Easy Newsletter Steps for Small Business

When consulting with small businesses about this form of content marketing, I am often surprised at how little value they place on it. The investment is very small in comparison to the rewards available for business owners.

A systematic approach to a newsletter is the best way to keep readers engaged and willing to open yours instead of marking it read, moving it to spam, or worse -- unsubscribing. If someone has subscribed to your newsletter, it is likely they are eager to learn something or solve a problem that they may have.

Honest and Informative Headlines are always the best way to go! Catchy headings are great, but if someone clicks the link to open the newsletter, and the information within is not in line with the headline, your audience is less likely to continue reading or stay subscribed. Don't use keywords that will only draw people in, but disappoint them once they began to read.


Get To The Point Quickly and readers will be more willing to stay subscribed and actually read what you spent so much time compiling. Similar to a press release in that the major details should be mentioned in the first paragraph, then explained; it is important that you not take your readers time for granted. Let them know immediately what they are to gain by reading your weekly, monthly, or quarterly periodical.

Be Consistent. This can be the most difficult if you are doing the newsletter on your own, but more engagement and return on investment is available when prospective and current customers know when to expect your newsletter. Easier said than done, but definitely worth the time. This can be the start of a new habit that will bring forth residual rewards.


Use Graphics and Be Original. Readers still place value on what you have to say and what is perceived as genuine versus copied. Clever sayings and graphics that have been recycled on Facebook, Twitter, or in other email lists should never greet your readers eyes. They are giving you their attention, so you can give them something original. Use what you see as inspiration, not for imitation. Graphics are an excellent way to engage the readers other senses as well.

Provide Exclusive Offers or Other Incentives. With the popularity and effectiveness of the newsletter, businesses are adopting them more and more, and for good reason. Why should readers be a part of your list, what makes your information more valuable than others. Give them an incentive for being loyal by providing good content, but also giving them offers not available to others who are not subscribed.

Implementing these steps can be an awesome way of kick-starting your content marketing plan.