No matter who you are or what your business is, in today’s world, having a compelling and informative monthly ezine on your services, products and industry updates can be a hugely successful marketing tool and a way to build stronger relationships with your audience. In fact, it is also a really quick way to reach audiences you don’t even know exist. Here’s how to get started:
#1. The Template. The easiest way to manage your contacts and send an ezine (and occasional updates) is through online email marketing software, such as iContact, Constant Contact, AWeber, etc. Some companies, such as 1ShoppingCart provide all-in-one selling portals. This is great if you have an actual product that you sell. There are several things to note before you choose a system to go with. The most important issue is that some of these portals (AWeber and 1ShoppingCart, for instance) have double opt-in measures. This means that you cannot simply upload your existing contact list – you must INVITE them and they must accept. iContact and Constant Contact allow you to upload your list without this extra step. Almost all of these companies offer a free trial period, so go in and explore! The templates are universally easy, and this can be a lot of fun to learn and explore. A good tip! Don’t send out the ezine to anyone but you and a few close friends until you decide upon one system to stick with.
#2. The Bio. One of the most important items to have and keep on every ezine you send out is your bio. Why should you keep it time after time, when your list doesn’t change significantly? Because your fondest hope should be that your audience is full of fans. A true fan will not only offer you loyalty and sales, they will “forward to a friend” over and over again. And THOSE people may not know you from Adam. The bio should be SHORT – less is more, for sure. It should also have a great picture of you – so if you don’t have a recent professional headshot, it’s time to get one.
# 3. The Meat and Potatoes. Have at least one great article on your ezine that is audience specific to your readers. Make sure it is interesting and FUN. They don’t have all day, but if you are the best written article they see in their mailbox, they’ll definitely make the time to read your stuff. A good tip! Don’t put up the entire article. Just use the first three paragraphs and then have them hit a link back to your blog or your website to read the rest. It is a surefire way to generate traffic!
#4. The Frozen Meat and Potatoes. Not a good writer? You can get free articles from online article servers, such as www.ezinearticles.com or www.goarticles.com. Just remember that the rules differ on each of these directories, so read them carefully – and always leave the author’s information completely intact (that’s the trade). Likewise, if you ARE writing your own article, you can publish it in these places to reach new audiences and increase your branded expertise.
#5. The Sell. It is definitely okay to highlight and even sell your product or service on your ezine. You probably want it to be the last item, but hey, why not! Your audience won’t mind checking out your latest and greatest after you’ve charmed them with useful info and a witty repartee! Remember to link the kitchen sink! You want to direct as much traffic back to your shopping cart, your website, your Amazon affiliate page, your blog, etc., etc., etc. Even your own picture should link back to the bio page of your website. Don’t miss even one chance to send your reader “home” for a visit.
Finally, always send yourself a sample of the ezine to proofread and check that your links are live and accurate. Skipping that one vital step can defeat all your hard work. Here’s to your marketing efforts and great successes!
Wishing you success and productivity in your day,
Laurie Cantus
Owner / Founder – Go2Girls
Your 1-stop go-2 solution!
Phone: 310.693.4929
www.YourGoToGirls.com