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Showing posts with label Ezine. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Ezine. Show all posts


If you're a solo professional you probably write an ezine. Sending out an electronic newsletter ezine (e-zine) is one of the least expensive and best ways to create value and top of mind awareness in your customer's mind.
One common issue I see in working with my own clients is sticking to a regular schedule, getting it done and out. Creating an expectation in your customer's mind that you will reach out to them regularly and then not fulfilling that expectation can be deadly for your business. Here's some tips and techniques for making sure you get your ezine out the door.
1. To create useful content, think about the questions your customers have asked you in the last week or so, and create an article around one of the questions, giving tips and help on that topic. Keep a list on your computer or in your planner of topics that pop up as you read industry news, too.
2. Create a publication calendar and insert these dates into your own calendar. Let your customers know when they can expect to see your ezine in their e-mail box. I publish on the first and third Thursdays of each month, and my readers know that. With a set publication schedule you'll know you have to create an issue and schedule it to go out, even if you are on vacation or a biz trip. If you can't meet your schedule, hire help. It's THAT important to your business!
3. Allocate a specific amount of time to create each issue so that it doesn't eat up too of your day. If you have an assistant who can create a draft for you to look at, all the better! Give her the topics and any other news you want in the ezine and let her create the draft and upload your pictures. You can go in and re-write as you wish, but the bones will already be there for you.
4. Always help your audience learn something. Those are the types of ezines that get passed along and help build your readers.
5. Use an interesting, compelling subject line. Don't say "April ezine." Your main topic should be reflected in your subject line and change with each issue.
6. Use a conversational tone, and keep paragraphs short. Use bullets or numbers to make your copy easy to follow, and use bold to make statements stand out.
7. Identify yourself as the sender in the "from" line and make sure to include an unsubscribe link in every issue. It's also great to ask for reader feedback with a link to your e-mail address.
8. Consider asking one or two questions of your readers, surveying them to find out what their interests and issues are.
9. Archive your ezines on your web site, which helps new people who hit your site get a sense of who you are and what you have to offer.
10. Use the "80/20" rule - offer your readers 80% useful content and 20% news about yourself, your company, and what you have to offer.
Follow these guidelines and you'll be on your way to creating great ezines that are read, passed along, and help your business gain customers. Consistent action is the key!

Ten Easy Tips For Writing Your Business Ezine



If you're a solo professional you probably write an ezine. Sending out an electronic newsletter ezine (e-zine) is one of the least expensive and best ways to create value and top of mind awareness in your customer's mind.
One common issue I see in working with my own clients is sticking to a regular schedule, getting it done and out. Creating an expectation in your customer's mind that you will reach out to them regularly and then not fulfilling that expectation can be deadly for your business. Here's some tips and techniques for making sure you get your ezine out the door.
1. To create useful content, think about the questions your customers have asked you in the last week or so, and create an article around one of the questions, giving tips and help on that topic. Keep a list on your computer or in your planner of topics that pop up as you read industry news, too.
2. Create a publication calendar and insert these dates into your own calendar. Let your customers know when they can expect to see your ezine in their e-mail box. I publish on the first and third Thursdays of each month, and my readers know that. With a set publication schedule you'll know you have to create an issue and schedule it to go out, even if you are on vacation or a biz trip. If you can't meet your schedule, hire help. It's THAT important to your business!
3. Allocate a specific amount of time to create each issue so that it doesn't eat up too of your day. If you have an assistant who can create a draft for you to look at, all the better! Give her the topics and any other news you want in the ezine and let her create the draft and upload your pictures. You can go in and re-write as you wish, but the bones will already be there for you.
4. Always help your audience learn something. Those are the types of ezines that get passed along and help build your readers.
5. Use an interesting, compelling subject line. Don't say "April ezine." Your main topic should be reflected in your subject line and change with each issue.
6. Use a conversational tone, and keep paragraphs short. Use bullets or numbers to make your copy easy to follow, and use bold to make statements stand out.
7. Identify yourself as the sender in the "from" line and make sure to include an unsubscribe link in every issue. It's also great to ask for reader feedback with a link to your e-mail address.
8. Consider asking one or two questions of your readers, surveying them to find out what their interests and issues are.
9. Archive your ezines on your web site, which helps new people who hit your site get a sense of who you are and what you have to offer.
10. Use the "80/20" rule - offer your readers 80% useful content and 20% news about yourself, your company, and what you have to offer.
Follow these guidelines and you'll be on your way to creating great ezines that are read, passed along, and help your business gain customers. Consistent action is the key!

