Getting started with your newsletter – Checklist
Getting started with your newsletter can seem like a daunting task, but if you take it one step at a time, it’s well worth the time and effort. Initially, the creation process is the most time consuming. However, once you decide on a format, release schedule, and template, it’s just a matter of creating new content for each issue.
Here’s a checklist to help you put together the pieces that will become your unique newsletter.
On the technical side of things, you will need to:
– Decide which email delivery system you will use to send your newsletter and set up an account. The two I use and recommend the most are ConstantContact or a shopping cart like Practice Pay Solutions. Do your research to determine what best suits your needs. ConstantContact is a good place to start if you prefer to work with templates. If you know you’ll be selling products from your website and creating e-products, such as e-courses, in the near future, choose a shopping cart that has e-commerce capabilities that you can activate when needed.
– Get the electronic files of the headshot you would like to use and your company logo. You may need to ask your photographer and graphic designer to send you these images.
– Compile your lists. Get to work on organizing your contact lists (or send them to your assistant to do it). For import purposes, simply set up a spreadsheet in Excel with 3 headers; First Name, Last Name and Email and order your contacts accordingly, ready to be uploaded to the email delivery system of your choice.
Practical Considerations:
– The type of content to include. For example, welcome message, article, tip, etc.
– The name of your newsletter. An important consideration when choosing a name is to convey what benefits your readers will derive from your newsletter. Google “newsletter titles” for ideas and inspiration.
– Prepare a calendar of publications. Decide the frequency (monthly is good to start), the day of the week, and the time of day.
The creative process is the fun part. First start by gathering online newsletter samples that you like in various ways. Here are some things to consider:
– The general appearance.
– Color theme. Remember to bring your brand to your newsletter design.
– Provision.
Remember:
*Permission-based marketing is essential. Whenever possible, invite contacts to sign up for your newsletter. Within the welcome note, let your readers know what they can expect from you each month, what benefits them as a subscriber, and clearly state how they can easily unsubscribe from your mailing list. That option should always be available.
*Be consistent. Once you have your publishing schedule, you need to commit to sending your newsletter as planned. People will expect to hear from you on a regular basis and if there is a lapse in your emails it can reflect negatively on your reliability in all aspects of your business.
Your website alone can’t help you develop the kind of ongoing relationship with your contacts that your newsletter will. Newsletters have a personal touch because they arrive in the inbox of your prospects. This type of communication is one of the best ways to position yourself as an expert and sell your services and products. Over time, publishing newsletters can change the way you do business for the better.