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I often sign up for newsletters, but also unsubscribe many times. Why? I do not want to be bombarded with daily messages – and I do not want to read promotional stuff only. With every sign-up I hope to get really important tips, news (that’s why it is called newsletter) and exclusive information. There are only a handful of email newsletters I am looking forward to receive – for years. The reason to write this blog post is to help you in creating a successful way of communicating with your readers.
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Do you get in touch with your readers through email? Why not? Would you like to let your readers know about your book launch, book cover reveals, new blog posts or your book signing events? Maybe even articles relating to your books content? There are more possibilities to contact your readers than just Social Media – more customized I must add: newsletters via email. Email newsletters drive 1350% more traffic than social media and outperform other marketing channels. They help to stay connected with your readers, not only at times of a book launch.
If you’re new to email marketing, or simply need to re-think your marketing strategy, start with the following tips!
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What are the Benefits of Sending Your Readers An Email Newsletter?
Lori Taylor wrote in an article: “Ask any serious blogger the biggest blogging mistake they have made. All of them will tell you the same thing. Their biggest regret is failing to set up an email list as soon as they started their blog. Money is not an issue – nor is it difficult to set up a list. MailChimp.com is free – if your email list is under 1,500 email subscribers, while you can try out AWeber.com for just $1. Adding a sign up form to the side bar of your blog is simply a case of copying and pasting some html code.
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How Do You Grow Your Newsletter Email List?
Nothing easier than this:
- Ask your Social Media followers and friends via tweets / posts
- Add a sign-up form to all your blogs / websites
- Create an opt-in link in your e-book
- Invite readers at book signings to opt-in for your newsletter
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When and How Often Should I Send My Email Newsletter?
Your readers or customers don’t want to hear every day from you – unless you send them just a link introduction to your daily blog post. Every two or four weeks is sufficient – if you have valuable content, news or tips for them. For example, include exclusive information behind the history of a new book and talk about its unique features which appeals to book lovers.
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How Long Should An Email Newsletter Be?
People don’t read on the Internet, they just scan if there is an interesting word or sentence that catches their eyes. And they barely scroll down to see if there is more.
So, keep your content at a one-page-reading size, not more than 500 words if possible, or direct your readers for more to your website or blog. Online content is not just about words. When you write for the Internet, think “presentation”. Print content is formally written and a passively read. Online content is informally written, interactive and dynamic.
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How Do I Write A Good Subject Line & Structure My Newsletter?
Your first words matter! They are the one’s that will be seen so make ‘em count. Create fantastic headlines with lists: “The five best …”, “The secret of the most successful …”, “Seven ways of telling ….”. You get the point? Another way is “How-to”
Litmus has a “Subject Line Checker” that lets you preview your subject line across a range of email clients and devices instantly. You can also see how your email will appear in the notification box. More great tips on how to write for the web can be found at Twelveskip.
Don’t forget to write a caption and ALT text, maybe even a description for any images or visual content in your email newsletter. Some readers opt for HTML text only without images and this way they get all the information an image would content. Not to speak about best SEO (Search Engine Optimization) practices too.
Learn how to write for the Internet.
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Conclusion:
Your email newsletter should serve as the voice or spokesperson for your books. All exclusive information should be delivered through this medium to your readers. Don’t wait to start your newsletter email list. Sign-up today with any of the email newsletter services (often for free).
Important before you click “send”: are you really providing value added content? You can ruin all of your built up store of good will with just one entirely self serving message.
And don’t forget: You need to have relevant permission from your readers to send them regular newsletters and also the inclusion of an un-subscribe link in your newsletter. Let your readers know that they, as the readers of your email newsletters, are the only ones receiving special deals or coupons.
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More Resources:
Find statistics how emails drive 1350% more traffic than social media and which errors to avoid:
http://blog.referralcandy.com/2013/01/02/do-you-make-these-6-email-newsletter-mistakes/
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Email Newsletters – How To Get Them Opened With Great Subject Lines
http://marketingartfully.com/2012/11/12/email-newsletters-how-to-get-them-opened-with-great-subject-lines/
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Great tips by the most successful blogger Darren Rowse: “How I Use Email Newsletters to Drive Traffic and Make Money”
http://www.problogger.net/archives/2009/10/31/how-i-use-email-newsletter-to-drive-traffic-and-make-money/
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Why Email Marketing Benefits Your Book’s Sales and How to Optimize them
http://blog.hubspot.com/blog/tabid/6307/bid/5837/The-First-Step-in-Email-Marketing-Optimization.aspx
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A list of email providers.
https://savvybookwriters.wordpress.com/2013/06/10/why-email-marketing-benefits-your-books-sales/
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How to Reduce Email Spam Complaints
https://savvybookwriters.wordpress.com/2013/07/31/how-to-reduce-email-spam-complaints/
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