If you've created a website and started adding your content to it, chances are you've also built some links and submitted some articles to the major search engines.  After you have done all of the above, the next logical step, which many happen to overlook, is to take your business to the next level with an autoresponder.  These tools are great to have, although many simply overlook them.

Often times, someone will visit your website through a link or search engine.  In many cases, a potential buyer will look around your site and find exactly what he has been looking for.  Sometimes, the buyer will get distracted with other things, and leave the site before he makes a purchase.  There are many reasons as to why a potential buyer might leave your site on accident before making a purchase, although you can capitalize and make the most of this opportunity with the use of an autoresponder.

By capturing the visitor's email address, an autoresponder will give you the chance to contact the potential buyer in the future and capitalize on the sale that you missed out on before.  Although autoresponders are mostly known for their abilities to automatically answer email, they are also more flexible, allowing you to do so much more.  If you use your autoresponder creatively and productively, you'll gain more leads and customers than you ever imagined.

The best autoresponders out there will manage your customer list and continue to follow up with customers who have signed up on your list.  You can also keep your autoresponder list updated with new products and services as well.  These programs will grow with you, allowing you to build a reputation in your area of business and become an expert over time.

Through the use of an autoresponder and an affiliate program you can contact your affiliates quickly and easily to let them know about new offers you have or offer them new material that they can use to help them sell your products to increase your sales and their commissions.  You can also send out broadcast emails to your affiliates as well, providing them with tips and helpful advice that will assist them with selling your products.

Autoresponders are also a great way to provide advertising as well.  If someone is interested in advertising on your website, you can use the autoresponder to automatically send out an email detailing the cost of advertising and how the individual can find out more about it as well.  This is a great asset, especially if you make a lot of income with advertising on your website.

Another way you can make the most of your autoresponder is by allowing your visitors a taste of what you have to offer and the quality of your products or services.  If you plan to send out samples, you should avoid making it appear to be a sales letter.  If you do, you'll normally end up losing more business than you gain.  Most buyers don't like receiving sales letters, and will avoid doing business with you if they receive a sales letter.

Even if you've never used an autoresponder before, you can find many different uses for it.  Autoresponders are great for many different purposes, other than answering emails.  There are several types to choose from as well, which gives you plenty of opportunities for your business.  All you need to do is select the type that works best for you - then discover more and more creative ways to use it to your advantage.