I write these tips as a reminder to myself, as well as trying to
give you a little insight into the wonderful world of newsletter
publishing. Each of these tips below are items that I have
already learned the hard way and sometimes still forget.
Nobody's Perfect!
1) Write What You Know:
Do the world a favor, don't write about auto mechanics, if
you're an art designer. Your newsletter topic should be
something you have knowledge about. You may be able to fake it
for awhile, but sooner or later you'll be found out. You can't
operate a newsletter or any business for that fact, if you don't
have the background to back it up.
2) Listen to Your Subscribers:
I'm not saying that you should change your format because you
have one complaint. But, if 75% of you readers don't like
something, you had better make changes and pronto. Too many
newsletter publishers have the misguided opinion that they own
the newsletter. Wrong, your subscribers own the newsletter.
Consider them your stockholders. You may be the CEO, but your
stockholders should have the last say. If you go against the
majority of your stockholders, you'll lose. Whether you agree
with the reader's comments, answer all emails personally,
professionally and as soon as possible. Don't forget to give
credit where credit is due. If a reader makes a suggestion that
appeals to you, make sure that they know it. Maybe even offer
them a plug in your next issue.
3) Speeling and Grammer:
That's right, it looks like crap. It only takes a minute to use
a spell checker. Use it! Go through each issue with a fine tooth
comb. I have on occasion forgot to use it for one reason or
another, usually because I'm in a rush. I pay for it each time
it happened, in the way of at least one complaint.
4) Word of Mouth is a Powerful Tool:
Always..Always ask your readers to recommend your newsletter to
their friends, family and co-workers. Chances are some of them
will. Word of mouth is not limited to your readers either. Talk
about your newsletter with friends, acquaintances and
associates. Tell them what you do and how you think they would
benefit from your eZine. Remember every subscriber counts,
especially when it comes to advertising prices.
5) Try Something New:
If you're going to tackle the trials of being a publisher, don't
just be a carbon copy of a million other newsletters. Be the
first on your block with the eZine to kill for. If your
newsletter doesn't reek of originality you might find it hard to
get and keep happy subscribers. Try to find original ideas to
present your newsletter. You may not consider yourself a
salesperson, but they would be the first to tell you, it's all
in the presentation.
6) Prepare Yourself for Dedication:
A newsletter may not require the dedication of a doctor, but you
must prepare yourself to be available to your subscribers.
Publishers must invest a lot of time in creating, publishing and
supporting a successful newsletter. I myself schedule my
vacations know that my laptop will have a phone line or dataport
available. Also consider this; if you are using a local Internet
provider and they don't have a 1-800 number, you may want to
consider a switch. Whether you are a newsletter publisher or
not, any good webmaster will make arrangements to have access to
their email everyday, of every week, of every month.
7) Don't Pull the Jeckel and Hyde:
Don't go changing your format at every whim. Too many changes
will confuse and frustrate your readers. You may want to add a
new section or showcase a new idea, but leave the general format
in tact. This is not to say that you should never change the
format, but try to limit major changes to once or twice a year.
Be sure to make your readers aware of these changes in advance
so that they are prepared for the changes and you can avoid
shocked readers.
These are just a few of many good ideas that will help you be a
more successful publisher. I hope that your newsletter is
successful and you enjoy the hard work ahead. Remember, if it's
not fun for your, it won't be fun for them.
As always I invite you to read more of my articles on marketing
and online business tips to help you succeed in your online
business ventures. Find more of my articles at "The InfoZone",
the largest Business & Marketing Article Archive on the
Internet. Go to: <http://www.MakingProfit.com/articles/
About the author:
Wild Bill Montgomery ATTENTION: Are You Tired Of Fooling Around
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