Newsletters, or ezines, can be extremely effective marketing tools for your business. They put your name in front of your potential clients, regular clients, and peers while showing your expertise and professionalism. They are an excellent means to both market and grow your business and also show your existing clients your creative abilities. Now the only drawback is to ensure your newsletter is worthy of being read. I subscribe to a lot of newsletters, but find I regularly only read a few upon their arrival. When I decided to create my own newsletter, one of the first things I did was to look at those newsletters I regularly read and determine what it was about them that made me want to read them. What sets them apart from the rest?

One of the most important things I discovered was that they provided me with valuable information to help me in my business and which in turn helped me make a greater profit. They often provided information I didn’t already know. For example, some newsletters provided tips on search engine optimization, new affiliate programs, PR resources, or software shortcuts. Since I’m always looking to grow my business, this information is valuable to me. You normally have knowledge in a given field that others don’t. When preparing your newsletter, think about what expert knowledge you have or can obtain that would interest your targeted market. Now that’s what you want to add to your newsletter.

In writing your newsletter, keep the following points in mind:

Your Readers

Your Writing Style

• Use short, simple sentences; keeping paragraphs short.
• Write clearly and avoid slang or profanity.
• Use humor and keep a refreshing tone to your writing.
• In keeping your tone friendly, also keep it professional.
• Have white space between the paragraphs.
• Use small graphics whenever applicable.
• Include your logo for business recognition.
• Use plain text. (12-14 point)

Headings

Content of Newsletter

The Final Step — Proofing

Most ezines are “opt-in,” which means that everyone who receives it has actually registered to receive it-they want it already. Now the only thing you need to do is provide them great information that keeps them wanting it every month. And once you find a winning strategy stick with it. No need to change every month. Let your readers get used to your style and way of writing. Don’t forget to sign up for our newsletter at http://www.virtualwordpublishing.com

Diana Ennen is the author of numerous books including Virtual Assistant: the Series, Become a Highly Successful, Sought After VA, Words From Home, Start, Run and Profit from a Home-Based Word Processing Business & the Home Office Recovery Plan. She specializes in publicity and book marketing and is president of Virtual Word Publishing http://www.virtualwordpublishing.com and http://www.Publicity-VA.com. Articles are free to be reprinted as long as the author’s bio remains intact.