Since joining Twitter a few months ago, I have been torn between the “Auto DM” dilemma. To Auto DM or not?  That is the question.  There are several services out there like SocialToo and Tweetlater that allow you to setup an Auto DM. An Auto DM is a Direct Message to a new follower that welcomes them and provides the new follower with a touch of information about yourself or your company. Seems harmless, No?

Fact is, many Tweeple (Twitter users) despise Auto DM’s and will refuse to follow you back if using one. This number of people that won’t follow you back is about 1% . Here is the catch…

The Auto DM generates web traffic! Lots of it!! Here is proof. Below is an image from Google Analytics that shows one of my web sites traffic stats before using an Auto DM and after. Keep in mind, this is a business account on Twitter, created to drive traffic to my web site to increase sales and profits.

Traffic generates leads, leads turn to sales. Sales create profit!!!

As you can see, the stats change dramatically after starting an Auto DM campaign. The number of visits to my web site have increased 9,950%!! Yes, 9,950%

I am very interested in what Twitter users (Tweeple) actually think about the Auto DM and if they truly will not follow someone back if using one. Please comment as we discuss the debate. Based on the number of responses or comments, I will use the data to determine whether to continue to use an Auto DM or to stop them completely on my business account. I DO NOT use an Auto DM for my personal account where I am on Twitter to socialize and have built a huge following of around 5800 followers in less than 60 days. You can “opt out” from the Auto DM’s and stop them completely using a previous post technique. Stop Auto DM’s.

To me, the Auto DM is pretty much like a direct mail advertisement. You either choose to read it or you toss it in “file 13″.

What is your opinion of the Auto DM? Please post comments.