Planning Your E-Newsletter

Email Newsletter Workshop

Dana SitarWritersBucketList.com

Why start an email newsletter?

For You:● Build relationships with readers● Earn permission to contact readersFor Your Reader● Reminder to check out a blog they love● Chance to engage with you 1-to-1● Exclusive discounts, updates, + information

The “Newsletter” Misnomer

Your newsletter does NOT have to:● share news● be decked out with graphics + fancy design● generate direct revenue● (insert: anything else complicated)

Tips for Your Email Newsletter

● Know your goals.● Offer an incentive to join.● Keep it simple.● Plan and write ahead.● Don’t be afraid to make changes.● Write for the reader, and be personal.● If you make promises, stick to them.

Include a P.S.

Increase your click rate and engagement!

Steps to Creating Your Newsletter

1. State Your Goals

You might want to . . .● Expand the conversation with blog readers● Increase blog traffic● Sell books or other products/services● Promote your events● Gather email addresses for future promotion

Exercise #1Take a minute to jot down some of the goals for your blog/career, and how your newsletter can help you achieve those.

2. Pick a Direction

● Occasional news● E-course● How-to or Informational Articles● Blog Digest or Full Posts● Resources

Exercise #2

Take a minute to evaluate the pros and cons of each type of newsletter for your goals and audience.

Will you charge for a subscription?

3. Set Your Schedule

- When and how often will you send an email?- Email Newsletter Planning form:

- http://writersbucketlist.com/resources

Exercise #3

Brainstorm your editorial calendar:● What topics could you write about?● What schedule best meets your goals?

4. Choose a Service

Common Email Management Services:● AWeber: http://aweber.com ● MailChimp: http://mailchimp.com ● TinyLetter: http://tinyletter.com ● Constant Contact: http://constantcontact.

com

Steps to Promote Your Newsletter

5. Create an incentive to join.

Give readers a compelling reason to give you their emails!

Examples of Opt-in Incentives

● Ebook, Manifesto, Report● Educational series of emails or blog posts● The content! – Exclusive articles or

discounts

Exercise #3

What kinds of incentives would complement your blog, attract subscribers, and help you meet your goals?Consider:● What have your readers been asking for?● What do others in your space offer (or not)?● Demographics/Needs of your readers

6. Promote the Sign-Up to Readers

● Link/form in blog’s sidebar● Page at your blog with more info● Promote via social media● Guest Posts!!

7. Engage with Readers

● Stick to your promised schedule● Include prompts for readers to follow up● Pose questions to spark conversation● (Include your P.S.)● Write an intriguing subject line● Use compelling calls-to-action

Next Steps

1. Plan your first 10(ish) topics/schedule2. Set up account with email management

service3. Set up your sign-up form(s)4. Promote newsletter at your blog, etc.5. Draft + send your first email!