When choosing a topic to publish your eZine on, you must consider some important success factors that can determine the flow and goal of your eZine.

You are encouraged to write non-time sensitive contents such as short tips, mini stories and interviews. Doing so enables you to create content in advance so that you can conveniently dispense to your subscribers at a later schedule.

Topic-wise, you will do well to cater to a starving market that will always be on demand for the kind of content you offer. And by this, I mean that you should zero in onto a demand that has been, is and will always be there.

Relationships and dating are niches that have been on Earth long before the World Wide Web came up, for example. The food niche will always be there as long as there are chefs cooking for anyone with a stomach to fill.

Having said that, you also want to have a steady stream of products or services of your own or an affiliate for you can endorse to your mailing list and make even more money.

This is also the reason why the Internet Marketing niche will remain one of the hottest niches there is, as products and services are created almost around the clock. As long as there Internet Businesses cropping out, there will always be needs to be fulfilled.
·

Deciding the Nature of Your eZine

When choosing a topic to publish your eZine on, you must consider some important success factors that can determine the flow and goal of your eZine.

You are encouraged to write non-time sensitive contents such as short tips, mini stories and interviews. Doing so enables you to create content in advance so that you can conveniently dispense to your subscribers at a later schedule.

Topic-wise, you will do well to cater to a starving market that will always be on demand for the kind of content you offer. And by this, I mean that you should zero in onto a demand that has been, is and will always be there.

Relationships and dating are niches that have been on Earth long before the World Wide Web came up, for example. The food niche will always be there as long as there are chefs cooking for anyone with a stomach to fill.

Having said that, you also want to have a steady stream of products or services of your own or an affiliate for you can endorse to your mailing list and make even more money.

This is also the reason why the Internet Marketing niche will remain one of the hottest niches there is, as products and services are created almost around the clock. As long as there Internet Businesses cropping out, there will always be needs to be fulfilled.

On the Internet, it is very possible to make money without selling any product. One way of doing so is through starting your own eZine, also known as an electronic newsletter.

In a nutshell, you send out your eZine issues on a periodical basis to your subscribers. The good part is that you have a flexible choice in automating the process of sending out your eZine issues for you or manually sending them on a periodical basis.

As an eZine publisher, not only can you easily achieve the benefits a conventional newsletter publisher enjoys without having to chop down several trees in the process, you can easily and conveniently spread your marketing influence and expertise to your base of subscribers from the shoes of an ordinary individual.

In other words, you do not have to invest in expensive printing equipment, brick and mortar business, and hiring staff just to run your own newsletter publication, resulting in a lot of time, money and effort saved.

Basically, all you need to start your own eZine are an auto responder and broadcast feature to go with, enabling you to reach out to your massive subscribers whom you can regard as your prospects, too.

All in all, if you do not have the commitments of creating your own product for sale, then publishing your own online newsletter can be one of the wisest decisions you will ever make, given the benefits of impressive marketing power and influence it can offer to you.
·

Why Publish an eZine?

On the Internet, it is very possible to make money without selling any product. One way of doing so is through starting your own eZine, also known as an electronic newsletter.

In a nutshell, you send out your eZine issues on a periodical basis to your subscribers. The good part is that you have a flexible choice in automating the process of sending out your eZine issues for you or manually sending them on a periodical basis.

As an eZine publisher, not only can you easily achieve the benefits a conventional newsletter publisher enjoys without having to chop down several trees in the process, you can easily and conveniently spread your marketing influence and expertise to your base of subscribers from the shoes of an ordinary individual.

In other words, you do not have to invest in expensive printing equipment, brick and mortar business, and hiring staff just to run your own newsletter publication, resulting in a lot of time, money and effort saved.

Basically, all you need to start your own eZine are an auto responder and broadcast feature to go with, enabling you to reach out to your massive subscribers whom you can regard as your prospects, too.

All in all, if you do not have the commitments of creating your own product for sale, then publishing your own online newsletter can be one of the wisest decisions you will ever make, given the benefits of impressive marketing power and influence it can offer to you.

by Alexandria K. Brown

"The E-zine Queen"


There's one marketing condition I see over and over with my clients, and it's called "but-I'm-not-an-expert-itis". These people are afraid to play bigger because they think it's not their time yet. (The important words there being "they think".) They're waiting for something to happen - a degree, a certification, a blessing from the gods in their industry, a recognitional nod from their respected peers.

