What’s the News?

Lots of businesses are staying in touch with potential or existing customers and clients by printing or emailing a newsletter. It’s not surprising, because newsletters are an ideal way to share news and offers. 

So what about your business? Have you got ‘set up newsletter’ on your to-do list? Or maybe you tried sending a newsletter but it fell a bit… well, flat.

Hold the front page because we’re sharing 4 secrets to creating the perfect newsletter. 

Why are newsletters important?

Newsletters are a fantastic way to remind people of your services, tell your brand story, prompt future business, and increase trust by establishing you as an expert. In other words, newsletters keep people informed, connected, and engaged with your business. And that’s important because the result is more traffic to your website, and more queries and bookings. 

Sound good, but a lot of work?

Bear in mind that Campaign Monitor thinks it’s worth the effort. They claim that 89% of marketers consider their email marketing strategy to be a success.

Now, we promised to reveal the secrets to a successful newsletter, so we’d better deliver.

  • Cultivate your content

Newsletters are your chance to highlight the best bits of the last few weeks or months, show off your achievements, awards, or media coverage, brag about a recent success, share exciting news, extend invitations to upcoming events, and reveal plans for the future. 

However, a word to the wise: let’s not bombard people with all the news. Instead, let’s focus on one or two aspects. 

  • Personality

Let’s get to know you, the person inside the suit. Because chances are, if I’m reading your newsletter, I’ve already got an idea of what your business does, and the services or products you offer. Duh, your website explained that.  Tell us about yourself, profile your team, let us know what you’re passionate about, and show your sense of humor. 

Tell us about how you volunteered, participated in a sporting event, supported or sponsored a nonprofit that’s close to your heart, spoke at a school, college, alumni, or conference, or rolled up your sleeves in your community. If it’s fun, interesting, and local, we want to hear about it.

  • Eye-catching

Looks matter, folks. Emails or printed newsletters are often scanned quickly, so catch their eye with a smattering of inviting, interesting images. 

Blocks of text are boring, so break them up into concise and snappy bite-size pieces and keep it informative and entertaining. Remember, those eyes are often reading these newsletters on a smartphone or tablet – make sure it’s optimized!

  • Exclusive club

Whip up some excitement. Loyal customers should get rewards like discount codes, free shipping, event invitations, and should be the first to hear about what’s coming next. And who doesn’t love a freebie? Try a giveaway for newsletter subscribers. 

Start spreading the news

If your current newsletter mailing list consists of just your mom, it’s time to gain more subscribers. A few ideas? Sure.

  • Add a form or pop-up button to your website (an incentive or benefit helps) 
  • Make a video sharing helpful tips and invite people to sign up for your newsletter for more tips
  • Run a giveaway (a product, course, or voucher) on social media which includes sign-up  
  • Simply invite customers to complete a paper sign-up form at your front desk

Your newsletter emphasis should be heavy on informing and entertaining, and light on selling. And a sincere thanks for custom is always well received. 

Right, so what are you waiting for? Go forth and spread the news. Make it the best dang newsletter that ever there was. But if you’re just too busy getting on with the day-to-day operations of the business, Hashtag Creative can come to the rescue. We understand that you don’t always have the time, energy, or headspace to craft witty, informative newsletters. Sometimes it’s best to let the professionals have at it. Let’s talk!