Wednesday, March 26, 2008

Alternate Newsletter Format styles.

Updated this post on 4/2/08
Word Count: 949

· What format Should you use?
· Which is best?
· What should you do?


Are questions I get all the time. So I will go over the pro’s & con’s of each format.

Print – People love receiving mail. I have seen our newsletters all over and many prospects & clients keep every issue for reference. Print is on the rebound and is getting a lot of attention. Just what you want! In fact, according to a national Newsletter Readership Study, the average awareness level for a professionally produced printed newsletter is 68%. The highest of any print media. The challenge with a printed newsletter is the cost to have it printed & mailed.
If you are going to print your newsletters follow these proven tips: For Print: after your newsletter is complete, (design, format, content, etc…) to print use a heavy weight paper like 60# - 80# white glossy or beige. You can print in full color or use just one color like reflex blue, forest green, or something that matches your company image. Reflex blue has the highest recall rate for newsletters other than full color. (Recall meaning people remember receiving the newsletter)
I have not seen enough real benefits of using full color to justify the expense. Other than it looking great. One color on quality paper works great. Another great way to keep printing costs down and still have the full color feel is to create a template layout without the articles and have it pre-printed like letterhead or stationary in color. Then just insert the content in each issue. You can use a copier to do this in your office or at a local printer.
If you e-mail your newsletter to a printer, make sure you convert it to a PDF format and not send the word document. Double check the newsletter after you convert it.(Never send a word document to your prospects and clients.)
Always use a first class stamp and address it to a specific person, not General Manager.
Labels are fine…you do not have to hand write the addresses.


Keep in mind that landing one client can pay for years of newsletter service & printing. So be consistent and persistent.

PDF format – great format for posting on your web site. Keeps the look and feel over any ISP and operating systems. Plus you can send it to a printer if you need copies to hand out at a conference or to mail to prospects & clients. You can use this format to e-mail too. Very versatile format.
Cons – people are afraid to open attachments from people they don’t know. If you e-mail an announcement that your newsletter has been posted on your web site, they may not follow the link. So you will need to carefully craft your message to get them to follow your link and read your newsletter.

HTML format – (E-zine or E-Newsletter) This is where the newsletter is in the body of the e-mail and looks like a web page with graphics & pictures. Great format because people don’t have to go anywhere to view your newsletter. Adding links are easy and you can track what people are reading. Increases visitors to your web site.
Cons: you cannot control how others see your newsletter. Many people have their programs set to block images. And some companies may not allow HTML to get through their filters. It takes time to craft your newsletter so it looks good and will get through these filters.

Text format - This format is good because you don’t have to worry about any fancy graphics or formatting. It is text only. Typically this type of format is small in size due to the lack of pictures & graphics.
Cons: This format limits you on the look. You have to watch carefully on the content and wording to get people to read your message. Many people stop reading after the first couple of lines. You may loose people quickly.

MSWord – Great program. You already know how to use this program. You can easily set up a template, add graphics & pictures, and insert your content.
Cons: large file size when saved. When you send over the internet you cannot control the look. Graphics & pictures may move, columns may shift, and it could look horrible.
So don’t use this format for sending. Convert to a PDF format first.
Post on web site – All of your newsletters should be posted on your web site if you have one. Archive each issue too.

E-mail format alternative.
  • Full-content format – entire newsletter is in the e-mail body.Pros & Cons- 1500 words or fewer – preferably around 1200.
  • Digest format – headlines, links, and summaries of all stories with your newsletter posted on your web site.
  • Link-only format – Here you house your newsletter on your web site with all the content in a PDF or html format. You put only the link to the newsletter in your e-mail announcement.
  • Preview pane function and format. Survey data indicates that 49 percent of email readers only look at the first few lines in the preview pane to decide if they want to continue.

Need help getting your marketing up and running? Contact us today.

