Hello everyone,
My lists have been growing so I decided to finally create my first newsletter. I have to say that my inspiration came from Kimberly Castleberry. Kimberley is a TSA (Tribe Syndication Association) Leader and staff member, and an expert in Word Press and Internet Marketing. I have great admiration and respect for her. One of her websites is http://just-ask-kim.com. I have been subscribed to her newsletter since February of 2011 and when I receive hers, it helps me connect with her in so many ways. I know that a newsletter will help me stay in touch with “people” rather than “a list.” I’ve wanted to offer a free newsletter for quite a while. It finally became a priority. One thing I want to say is personally I prefer a weekly or bi-weekly newsletter. I have a couple “dailys” and I never read them! I would like to get your opinion on this. What do you think, weekly? or bi-weekly?
I use Aweber for my newsletter. If you haven’t explored Aweber, the more I use it the more I realize it’s capability. After a broadcast is sent, Aweber gives you a link to
1) homepage
2) Direct Link and
3) RSS Feed. Isn’t’ that awesome!
Note: No offense to Get Response or any other autoresponders.
This is my introductory newsletter. Any feedback is greatly appreciated!
http://archive.aweber.com/raenalynnnhymf/GS7Bo
Twitter: martyinmaui
Says:
September 13, 2011 at 5:59 pm
How exciting Raena! As far as the frequency, my preference would be weekly. But the bottom line is how much new and relevant information you’ll have to share on a regular basis. Good luck!
September 14, 2011 at 3:33 pm
Hi Marquita,
I tend to agree that weekly would be the best. I also agree that valuable content and consistency is important too. Thanks for coming by!
Raena Lynn
September 13, 2011 at 6:18 pm
Hi Raena,
Well done…a newsletter is a great idea.
I also subscribe to a lot of newsletters, although I am eliminating some. Like you stated, a lot of duplicate content.
The newsletters that are delivered too frequently or are too lengthy are just too time consuming. So, personally I like a weekly newsletter.
Kim’s newsletter is terrific and very informative and I also enjoy it.
I love your concept of a sharing newsletter with some inspirational content and links to your posts…excellent format.
AWeber is definitely the best tool for the job…
Keep up the great work,
Marc
September 14, 2011 at 3:40 pm
Hi Marc,
Once again thank you for you kind words, and support. My plan is to keep it short and sweet, yet inspirational and timely.
Raena Lynn
Twitter: brotherbillamis
Says:
September 14, 2011 at 3:09 am
Raena,
this is going to be amazing. I would love to receive it. The content you have presented is very useful and worth expanding it to more people via newsletter format.
I have not followed to many. I love to read people’s blogs that inspire that emotional side. I like to be empowered with the information being shared.
I feel this will benefit all your readers. I pray it will be weekly.
I agree, with Marc that there are too many newsletters just repeating the same information. That is not original nor unique. That is why I do not accept them.
I look forward in reading your fist issue and I know it will be useful.
Thank you for doing all you do.
September 14, 2011 at 3:42 pm
Hi William,
I will be happy to subscribe you to the newsletter and I have decided to create it on a weekly basis. I certainly have enough resources and I really want it to be “worth reading.” Again thank you for you support.
Raena Lynn
September 14, 2011 at 8:35 pm
That’s awesome that you started your newsletter. It is a powerful tool in your business. My oldest letter has been published for 12 years. It was the best business decision I made.
September 25, 2011 at 10:25 pm
Hi Melodie,
Thanks for the encouragement. My sole purpose for the newsletter is simply to keep in touch with my fellow marketers. I am hoping to use it to build my readership and strengthen my brand. It is an honor to have you visit my blog and leave a commentary.
Raena Lynn
Twitter: andynathan
Says:
September 15, 2011 at 11:02 am
Raena,
I subscribe to some newsletters as well, and you are right that the dailies get ignored more often, because on a daily basis people do not check. Even my blog, which I publish daily I only send an email out 2-3 times per week.
Liked the first edition!
Andy
September 25, 2011 at 10:23 pm
Hi Nathan,
I decided to print weekly at first, however after the first couple of weeks, the open rate is not high enough to justify a weekly newsletter, so I’ve decided to print bi-weekly for awhile, then switch to weekly once my readership is stronger. Thanks for the compliment on the first edition. I think everyone is so bombarded with email, it is getting more and more difficult to present headlines which people cannot resist. I feel like I’ve seen every possible headline and truth for me is I only open mail from the marketers I recognize or who I am working with. I think that is true for most of us, so I will continue my newsletter with different approach. It is fun to try different approaches and see what works best.
Raena Lynn
Raena Lynn
September 26, 2011 at 12:48 am
Glad to see you started your newsletter, Raena.
This is the place to really reach people, not just a “list”.
Looks like you’re off to a great start. My 2 cents: I try to keep up on twice a week for 30 days, then go weekly for the next 30, and be-weekly after that. This does not, by the way, include spontaneous email blasts that are of an immediate nature.
Good luck. You’re on the right path.
David Merrill recently posted..How To Be A Profit “Producer”, Not A Run-of-the-Mill “Multi-Tasker”
October 7, 2011 at 8:04 pm
Congratulations Raena,
I have been coming to your blog for a while now and have noticed how better it has looked over time. It’s really nice to see that your efforts are being rewarded and long may it continue.
Yes, aweber is cool alhough I use a free plugin on one of my sites that seems to be really efficient.
Good luck with your list!
Stevie
Stevie Smith recently posted..Dating 101 – Dating for Beginners
October 8, 2011 at 4:12 pm
Hi Stevie,
Thank you for your kind words. I must tell you that when I started my blog, I did not know I could post the images on the front of each post. With time, of course I figured it out and adding images are essential to the effectiveness of a blog. Thanks for stopping by.
Raena Lynn
October 13, 2011 at 3:58 am
Hi Raena,
So how are your newsletters coming along? Are you open rates as you expected?
It took me awhile to get started with my newsletter also and, I must admit that I still have not developed a strategy for it. I am told that it is an art that I must learn. My open rate is only around 30 percent. I know that that is dismal; however, I am without a virtual assistant at the moment and I have not had much time to devote to it.
My business coach suggested that I consider using it for news and announcements (new coaching groups, product launches, etc.) and make offers that are exclusive to the subscribers. My goal is to revamp it early 2012.
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