A newsletter or e-zine is a great way to promote your business and attract readers on the Internet. You can also use a newsletter to expand your database or your list.

Anyone in business can offer a newsletter as a way of getting the word out about what they do, the products they sell as well as other important updates regarding their products and services.

Getting started in publishing a newsletter is not difficult.  If you don’t have the time or the skills needed to get your newsletter published each week, there are many resources that you can use, such as a virtual assistant, who will be able to help you.

Setting up the system

To get your newsletter started, you need people to send it to.  The best way to capture their details is to set up a registration form or opt-in box on your site.  Interested visitors can sign up to receive your newsletter on a regular basis.  It’s up to you how much information you ask subscribers to give you.  You can start with asking for their name and email address.

A great way to send out your newsletter and to keep track of website statistics is to use the automated mailing list software provided by your web host.   You will save on cost and time as well.

By using automated software, you can go hands free with sending your newsletters every time a person signs up. This means that when somebody types in her name and email address and hits the submit button, that person automatically gets your newsletter without you having to manually send it.

Additionally, you can set up a system that will automatically send your newsletter to all your subscribers in just one click instead of sending it out one by one. AWeber has this feature plus allows you to track and record your newsletter statistics.

Make sure you check out our Web Secrets Success Club for step by step templates on how to set up and publish your newsletter.

What to include in your newsletter or e-zine

For your newsletter you have different styles to choose from. It can be a letter type with just one or two sections or a mini-magazine style with several sections. A newsletter that is engaging for readers takes some key points into consideration such as relevance to the business, writing style, images and information for readers and potential clients.

A newsletter need not be very long.  Keep it short and the information concise and interesting to maintain the interest of your reader. Topics of interest to share in your newsletter include upcoming product launches, special offers, programs, events and other information of value to your target audience, such as tips and strategies that can help your subscribers in business.

Choose a simple layout that is easy on the eyes. Avoid using too many colours and fonts as well as including too many sections. Your goal should to get your readers to focus on a single piece of content at a time.  Be consistent with the layout of your newsletter so that your readers come to expect certain sections and content and can easily scroll through to find and read their favourite part first.

Including images and photos adds interest and variety. Make sure photos are clear and relevant to the information in your newsletter.  Also include a photo of yourself – people are naturally interested in knowing the person behind the information they read on the Internet.

Finally, don’t forget to provide a page on your website with links to your old newsletters. This provides not only great content for your website, anyone who missed a previous newsletter can still view the back issues and browse through the information they missed.

By Wendy Moore
Copyright 2011 Savvy Web Women Pty Ltd

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Wendy Moore is the founder of www.savvywebwomen.com and creator of the Savvy List Building Blog – the information packed resource that shows business owners and entrepreneurs how to get in front of an audience that wants to buy what they are selling. To receive your FREE Special Report and weekly how-to articles to expand your online List Building toolkit, visit www.wendymoore.net.

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