Please listen carefully: This attitude will kill your business and take years off your life! It's VERY important to position yourself from the get-go as an expert in what you do.

Why do you want to be seen as an expert? Experts are more respected, get media attention, can market more easily and inexpensively, get paid more, and receive less price resistance (meaning people are happier to pay what you ask).

So, instead of waiting for someone to invite you to the top of the mountain, I urge you to simply "leap frog" your way over everyone else at the bottom.

Hear me loud and clear: You do not need anybody's permission to believe you're the best at what you do and share that fact! In fact, here are a few points I make to my clients if they are expressing doubt about their "qualifications" to sell information, programs, or services and charge well for them.

In the eyes of your prospects, clients, customers, and the media, you're seen as an expert if...

1. You Know More About Your Topic Than Your Target Market Does

When I first created my Boost Business With Your Own Ezine system, I wouldn't say I was an expert on ezines by far. But by studying the topic in depth to create my own ezine, I'd weeded through all the junky information to get to the good stuff, and I wanted to share it.

You'll find you can make quite a good living just teaching people how to get started in something. (You don't have to be the end-all wizard of the topic.)

2. You've Done What You're Teaching Others to Do

One client of mine, whom I'll call "Pat", teaches real estate investing. She wanted to create a high priced mentorship program of her own, but was nervous about it. She didn't feel right charging a lot of money for her personal time and advice, which meant deep down she wasn't confident in what she was teaching.

I asked her, "Did you make a million dollars investing in real estate?" She said yes. "Then just show them what you did," I replied. "Are you confident in that?" Her answer was a resounding "YES!" Once she realized she'd simply be teaching what she herself had already done, it eliminated her nervousness, made her sales much easier, and she was comfortable charging a hefty (and well deserved) fee.

3. You've Been Quoted on Your Topic in the Media

Sometimes the cart comes before the horse, and a brush with the media IS what makes you seen as an expert. A cosmetic surgeon friend of mine was recently a guest on a Los Angeles television show, and he now proudly promotes that fact in his ads, brochures, and office displays.

When I was interviewed by The Wall Street Journal on the subject of small business email marketing, you can be sure I added that to my bio as soon as I got off the phone!

4. You've Written a Book or Articles on the Subject

Nothing says "expert" like writing a book or by getting your name "out there" via articles. When you put a pen to paper (or fingers to keyboard) and simply share what you know, no matter how simple the information seems to you, people instantly view you as an authority figure. All you have to do is put yourself out there.

A friend of mine recently chose a financial planner based on the fact that he was a published author. "After all, he wrote the book on it!" she said. In her eyes, that sealed the deal, and she was happy to pay more for his services without question.

5. You SAY You Are the Expert!

I dubbed myself "The Ezine Queen" several years ago, simply because it had a ring to it. I had no idea at the time how much that would help me get famous and be remembered.

Did you know that Muhammad Ali became known as "The Greatest" because Ali himself said it? Yep -- he just kept saying it, and then eventually so did the media!

So if you have a good moniker in mind, go for it.

The Bottom Line... It's up to YOU.

Remember this: Your prospects, clients, and customers will virtually always accept the positioning that YOU choose for yourself and present to others.

So, whatchya waiting for? : )

© 2005 Alexandria K. Brown

Online entrepreneur Alexandria K. Brown, "The E-zine Queen," is creator of the award-winning, Boost Business With Your Own E-zine system.

If you liked today's issue, you'll LOVE this step-by-step course, guaranteed to be the most complete and enjoyable guide to publishing an e-zine that MAKES YOU M0NEY. Browse its table-of-contents and reader reviews now at www.BoostBizEzine.com.

The Queen also offers FREE audio classes, FREE articles, workshops, and other resources to help entrepreneurs and small business owners market themselves and build ultimate success. Learn more now at www.EzineQueen.com.

