Remember your e-newsletter is just as much of a resource to you as it is to your readers.
- - Archive previous issues in an easy to read format on your website so visitors can view useful information and sign-up to receive future issues.
- - Include a subscription form on your website. Use your subscription form as an easy way to collect information to add to your contact database.
- - Generate advertiser dollars by providing only the introduction of an article in the actual newsletter with a link to the full article on your website and other links that direct readers to your site. This will boost your website hits.
- - Establish or extend your brand by keeping your e-newsletter’s design consistent with your company identity.
6 Tips to Success
- HTML vs. Plain Text- Use an email marketing service provider that supports “multipart” or “alternative” formats to avoid being rejected by users that don’t allow HTML.
- Keep your e-newsletter informative. Avoid the temptation of using it as a sales pitch. E-newsletters should be useful to your readers, whether or not they ever buy your product or use your service. Use your publications to build your reputation and business relationships.
- Don’t neglect the header of your e-newsletter. Keep in mind many email programs offer users the option to view messages through a window pane. The header should capture reader’s attention.
- Include an easy to use unsubscribe link. With most email marketing service providers, your volume determines your costs. Don’t waste your resources on prospects that aren’t interested.
- Use your name in the “From to” line. Readers will trust the content of your message and are less likely to delete your emails without at least glancing over it first.
- Stay consistent. If you title your newsletter “weekly” or “monthly” make sure you deliver on time, every time. If your subscribers go days or weeks expecting your e-newsletter and it doesn’t come, it will damage your credibility- not only as a newsletter publisher, but also as a merchant.