Affiliates and Ecommerce entrepreneurs that want to seriously build a business, at some point need to consider how to manage their subscriber list.

Now, I have an account with Aweber AND also one with GetResponse. 

Why?

Well I started with Aweber over 3 years ago after a recommendation by someone at Ken McCarthy's System Seminar. I use it for my own list management and support and deliverability has been great.

I also use GetResponse for some of my viral sites, because GR allows single optin and that feature provides a simpler way for new viral site members to be automatically added to GetResponse, without asking them to confirm their email address.

Subscribers can still opt-out from GetResponse mailings of course.

Moving from GetResponse to Aweber... or vice versa 

People occasionally move from one provider to another, like Pete Belanger (check his blog post here).

I'm not sure why Pete is actually moving fro GetResponse to Aweber, but he's correct in saying that having a list is a "must have" for any serious online entrepreneur.

Main differences 

As for which provider to select, here is what I see as the main differences between the two:

•  Aweber is extremely strict with their clients re use of single optin. I'm not sure if they still allow single optin at the time I post this, but it appears that for new clients you must use confirmed (double) optin for all your subscribers.
• GetResponse gives you the option to make your lists single or double optin.
• Both services DO allow you to import your lists from elsewhere, but there are limits on how many per day can be imported (2k/d Aweber, 5k/d Getresponse) and confirmation emails are sent out to imported subscribers.
• GetResponse has been a little more flexible on importing based on my experience working closely with them on email migration for my exclusive clients.
• Aweber's user interface seems to run a little faster, as their interface is less graphic rich.
• Both services seem to deliver email at similar speeds.

The BIG Difference

The BIG difference I suspect is in email deliverability. Because Aweber is more strict with requiring double optin, I would assume their reputation with the ISP's is better than that of GetResponse, who might have more "spammy" clients affecting the reputation of their sending servers... .and thus spoiling the reputation for all GetResponse clients.

But deliverability is very hard to measure.  Both companies claim great deliverability on their sales pages, but how is that defined i.e. do they talk about delivering to the spam folder or to the inbox? 

Until someone produces an objective report on email deliverability comparing GetResponse and Aweber, the question remains.

Which is better? 

The good thing about both services is that you pay for the size of your list, not for the # emails sent.

If you need single optin and less strict importing (higher limits) then go with GetResponse but beware of possible deliverability risks (unconfirmed).

If you want an easier interface and *possible* higher deliverability go with Aweber.

THE BOTTOM LINE

Don't forget to treat your subscribers well - and not just as lists of emails to import etc.

At the end of the day, the biggest factor in the value of your list is NOT which provider you use, but how well you build a relationship with your list and retain the subscribers who are truly interested in what you have to give them.

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--- (Edited on 5/7/2008 1:23 pm [GMT-0500] by Peter) ---