E-zine Queen, 520 Washington Blvd. Ste. 130, Marina del Rey, CA 90292

Toll-Free Info & Customer Service: 877-510-2215, Info@EzineQueen.com
· ·

"Whatchya Waiting For? Appoint Yourself the Expert!"

by Alexandria K. Brown

"The E-zine Queen"


There's one marketing condition I see over and over with my clients, and it's called "but-I'm-not-an-expert-itis". These people are afraid to play bigger because they think it's not their time yet. (The important words there being "they think".) They're waiting for something to happen - a degree, a certification, a blessing from the gods in their industry, a recognitional nod from their respected peers.

Please listen carefully: This attitude will kill your business and take years off your life! It's VERY important to position yourself from the get-go as an expert in what you do.

Why do you want to be seen as an expert? Experts are more respected, get media attention, can market more easily and inexpensively, get paid more, and receive less price resistance (meaning people are happier to pay what you ask).

So, instead of waiting for someone to invite you to the top of the mountain, I urge you to simply "leap frog" your way over everyone else at the bottom.

Hear me loud and clear: You do not need anybody's permission to believe you're the best at what you do and share that fact! In fact, here are a few points I make to my clients if they are expressing doubt about their "qualifications" to sell information, programs, or services and charge well for them.

In the eyes of your prospects, clients, customers, and the media, you're seen as an expert if...

1. You Know More About Your Topic Than Your Target Market Does

When I first created my Boost Business With Your Own Ezine system, I wouldn't say I was an expert on ezines by far. But by studying the topic in depth to create my own ezine, I'd weeded through all the junky information to get to the good stuff, and I wanted to share it.

You'll find you can make quite a good living just teaching people how to get started in something. (You don't have to be the end-all wizard of the topic.)

2. You've Done What You're Teaching Others to Do

One client of mine, whom I'll call "Pat", teaches real estate investing. She wanted to create a high priced mentorship program of her own, but was nervous about it. She didn't feel right charging a lot of money for her personal time and advice, which meant deep down she wasn't confident in what she was teaching.

I asked her, "Did you make a million dollars investing in real estate?" She said yes. "Then just show them what you did," I replied. "Are you confident in that?" Her answer was a resounding "YES!" Once she realized she'd simply be teaching what she herself had already done, it eliminated her nervousness, made her sales much easier, and she was comfortable charging a hefty (and well deserved) fee.

3. You've Been Quoted on Your Topic in the Media

Sometimes the cart comes before the horse, and a brush with the media IS what makes you seen as an expert. A cosmetic surgeon friend of mine was recently a guest on a Los Angeles television show, and he now proudly promotes that fact in his ads, brochures, and office displays.

When I was interviewed by The Wall Street Journal on the subject of small business email marketing, you can be sure I added that to my bio as soon as I got off the phone!

4. You've Written a Book or Articles on the Subject

Nothing says "expert" like writing a book or by getting your name "out there" via articles. When you put a pen to paper (or fingers to keyboard) and simply share what you know, no matter how simple the information seems to you, people instantly view you as an authority figure. All you have to do is put yourself out there.

A friend of mine recently chose a financial planner based on the fact that he was a published author. "After all, he wrote the book on it!" she said. In her eyes, that sealed the deal, and she was happy to pay more for his services without question.

5. You SAY You Are the Expert!

I dubbed myself "The Ezine Queen" several years ago, simply because it had a ring to it. I had no idea at the time how much that would help me get famous and be remembered.

Did you know that Muhammad Ali became known as "The Greatest" because Ali himself said it? Yep -- he just kept saying it, and then eventually so did the media!

So if you have a good moniker in mind, go for it.

The Bottom Line... It's up to YOU.

Remember this: Your prospects, clients, and customers will virtually always accept the positioning that YOU choose for yourself and present to others.

So, whatchya waiting for? : )

© 2005 Alexandria K. Brown

Online entrepreneur Alexandria K. Brown, "The E-zine Queen," is creator of the award-winning, Boost Business With Your Own E-zine system.

If you liked today's issue, you'll LOVE this step-by-step course, guaranteed to be the most complete and enjoyable guide to publishing an e-zine that MAKES YOU M0NEY. Browse its table-of-contents and reader reviews now at www.BoostBizEzine.com.

The Queen also offers FREE audio classes, FREE articles, workshops, and other resources to help entrepreneurs and small business owners market themselves and build ultimate success. Learn more now at www.EzineQueen.com.