In our next Blog post I will discuss "When to send out your newsletter"

Got Newsletter? Need Help?
Take a look at some of the newsletters that we have created for our clients.
Go to:

http://www.newsletterville.com/page2.html
Also, you will find over 10 Free Newsletter Templates to use for your newsletters.
Free templates can be found at:
http://www.newsletterville.com/free_newsletter_templates.htm
Call or e-mail if you have any questions.
I look forward to hearing from you.
Gary 740-824-4842 ~
Gary@newsletterville.com
PS - sign up for our Free Newsletter and receive 3 Free Special Reports...Instantly. Click here.
Free Special Reports
Free Report 1- 4 Time Saving E-Mail Tips.htm
Free Report 2- Do’s & Don’ts For E-Mail Subject Lines
Free Report 3- How To Encourage Visitors To Your Web Site
Plus an added report on the CanSpam law.

PSS – we have boiler plate newsletter templates too. Includes content, formatting, graphics, and layout. For the do it yourself style newsletter.
Go to:
http://www.newsletterville.com/boilerplate_newsletters.htm


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Monday, March 17, 2008

Best Practices For Contact Management And Delivery Programs.

There are a number of contact management programs available. I suggest learning your program and possibly adding a second internet based program.

Using Act, Big Biller, Constant Contact, Outlook, AWebber, MailerMailer, GoDaddy, Bronto (to name a few) are all good programs. Also some web site hosting or ISP’s have this available too.
Check with your provider.

I personally like Constant Contact because they are powerful, low cost, and will do everything you need for an HTML & text newsletter delivery system. Plus many of you already use one or both of these systems. Therefore, we can create your newsletter right into your internet based program. This will save you time from having to make any changes. We can take care of it for you.

Click here to try the Constant Contact free trial plus you will receive a $30 credit when you sign up with them - Click here for the 60 day free trial

The key is to really know your program and know what you want to get out of it. Ask the provider if the program gives you specific statistics like; open rates, click throughs, etc… (If those things are important to you) Or if you don’t have time, outsource this. We will track it all for you.

Need help getting your marketing up and running? Contact us today.

In our next Blog post I will discuss alternate Newsletter Format styles.

Got Newsletter?
Need Help?
Take a look at some of the newsletters that we have created for our clients.
Go to: http://www.newsletterville.com/page2.html
Also, you will find over 10 Free Newsletter Templates to use for your newsletters.
Free templates can be found at:
http://www.newsletterville.com/free_newsletter_templates.htm

Call or e-mail if you have any questions.
I look forward to hearing from you.
Gary 740-824-4842 ~ Gary@newsletterville.com

PS - sign up for our Free Newsletter and receive 3 Free Special Reports...Instantly. Click here.
Free Special Reports

  • Free Report 1- 4 Time Saving E-Mail Tips.htm
  • Free Report 2- Do’s & Don’ts For E-Mail Subject Lines
  • Free Report 3- How To Encourage Visitors To Your Web Site
  • Plus an added report on the CanSpam law.
PSS – we have boiler plate newsletter templates too. Includes content, formatting, graphics, and layout. For the do it yourself style newsletter.
Go to: http://www.newsletterville.com/boilerplate_newsletters.htm

Tuesday, March 11, 2008

How do you start your Nurture Marketing process?

  • Create a list of potential clients/candidates in your niche market. Very focused list of businesses you want to work with. Never stop marketing to them unless they ask you to or you are convinced they won’t become a client.
  • Target SLDM - senior level decision makers. C-level VP’s, HR, etc…(Know the decision makers and influencers in your market)
  • Make a goal to add new prospects weekly, bi-weekly, monthly, etc... My Goal: 10 weekly
  • Be persistent & vigilant. Send your newsletter to them on a regular basis.
  • Choose a contact management system for keeping track of your contacts.

Need help getting your nurture marketing process started? Contact us today.
In our next Blog post I will discuss best practices for contact management and delivery programs.

Got Newsletter? Need Help?
Take a look at some of the newsletters that we have created for our clients.
Go to:
http://www.newsletterville.com/page2.html
Also, you will find over 10 Free Newsletter Templates to use for your newsletters.
Free templates can be found at:
http://www.newsletterville.com/free_newsletter_templates.htm
Call or e-mail if you have any questions.
I look forward to hearing from you.
Gary 740-824-4842 ~
Gary@newsletterville.com

PS - sign up for our Free Newsletter and receive 3 Free Special Reports...Instantly. Click here.
Free Special Reports

  • Free Report 1- 4 Time Saving E-Mail Tips.htm
  • Free Report 2- Do’s & Don’ts For E-Mail Subject Lines
  • Free Report 3- How To Encourage Visitors To Your Web Site
  • Plus an added report on the CanSpam law.

