I’m currently testing out a new autoresponder feature using a paid WordPress plugin. Since I no longer use an ezine to communicate, preferring instead to blog, use an RSS feed and Twitter, I found that paying $20 per month for nothing was not such a good idea.

So I canceled my AR account and went on the hunt for a plugin to use with WordPress.

The one I’ve chosen to try is called [GWA] AutoresponderPro by Code4Cookies. Though they do offer a free plugin, I wanted the paid version for the convenience of having unsubscribes processed automatically, as they usually are with the paid AR services. So the one time $22 fee was a much better alternative to the $20/month fee

Installation was as simple as with most plugins – upload via FTP and activate from within WordPress.

This tool offers you the ability to have multiple lists, import leads from other services, add leads manually and easily configure your list sign up boxes to be simply added to your blog via the widgets menu.

Naming the lists was a bit of a pain, since you click on the Create List button and new lists are given the name Default_xx – you have to go into the widgets menu and click on the corresponding widget – named Autoresponder #1…etc and then edit the name within the widget itself. No big deal, just a small annoyance

A basic understanding of HTML is needed to edit the signup code for each autoresponder, but placement is simply a matter of cut and of the code to add to posts or pages, and via the widget menu for sidebars/footers and other widgetized areas.

As I move along, I will keep you updated on how this plugin is working out for me