E-zine Queen, 520 Washington Blvd. Ste. 130, Marina del Rey, CA 90292

Toll-Free Info & Customer Service: 877-510-2215, Info@EzineQueen.com

An Ezine is a word that combines email marketing with magazine. Today people publish Ezines as an online newsletter to provide quality education to their subscribers.

Although an e-zine has lost some of its luster, due to blogging and social networking, it can still be a valuable marketing tool. Here are four reasons to publish an easing of your own if you are not currently doing it.

1. First of all not everyone pays attention to blogs and social networking. There are still a number of people who prefer to sit down and read emails to get their information. This presents an opportunity for you to build a subscriber base of people who want to subscribe to your email newsletter.

2. A second reason to publish an Ezine of your own is it gives you an opportunity to build credibility with your audience. You do not have to always be selling when you send out a message to your list of subscribers.

As a matter of fact, you are better off to provide valuable information that people feel good about reading. Only then will you be able to make sales to them.

3. Having a list of subscribers to your Ezine does give you the opportunity to sell to it as well. You can sell advertising in your Ezine and make money, or you can include product of your own people can buy.

A quality list of subscribers can be worth a fortune to you, and an Ezine allows you to do that in ways that you might not be able to with just a website or blog.

4. If you have a list of your own, you can trade solo ads with other publishers. This allows you access to literally thousands of subscribers it you may not have been able to reach.

You can invite them to subscribe to your own Ezine, as well as offer products that may interest them. There were plenty of other publishers who will let you mail to their list if you are offering a product that does not directly compete with them. You just need to let them have access to mail to your list as well.

This is 4 reasons to publish an Ezine of your own. There are many other reasons, but the bottom line is publishing an Ezine is a great way to build a mailing list and make money at the same time. Anyone can do this with a little bit of effort.

About the Author:
Herbert Davies invites you to visit his home business ideas website to see the Top Picks for 2008. His website is dedicated to researching home business ideas and opportunities that can help you get started today. It includes free work at home opportunities. Please click here now to learn more:==> http://www.honest-home.com
· · · · · ·

4 Reasons to Publish an Ezine of Your Own

An Ezine is a word that combines email marketing with magazine. Today people publish Ezines as an online newsletter to provide quality education to their subscribers.

Although an e-zine has lost some of its luster, due to blogging and social networking, it can still be a valuable marketing tool. Here are four reasons to publish an easing of your own if you are not currently doing it.

1. First of all not everyone pays attention to blogs and social networking. There are still a number of people who prefer to sit down and read emails to get their information. This presents an opportunity for you to build a subscriber base of people who want to subscribe to your email newsletter.

2. A second reason to publish an Ezine of your own is it gives you an opportunity to build credibility with your audience. You do not have to always be selling when you send out a message to your list of subscribers.

As a matter of fact, you are better off to provide valuable information that people feel good about reading. Only then will you be able to make sales to them.

3. Having a list of subscribers to your Ezine does give you the opportunity to sell to it as well. You can sell advertising in your Ezine and make money, or you can include product of your own people can buy.

A quality list of subscribers can be worth a fortune to you, and an Ezine allows you to do that in ways that you might not be able to with just a website or blog.

4. If you have a list of your own, you can trade solo ads with other publishers. This allows you access to literally thousands of subscribers it you may not have been able to reach.

You can invite them to subscribe to your own Ezine, as well as offer products that may interest them. There were plenty of other publishers who will let you mail to their list if you are offering a product that does not directly compete with them. You just need to let them have access to mail to your list as well.

This is 4 reasons to publish an Ezine of your own. There are many other reasons, but the bottom line is publishing an Ezine is a great way to build a mailing list and make money at the same time. Anyone can do this with a little bit of effort.

About the Author:
Herbert Davies invites you to visit his home business ideas website to see the Top Picks for 2008. His website is dedicated to researching home business ideas and opportunities that can help you get started today. It includes free work at home opportunities. Please click here now to learn more:==> http://www.honest-home.com


What makes the ones you read interesting or valuable to you? What kind of information does the author provide? Do catchy headings and photos attract your attention? Does fancy HTML attract your attention in the newsletter or do you become frustrated because of the long download time or drain on the space on your email? How much of this is important to your target audience? Remember, do not base your decisions solely on what you like or do.

