their mind.

Gain Credibility

People love useful, free content. And when you can provide them with tips and advice that can change their life, this boosts your credibility tremendously. They’ll also be more inclined to buy products you recommend.

That’s why it’s super important you take your time and craft messages your audience will value. Don’t try to pitch products in every message. Give them useful information and keep the sales pitches to a minimum.

People Spread The Word

When people like your site, they will gladly tell others. I can’t tell you how many emails I’ve received from happy subscribers who’ve forwarded my Tummy Tips on to friends and/or told them how and where to subscribe.

A Revenue Builder (If You’re Subtle)

As I mentioned above, go easy on the sales pitches. If you’re pushing some product on every message then you’ll quickly turn your audience off. They’ll pick up on your motives and unsubscribe in a heartbeat.

It’s OK to promote products once and a while, but make sure there’s a good balance between content and selling. In fact, I would go heavy on the content and much lighter on the selling.

I do promote various books and services throughout my messages, but certainly not in every one. When you take this approach, people have a tendency to pay more attention when you finally do recommend a product or service.

It’s Your Turn

Now that you see how the autoresponder benefits my site, it’s time to think of ways you can reap the rewards for yourself.

If you have a tutorial-based site autoresponders can work very well because you can break down the learning steps into days to make learning easier and less overwhelming.

And since AWeber allows you to specify how far apart the messages are sent, you can choose intervals that work best for your content.

Remember to be responsible with your emails. Don’t send thoughtless or recycled content that will bore your audience.

Build credibility and long-term traffic by providing useful news they can use, and watch your automated traffic generator go to work for you.