Program to handle MASS MAILINGS?

[lin robinson]

I guess this is where this belongs?

I'm wondering if anybody knows of a program (free ones a bonus) that can do mass mailing?

I'm talking about something that takes a mailing list and kicks out a message to one address after the other, not a CC gangbang.

Adding a simple address line (Dear Mr. JONES) a plus.

Either a free-standing program, plugin for Outlook or some such, or a program to install on site and use the domain mailing system.

Thanks

Lin

[Peter Bowen]

I've done email marketing since 9k modems were considered state of the art. I'll tell you about some of the mailing solutions I've used, perhaps they'll be helpful to you. There are of course a huge pile more out there.

Desktop software:

A plugin for outlook (google for it) that allows you to generate personalized bulk mail using fields from the address book.

Internet Marketing Center's Mailloop. Don't waste your money on this one.

I would not recommend using a desktop solution because ISPs can get a little vexed if you start sending tons of email on your account.

Server software

phplist - free but takes some knowledge to install unless your host has fantatistico (lunar pages has this then it's pretty easy). It can't do autoresponders which is a nuisance.

SendStudio - costs a bit but very powerful. They'll also do the install for your for a few bucks.

Hosted Solutions

Aweber - you pay them $20 per month and they do the rest. You get up to 10 000 emails for this price and can run multiple lists, autoresponders etc. Very easy to use. You can't import your own contacts without having them confirm opt in (not necessarily a bad thing).

I recommend that if you are starting you go with aweber.com The price is not an issue and you'll be able to focus on developing the relationship with the list instead of messing with the delivery mechanisms

Cheers

Pete

[Joff]

I've used Constant Contact (roving.com) for a number of years and found their hosted service to work well for my needs. Costs vary depending on list size.

[lin robinson]

Thanks a LOT guys. This is a great response.

I can't wait to check out these solutions and find out just how I will screw them up. :-)

[lin robinson]

It sounds like you're saying doing it out of my own computer via Outlook or Thunderbird or whatever isn't a good idea...to go straight out of the web.

I guess that makes sense because it cuts one exchange out of the loop. That certainaly narrows my hunt down.

Thanks again

[phylo]

Yes, constant contact is a good one. We've used that for a while and it's been great. It's a real easy set up and the end-result is pretty good for the work you have to do.

[hookbeak]

Can anyone recommend a service that does *not* require an opt in ? I guess this means it must be a non-us one.....

[monaghan]

Other than spam, then why would you want something without opt-in?

[hookbeak]

Originally Posted by monaghan

Other than spam, then why would you want something without opt-in?

Don't know and don't care I'm afraid. Been asked to find it so I'm looking for it.

[monaghan]

Well that's really the way you're going to get help!

Suggest you use a search engine.