Before you begin creating a newsletter for your business, determine who will be on your mailing list (e.g. current and/or past clients, friends, associates, other contacts). Next, it is important to figure out how many people are on your mailing list. This will help you determine if you should email vs. mail the newsletters to avoid printing and mailing costs. However, you will want to send your newsletter in the format that your audience will most likely read. For example, if they are homeowners or elderly then printed may be a better option. However, if they are business people and professionals then an emailed format might be preferred.

Next, consider what your audience would like to see included in the newsletter. You might consider surveying your audience so you can determine what their 'hot buttons' are in relation to your business.

I do not normally recommend cold calling with your newsletter (e.g. buying email address lists) because typically, with a few exceptions in certain industries, you should send newsletters to people you already know and/or do business with. The newsletter should serve as a reminder to continue to purchase your products, use your services, and/or refer business to you.

The most important component in your newsletter is the content. If you are not telling people something new and exciting, teaching them something they do not know, educating them about something they would want to know, or giving them free resources or solutions, they will probably just throw away or delete the newsletter. It is vital to give them information in your newsletter. Do not worry about not being paid for the information you are sharing with them. Just trust that it will come back to you.

The following are 9 things that you will want to consider including in your email newsletters:

1. An attention getting headline

2. Important information, article or tip that your readers will be interested in

3. Bullets or links rather than long paragraphs

4. Testimonials of satisfied clients

5. A clear call to action. Remember to make them do something!

6. Form or link to sign up to receive your ezine

7. A return address, email, contact name and/or phone number

8. An opt out message

9. A forward button or link so they can easily pass the newsletter to colleagues and/or friends

There are many Web sites that you can go to that will allow you to create your email newsletter, facilitate the sending, manage your list of recipients and track your bounce backs and follow through. Some are much more expensive than others are and some are more user friendly than others are. However, I recommend trying the free trial that most companies have made available.

Below is a short list of a few resources that I am familiar with. I am sure there are many more out there. Be sure to check with your favorite Web site designer too, just in case they can provide this sort of service for you. Most of these services do not require any programming knowledge. However, they could take time to set up and learn to use, in which case, you can always contract out with K. Sawa Marketing to help you with this each month for you.

* www.constantcontact.com

* www.bluehornet.com

* www.exacttarget.com

* www.ezinedirector.com

* www.emailbrain.com

Be sure to heed all the spam laws out there for your email newsletters. Visit www.spamlaws.com for more information. Here are 5 pointers from Corey Rudl, president and founder of the Internet Marketing Center, for planning successful e-mail promotions that will not get you accused of sending spam:

1. Send e-mail to people who have consented to receive the emails from you. For example, this would include your customers and e-newsletter. The owners of e-mail addresses you have purchased on a CD do not.

2. If you must buy or rent lists, find out how the addresses were collected. If the people on the list have not agreed to receive e-mail promotions, you are the one who could end up violating spam laws and/or fined for doing so.

3. Use a subject line that accurately reflects the content of your e-mail.

4. Include a real return address and a working "unsubscribe" link in every mail you send. If you have a large list, you will need software or an ASP to manage opt-ins and "unsubscribe" requests.

5. If you are sending commercial e-mail (such as promotions), include your company's physical mailing address in the body of the e-mail. This requirement applies to newsletters as well, if their primary purpose is to advertise or promote a product or service.

Finally, when you are designing your promotions, remember that people buy products and services from companies they trust. A single e-mail or mailed promotion cannot establish that kind of relationship between you and your potential customers, but it can be a first step.

Think of your promotions as part of an ongoing dialog between you and your potential customers and you will be on the right track. What kind of company would you be more likely to buy from -- one chasing a fast buck, or one that takes the time to earn your trust before it tries to sell you something?

If you can stay informed and tread lightly, your newsletters should be recognized for what they are -- responsible .


About the Author:

(c) Copyright 2008 K.Sawa Marketing. Katrina Sawa is an Award-Winning Relationship Marketing Coach who's helped hundreds of small business owners take dramatic steps in their businesses to get them to the next level in business, revenues and life. She offers one-on-one coaching, group coaching and do-it-yourself marketing planning products. Go online now to get started with her Free Report and Free Audio at Jump Start Your Marketing
· · · ·

The 9 Things You Will Want to Include in Your Email Newsletters


What makes the ones you read interesting or valuable to you? What kind of information does the author provide? Do catchy headings and photos attract your attention? Does fancy HTML attract your attention in the newsletter or do you become frustrated because of the long download time or drain on the space on your email? How much of this is important to your target audience? Remember, do not base your decisions solely on what you like or do.

