8 Ways to Make Your Newsletter Popular & Profitable
by Susan Harrow
Published on this site: May 20th, 2005 - See
more articles from this month...
The styles and content of newsletters are as various as the
author's voices. Each person's personality is stamped on their
content. I know I can count on consistent tone, pacing and
subject matter from the newsletters to which I subscribe.
They each have their own template that includes the order
in which they deliver information, their personal writing
style and tone, and something they're selling or an offer
of some kind.
Here are 8 things that popular and profitable newsletters have
in common that make them work.
You can apply them right now when you create yours.
- They're short.
Making it a quick read maintains the interest of busy people.
- They hold to a consistent format.
Keeping your structure constant gives people a sense of
security and confidence. If you are going to change something
you need to let your readers know or they'll let you know
how they feel about it.
- They have links.
Providing links to longer length articles or websites gives
your audience the choice to read more detailed material
on a topic of particular interest quickly.
- They draw you to their website.
Giving a teaser for something new, free, or exciting to
purchase that readers can only get from your website makes
them eager to visit.
- They provide useful information.
Imparting knowledge positions you to become a valued resource
for your readers who then look forward to learning from
you.
- They highlight the success of others.
Giving your readers the opportunity to hear about people
like yourself who are succeeding makes them feel like they
can succeed as well. Generate examples that show how clients,
friends, or customers have used your techniques and show
your readers how they can do the same.
- They cross promote.
Offering to cross promote with anyone you choose opens opportunities
for more subscribers or to sell your services and products.
Create an alliance with other e-zine publishers who have
a similar target audience for promoting each other's e-zine
or newsletter.
- They offer products, services, or classes.
Suggesting new things to potential clients or customers
allows you to continue and deepen their relationship with
you. They can expand their knowledge by buying your books,
products, or by using your services. You make more money
so you can enlarge your product lines, business or take
more time off.
HOT TIP! Archive your newsletters by succinct titles on
your website so your readers and reporters can access them.
Well-written newsletters are essentially tip sheets that a reporter
can excerpt for information or quotes. If the title of your newsletter
isn't enticing and descriptive of the content, create a one-line
teaser so a reporter scanning your site will be able to open the
link based on a hint of the information. I recommend putting a disclaimer
that states anyone who uses your content must credit you with all
of your contact information.
Write and promote your newsletter.
For an all around education about e-zine publishing check out:
Promote your e-zine on these sites:
Get insider secrets on publicity and marketing by subscribing to
Sixty Second Secrets. Packed full of powerful techniques to
promote yourself on and off the web. Exciting ideas and stories
from successful people. http://www.prsecrets.com/joinlist.html
Susan Harrow is a top media coach, marketing strategist
and author of Sell Yourself Without Selling Your Soul (HarperCollins),
The Ultimate Guide to Getting Booked on Oprah, and *How You
Can Get a 6- Figure Book Advance. Her clients include Fortune
500 CEOs, millionaires, best-selling authors and successful
entrepreneurs who have appeared on Oprah, 60 Minutes, NPR,
and in TIME, USA Today, Parade, People, O, NY Times, Wall
Street Journal, and Inc.
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