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I
wrote 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.
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 (and you may
find out the hard way, "do 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 you, 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/
Thanks for reading,
"Wild Bill"
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