is for ...

Dear Alun

Welcome to the first issue of The A-Z of Newsletters - the new name for JAC Tips. Every two weeks you'll still receive practical tips and ideas that you can apply to your newsletter, to make it easier to publish and help you get more from it - just with a different name.

Who else do you know who publishes a newsletter or is thinking about it? Would you send this issue of The A-Z of Newsletters to them? If you've been forward this issue and you'd like to receive your own free copy every two weeks, then go to www.JustAddContent.co.uk and sign up.

Best wishes,

Chantal

chantal@JustAddContent.co.uk 

A is for Attention

How many email newsletters do you receive every week? How many of them do you actually read? Have you ever wondered if your newsletter will be read - or been put off publishing one because you don't think people will read it?

With so many emails coming into our inboxes, your newsletter has got a lot of competition. Nearly every website you visit offers you a newsletter. So first you need to encourage someone to subscribe to your newsletter and then grab their attention and make sure they read what you write.

How do you get your readers' attention?

• Give them a great offer. Ask visitors to your website to subscribe to your newsletter, but don't expect them to fill in a form that just says "Click here to receive our newsletter." Tell them what they can expect from you and how often. And offer them something extra - a report or article or checklist they can use.

• Think about your subject line. This is what your readers see in their inbox, so use something that grabs their attention. "Monthly Newsletter" doesn't really do it. If you're reading this, then I got your attention!

• Consider when you send your newsletter. First thing on Monday morning and your newsletter may get lost in the weekend spam. Last thing at night? Unless your readers are night owls, they won't receive it until the morning and then it might get lost in the over night spam. Lunch time? Can be a good time if your readers like something to read with their sandwiches.

Put some careful thought into when you send your newsletter, what you call it and how you offer it to people and you'll find that you can keep your readers' attention and make your newsletter stand out from the crowd.

A is also for ...

Adwords - have you ever thought about using Google AdWord campaigns? You can use them to promote your business, a particular service, or even your newsletter. If you're not sure where to start, talk to The Adword Adviser who is the expert. She's Jayne Reddyhoff and really knows what she's doing. We're running a seminar together, about integrating your online marketing, along with a website specialist, on 16 October. Click here to find out more.

August - a great time to take a break and do some planning and development work. This means I'm really pleased to tell you that the website for Newsletter Know How, our new advice service for people publishing newsletters, is now under construction! It will be ready next month and you can pre-register by clicking here - no obligation, but if you do, you'll be among the first to hear when the club is open for business and be eligible for opening offers!