I've used the "Welcome Home" newsletter for a couple of years now, but it's been quite a while since I sent them out.  I am trying to do too many, so the costs were going through the roof.   I have two issues sitting in the office, waiting for delivery and now they are old. 

The #1 THING I WOULD RECOMMEND is to get a newsletter system going that allows YOU to set the date, volume, etc.  If you have a newsletter preprinted, then it can get stale.  And the number one reason that these are still sitting here is that I create a custom insert of 4 pages, for each issue.  I include local vendor coupons, real estate news specific to my farming area; sometimes I've included photos of particularly attractive gardening efforts -- in the location of my farm -- so that people will recognize my newsletter as some of local interest.  The outside of the newsletter is a 4-color piece, but my insert is in black and white.

And here are the reasons, Dave and other interested parties, that I'm going to begin using the Service for Life newsletter very soon. 

1) It's generic but I can customize it.  2) I can edit out what I don't want and tweak to my heart is content.  3) I don't have to dream up all of the content for my personal 4 to 8-page insert.  That's all done for me.  4) The content mix appears strong and of general interest.  If I keep my name out there often enough, I know the newsletter will attract new business -- I won't have to remind folks that I'm a good choice for when it's time to buy or sell, they will just know this.  

I've good luck with results from Newsletters, but I've made some pretty heavy investments and only recently began to get any return on that investment.    

Hello again, Dave - Now that I have just subscribed to the Service for Life Newsletter, I guess it's time for a little update from my previous post. 

The biggest issue for me now will be, "How do I crank this thing out every month and still have time to sell Real Estate?".   I'm thinking I'm going to average 1,000 copies sent per month.  That's probably a bit more manageable than 1,600.   Looks like I'll use a little heavier stock for the outside, with a bright white, 28# stock on the inside. 

Each issue will be 8-pages.  I'll try to compile what my total costs for production will be in the near future, but trust me, I'm trying to do this on the cheap so that I can make sure I send out at least 10-12 issues per year.  

Now, for the sceptics.  I spent (invested!) over $5,000 on my first 8 issues, over 2 years.  This is NOT a get rich quick scheme by any means.  However, out of that, I know for certain that I had 3 listings (which all sold), and one sale.   I'm just a tad bid above break even.   But here is the kicker.  What other advertising do you do where you're at least break even but gaining serious momentum? 

I'm going to do this at least a year, or two more, and I fully expect my momentum in increased business to improve.  I've got a lot of success behind my 2.5 years back in the biz, and with the Service for Life program, I think this will be a lot more productive than just about any other advertising medium I could use.   Incidentally, it may be time for me to start adding some vendor support -- coupons and the like with a small charge to the vendor for the privilege.  In the past, I have provided these for free but people don't respect you as much if you make everything free. 

I'd like to mix in some radio ads.  Anyone have any experience with Radio?