Before you begin creating a newsletter for your business, determine who will be on your mailing list (e.g. current and/or past clients, friends, associates, other contacts). Next, it is important to figure out how many people are on your mailing list. This will help you determine if you should email vs. mail the newsletters to avoid printing and mailing costs. However, you will want to send your newsletter in the format that your audience will most likely read. For example, if they are homeowners or elderly then printed may be a better option. However, if they are business people and professionals then an emailed format might be preferred.

Next, consider what your audience would like to see included in the newsletter. You might consider surveying your audience so you can determine what their 'hot buttons' are in relation to your business.

I do not normally recommend cold calling with your newsletter (e.g. buying email address lists) because typically, with a few exceptions in certain industries, you should send newsletters to people you already know and/or do business with. The newsletter should serve as a reminder to continue to purchase your products, use your services, and/or refer business to you.

The most important component in your newsletter is the content. If you are not telling people something new and exciting, teaching them something they do not know, educating them about something they would want to know, or giving them free resources or solutions, they will probably just throw away or delete the newsletter. It is vital to give them information in your newsletter. Do not worry about not being paid for the information you are sharing with them. Just trust that it will come back to you.

The following are 9 things that you will want to consider including in your email newsletters:

1. An attention getting headline

2. Important information, article or tip that your readers will be interested in

3. Bullets or links rather than long paragraphs

4. Testimonials of satisfied clients

5. A clear call to action. Remember to make them do something!

6. Form or link to sign up to receive your ezine

7. A return address, email, contact name and/or phone number

8. An opt out message

9. A forward button or link so they can easily pass the newsletter to colleagues and/or friends

There are many Web sites that you can go to that will allow you to create your email newsletter, facilitate the sending, manage your list of recipients and track your bounce backs and follow through. Some are much more expensive than others are and some are more user friendly than others are. However, I recommend trying the free trial that most companies have made available.

Below is a short list of a few resources that I am familiar with. I am sure there are many more out there. Be sure to check with your favorite Web site designer too, just in case they can provide this sort of service for you. Most of these services do not require any programming knowledge. However, they could take time to set up and learn to use, in which case, you can always contract out with K. Sawa Marketing to help you with this each month for you.

* www.constantcontact.com

* www.bluehornet.com

* www.exacttarget.com

* www.ezinedirector.com

* www.emailbrain.com

Be sure to heed all the spam laws out there for your email newsletters. Visit www.spamlaws.com for more information. Here are 5 pointers from Corey Rudl, president and founder of the Internet Marketing Center, for planning successful e-mail promotions that will not get you accused of sending spam:

1. Send e-mail to people who have consented to receive the emails from you. For example, this would include your customers and e-newsletter. The owners of e-mail addresses you have purchased on a CD do not.

2. If you must buy or rent lists, find out how the addresses were collected. If the people on the list have not agreed to receive e-mail promotions, you are the one who could end up violating spam laws and/or fined for doing so.

3. Use a subject line that accurately reflects the content of your e-mail.

4. Include a real return address and a working "unsubscribe" link in every mail you send. If you have a large list, you will need software or an ASP to manage opt-ins and "unsubscribe" requests.

5. If you are sending commercial e-mail (such as promotions), include your company's physical mailing address in the body of the e-mail. This requirement applies to newsletters as well, if their primary purpose is to advertise or promote a product or service.

Finally, when you are designing your promotions, remember that people buy products and services from companies they trust. A single e-mail or mailed promotion cannot establish that kind of relationship between you and your potential customers, but it can be a first step.

Think of your promotions as part of an ongoing dialog between you and your potential customers and you will be on the right track. What kind of company would you be more likely to buy from -- one chasing a fast buck, or one that takes the time to earn your trust before it tries to sell you something?

If you can stay informed and tread lightly, your newsletters should be recognized for what they are -- responsible .


About the Author:

(c) Copyright 2008 K.Sawa Marketing. Katrina Sawa is an Award-Winning Relationship Marketing Coach who's helped hundreds of small business owners take dramatic steps in their businesses to get them to the next level in business, revenues and life. She offers one-on-one coaching, group coaching and do-it-yourself marketing planning products. Go online now to get started with her Free Report and Free Audio at Jump Start Your Marketing

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