Friday, March 7, 2008

What is Nurture Marketing?

Nurture marketing is the consistent communications with your candidates, clients, & prospects.
It is a system for building relationships. This process takes a commitment but is fairly easy to maintain.

Nurture Marketing is not a quick fix to your marketing challenges; it is a 52 to 66 week process. (Can produce results faster) It is like gardening, it takes time, effort, and attention. And many times you have to wait for the results.

It is being top of mind with clients, candidates, & prospects.
It is being in contact every 21-30 days, via a newsletter, letter, fax, e-mail, article, etc... It is keeping your name in front of your prospects & clients so when they need something…they think of you first and not your competition.

Remember; consistency wins!

Need help getting your nurture marketing process started? Contact us today.
In our next blog post I will discuss how to start your nurture marketing process.
Got Newsletter? Need Help?

Take a look at some of the newsletters that we have created for our clients.
Go to: http://www.newsletterville.com/page2.html

Also, you will find over 10 Free Newsletter Templates to use for your newsletters.
Free templates can be found at:
http://www.newsletterville.com/free_newsletter_templates.htm

Call or e-mail if you have any questions.
I look forward to hearing from you.
Gary 740-824-4842 ~ Gary@newsletterville.com

PS - sign up for our Free Newsletter and receive 3 Free Special Reports...Instantly. Click here.
Free Special Reports:

  • Free Report 1- 4 Time Saving E-Mail Tips.htm
  • Free Report 2- Do's & Don'ts For E-Mail Subject Lines
  • Free Report 3- How To Encourage Visitors To Your Web Site
  • Plus an added report on the CanSpam law.

Thursday, March 6, 2008

Should you have a newsletter

I am asked almost daily, "Should I have a newsletter for my company?"
My immediate answer is yes! Why? Because a well written newsletter is still the best way to stay in contact with prospects, clients, customers, affiliates, associates, peers, and others.
A customized newsletter for your business will keep you top of mind, so when a need arises for a product or service you offer, they think of you first.
Many people will tell you that they are overwhelmed with information and a newsletter just contributes to that problem. This is simply not true with a newsletter that focuses on the reader to help them "be better at what they do" at work. Your newsletter content should be full of tools and tips to help them grow their business, lead, manage, increase sales, motivate, etc...
Plus, good content will ensure that your newsletters get read! People will look forward to receiving your information and it will not be a part of the information overload.
Take a look at content/articles that are proven to work.
Go to: http://www.newsletterville.com/articles_page.htm
Also, you will find over 10 Free Newsletter Templates to use for your newsletters.
Free templates can be found at:
http://www.newsletterville.com/free_newsletter_templates.htm
Call or e-mail if you have any questions.
Gary 740-824-4842 ~ Gary@newsletterville.com

Wednesday, March 5, 2008

NewsletterVille.com Blog

Welcome to the NewsletterVille.com blog.
Here we will discuss the many changes in marketing and how stay on top of the "Best Marketing Practices"
You can benefit from our research, marketing, and continuous learning. We spend an average of 38 hours each month researching the best marketing practices and content so our clients can benefit and succeed. This is just one of the many "hidden" benefits of our service.
With NewsletterVille.com we provide everything from a completely hands free newsletter marketing service to canned boiler-plate newsletter templates. You will not find a more comprehensive and user friendly service anywhere.
Plus, we offer Free Newsletter Templates & design and the most effective content anywhere.
* Our newsletters are full of quick ideas and tips that can help your prospects and clients increase their sales, enhance management capabilities, improve production, and enhance communications. Many of them will subscribe to your newsletter in order to keep it coming to them monthly.
So check us out! Since 1995 we have been setting the pace as the leader in customized newsletters.
Plus you can't lose with our 100% risk-free guarantee! Click here to view.
I look forward to hearing from you.
Gary Sorrell

PS - sign up for our Free Newsletter and receive 3 Free Special Reports...Instantly. Click here.