What's In A Newsletter?

Getting an e-zine started and publishing one regularly is not as challenging as most people think. That is, if you follow several simple steps.

Did you know that on average, everyone has a mental Rolodex of 250 people that they know? If that is the case, do you think that staying in touch with people would enable you to tap into more people's mental Rolodexes? Can you see how doing so will benefit you and your business?

Consider that a newsletter, or e-zine, rich with valuable content is an easy way to stay in touch with people.

Getting an e-zine started and publishing one regularly is not as challenging as most people think. That is, if you follow several simple steps.

6 Steps To Starting A Newsletter

1. Determine the Who and Why:

Before deciding upon what you'll write, decide for whom you will write, and why. For example:

Write for moms to assist them with issues they may encounter around the house, with their children, and finances. Or, write for people over 50 and provide them with information about retirement, health and fitness. Another niche could be to write for your neighbors to keep them informed about what is going on in the local community and neighborhood.

2. Determine how often you should publish:

Balance the frequency of your mail outs carefully. Deliver your newsletter often enough to stay in your subscribers' minds. Do not publish so often that they grow tired of you, nor so seldom that they wonder who you are.

Ideally, your subscribers should look forward to hearing from you. A general rule of thumb is to mail out your e-zine once a month, once every two months, or once a quarter. But, choose one of these frequency and stick to that schedule.

3. Pick a name:

Create the best name possible for your newsletter. It's your calling card that lands in your subscriber's mailbox at regular intervals. It is a direct reflection of you and your business, a strong branding tool. Remember, everything about your publication must be top-notch, and that starts with its name. Make it:

* Short and catchy * Descriptive * Consistent with your web site's theme * Relevant to the voice and content of your e-zine

Let those creative juices flow. You want your publication to stand out from the crowd. Make the name unique and appealing!

4. Create the format:

Lay out your e-zine for easy reading by your subscribers, and for easy development by you. Readers like familiarity and predictability. So develop a template, and stick with it. A template gives you a fast start with each issue.

5. Get subscriptions:

Don't worry if your newsletter is not ready yet. Start building your subscriber list even while you are working on developing the format and content of your e-zine. Each visitor that subscribes will be a great motivation booster for you to finish the job. However, remember that the longer you wait before providing your subscribers with that crucial first issue, the more likely they are to forget you, or forget that they had signed up, or forget what compelled them to subscribe in the first place. So don't wait more than two months (after getting your first subscriptions) to publish.

6. Spam check it:

After you write each issue of your newsletter and before you send it to your subscribers, spam check it. This will enable your subscribers to receive your publication in their in box versus their spam or junk folders, where they might miss it!

So, now I have a question for you: When are you going to implement the above 6 steps?

About the author: Kimberly Anne is a seasoned businessperson with over 20 years of marketing experience. With a BA and a MBA, she has helped thousands of people start home businesses and achieve success. She publishes a monthly newsletter Your Biz Tool Kit for home business owners. For more information and resources visit Kimberly's site www.all-about-home-businesses.com.