In today’s Information Age, people are constantly seeking information that will help them achieve success in their personal and business life, including information about their industry, competition, and new products and services. Newsletter marketing is a great way to create front of mind awareness, communicate news and information about new products and services, and stay in touch with your customers and prospects on a regular basis. Here are a few tips on how to create a successful newsletter:

• Create a consistent, well-designed template with a nameplate that is easily recognized issue after issue.
• Include articles to inform and educate, including helpful tips about your products and services. Readers who enjoy your tips are more likely to read for more information and contact you directly for help or to buy from you.
• Keep it short and sweet. Use short stories, bulleted information, lists, and other forms of concise information. If necessary, include a link to additional information in case the reader is interested to learn more.
• Include relevant graphics, such as charts, cartoons, illustrations, and sidebars, as well as your photo to personalize and create name recognition.
• Ask subscribers what type of information they would like to see, and ask readers to submit any industry questions they may have. Are they looking for new product information? How-to tips? Expert advice? Asking for input will not only help your business provide information by demand, but will also show them you care.
• Mail newsletters as a direct mail piece, hand them out at trade shows or at sales calls, provide them at your front counter for prospects and customers, include them in informational and media kits, and post current and archived issues on your web site, with a link to subscribe.
• Plan in advance. Create a spreadsheet of article ideas and a schedule for writing deadlines.  Not only will this help you save time, it will ensure your newsletters are delivered on a timely basis.
• Take a break when necessary, but be sure to let your readers know in advance if you plan on skipping an issue around the holidays or another time.
• Always include a call to action to request more information, place an order, or stop by to redeem a coupon or learn more about a product offer.
• Tell readers you value their feedback in any form. Consider creating a link to a short survey for customer ease.
• Invite readers to timely special events such as speakers, trade shows, and open houses. Focus on events that educate your customers on new products and services.
• Give away a prize in each issue and spotlight each winner. Not only does this encourage readers to look forward to your next issue, but it gives them an insight on your reader base.
• Use pull-quotes to draw attention and create interest in your articles.
• Commit to a regular newsletter schedule. Repetition is necessary to get people thinking about a company’s products or services, so regular readers are far more likely to become regular customers.

If you’d like additional tips on where to start when creating a newsletter, or ideas on how to update your existing newsletter, stop by today! Our creative team will help you develop a winning newsletter that your customers and prospects will look forward to receiving.