OK, we all know that we need to send them out, but do we know the really important facts that will make our newsletters - and our careers - a success? Well - we all will now! Here are 5 tips to make your newsletter a welcome addition to your recipients' inboxes:
- Create a QUALITY (read: not "Salesy") product. Create your newsletter in MS Publisher or an Adobe product or any other newsletter creation software package that you are comfortable with. When you create it, keep in mind that you want it to be an "of value item". Include one article that allows you and your readers to share a common experience, something that they will enjoy reading, etc...you want it to be an interesting read so that they want to share it with others. Next, include something that will create a bond between you and your readers - for instance maybe look up a local charity event coming up within the next couple of weeks an include a brief write-up on that event, remember, you want it to be an event or charity that will appeal to most people...a food drive, homeless charity, children's, pets and seniors are usually popular. And finally, include and offer or call to action item..get them to go to your website and participate in a poll, register for a drawing, participate in a contest, etc... Please make sure that your newsletter looks professional and pleasing to the eye, not to busy, not to bland.
- Once you have created this wonderful, much awaited by your SOI (Sphere of Influence), newsletter - convert it to .pdf format.
You are going to send it as an attachment to your email, rather than sending the newsletter out in .html format. (If you don't have the full version of Adobe Acrobat on your computer, you can go to the Adobe website and download a free converter easily). - Decide HOW you are going to send out your newsletter.
Depending on the number of people in your SOI, you can either send your newsletter straight from your own email software (I don't recommend this, and certainly not for any quantity over 25 at a time...plus there's no tracking capabilities.). I personally recommend you use a program like Constant Contact (up to 500 contacts is $15/month), aWeber (up to 500 contacts is $19/month), or GetResponse ($17.95 month - maybe hard to import list). I know there are others out there...but those are the most common. You can also get stand alone email sending software for your computer, but this is probably more involved than many want to get, and I don't recommend it for the general masses. - Format Your Email Message for Success!
Get personal! Almost all email programs, like the ones mentioned in #3 above, have personalization features.
- You want the email subject line to read something like this: "[FirstName], here is the latest issue of my newsletter that you requested." (Feel free to actually include your newsletter's name - if it has one - and it should!)
- Again, make sure you address them by first name in the greeting within the body of the email. "Hello again, [FirstName]!"
- The body should say something like:
"I hope this message finds you well. I love the article that I have included in this month's newsletter, please check it out and let me now if you enjoyed it as much as I did. Feel free to forward this newsletter to friends and family that I might have missed.
I am sending the newsletter to you attached as a .pdf file. I do this because almost every single computer can open that file format and read it as I intended it to look, and it's also great for printing out and sharing with friends, since it's printer ready. If for whatever reason you cannot open it, you can go to Adobe.com and download a free reader that will install quickly and easily and allow you to read the newsletter and print it out for your friends.
Enjoy this newsletter, and remember to get in touch and let me know if you like the article. I hope to see you again soon!
All the best,
(Your normal signature with full contact info including phones, email, website and blog URLs.)"
- You want the email subject line to read something like this: "[FirstName], here is the latest issue of my newsletter that you requested." (Feel free to actually include your newsletter's name - if it has one - and it should!)
- Don't Forget to Attach Your Newsletter .pdf File!
I know it sounds like a "no brainer", but you have no idea how many times people get click happy and forget to attach the actual newsletter file.
That's it - do this EVERY MONTH - and you will be pleasantly surprised at the results, be sure to add new contacts to your Sphere of Influence daily as well...your income won't grow if your network doesn't either! OK - now pay close attention to this brown link below...click on it!
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