Get Started!

Getting started with something new is often the hardest part. Don’t wait until you have compiled a huge email list or organized your contacts or come up with a creative content idea. Put a release date on your calendar and stick to it. Make sure you’ve started with these first two steps:

Step One: Create an email account with a service provider like Constant Contact. The positive response to your first edition will help you see the benefits and motivate you to continue.

Step Two: Export your list of contacts from your email or contact management system to a spreadsheet and upload it into your Constant Contact account. (If you need help, just give me a call!)

Compiling Content

I know, this is the part you’ve been dreading. Maybe you haven’t written an essay since high school and you hate staring at that blank screen. Here’s the good news – the newsletter should be SHORT – no one has time to read long newsletters; you can keep your newsletter articles to 100 – 200 words each. Here’s the other good news – you don’t have to do all the writing yourself! You can either assign your staff to each write an article or find an article on the web and write a one paragraph summary and link to the article. (Just don’t plagiarize by taking credit for someone else’s ideas.) Here’s some things to keep in mind about your content:

•  Make sure that it is interesting content that will be helpful for your reader – (your company history or your latest travel adventure probably won’t fit the bill)

•  Use catchy headlines and great photos to draw the reader into the content – Constant Contact provides its users with a whole range of stock photos, Microsoft online also has some great images to choose from.

•  Make it personal – try to make a connection with the reader by making it informal, sharing your unique point of view and giving them reasons to feel like they know you better.

Here’s a sample outline you can use for your first issue:

•  Design Trend – Highlight something that’s new this year or this season and give your reader insights on how to use this trend in their home or office. Include a great photo of a room using this idea. (200 words)

•  Product of the month – Highlight a new product (or a tried and true one) and describe the benefits of this product and how it could be used in the home. Again, use a photo highlighting this new product. (200 words)

•  Discount or Special – Give your reader a reason to act now. Have a “coupon” on the bottom of your email newsletter that entitles them to a free in-home consultation, a 15% discount or a free upgrade. Make sure your phone number and email address are easy to find in your email newsletter.

Linking

Don’t skip this point! Make sure that you are linking this newsletter back to your blog, your website and your facebook page. After you have written your content look for words that you can link back to your website. For example, if you use the word “carpet,” then link that word back to the “flooring” page on your website.

Finally, don’t get discouraged. I find that I might get 4 or 5 newsletters from a company before I finally open it up and read it. Keep adding to your email contact list and keep sending your email newsletters and you will see results! (Please add me to your mailing list – I’d love to see your newsletter!)

Here's some more articles that you might find helpful:

How to Write Effective Email Newsletters

Writing for the Web: How to Write and Effective E-Newsletter

Writing Email Newsletters