One important thing for freelancers, designers, writers, authors or any small business is having an email newsletter. Also known as an email list. This one key element I’ve discovered whilst learning about marketing too.
What is an email newsletter?
An email newsletter is like a form of virtual mail that you send out to a list of people with offers, updates, and news about a book or something related to your business. Once you’re set up your list, you add a signup form to your website and start collecting email addresses.
Why do you need an email newsletter?
Having an email list is the perfect and most direct way of contacting your fans and customers. Some people may say that email is dead but statistics show that people are more likely to read something in their inbox rather than on a blog post or on social media sites. It’s the perfect way to promote your business.
What should you send out in a newsletter?
That really depends on your business but as an author or writer it can include:
- News about a new product or service
- News about an upcoming book
- A promotion. giveaway or event
- Blog posts
- Reviews
- Personal updates about yourself
How often should you send out a newsletter?
This really depends on the person. I send out my author newsletter once a month, but others do it weekly or a couple of times a week. Don’t send out a newsletter too often as people may get annoyed with you taking up space int their inbox. But don’t leave it too long or people may forget who you are and unsubscribe.
Which email service should you use?
There are a lot of different services to choose from including:
- MailChimp who are free to start off with until you reach 2000 subscribers. I chose them.
- Aweber – a paid service.
- Mailpoet – is actually a free WordPress plugin which you can use to send out newsletter within your WordPress dashboard and they have some nice templates.
Do you have a newsletter yet? Which service do you use and why?
Resources
Personal Branding: Why you should start an email newsletter
Rose F
I’m pondering a newsletter. My concerns are:
-My personal life consists of being sick, family problems, writing or watching television for work. I wouldn’t want to read that and delete newsletters that are full of personal details.
-My work flow is like “Yeah, I did xyz…and then I I revised it…and then I started something else…” So again I wouldn’t CARE and would delete it if it was sent to me.
I honestly most often sign up for newsletters only to get free things and then delete/unsubscribe, because if I care what’s going on with someone or want their books I read their blog/follow them on social media. So. I don’t know how I’d have a newsletter I’d want to read.
Kayla
I’ve always been kind of “iffy” about email newsletters! I always feel that they are annoying, but I’ve been considering trying it 🙂
Iman Brooks
Just started mine, I am looking forward to growing a following through it.