subject: Newsletter Marketing For Your Small Business: Getting Started [print this page] The online newsletter>newsletter is a great way to promote your business because it expands your online presence and offers your customers something for nothing: valuable information. Internet marketing for small business is evolving away from in-your-face sales pitches to publishing content that engages, informs and communicates with customers. Many small businesses still don't know how to start leveraging the internet to market their products and services, and as a result, lose a competitive edge in their marketplace. But it doesn't have to be hard to harness some of that power - an online newsletter is a great way to get started. Why a newsletter? The online environment is an excellent vehicle for attracting new customers and developing a relationship with existing customers that improves their lives and helps grow your business. Innovative businesses and organizations use newsletters as savvy marketing tools; they write to engage and inform existing and potential customers by providing compelling information about their products and services, inspiring personalities, or touting new trends in the marketplace. Well-crafted and targeted content can generate more dollars for your business and establish a loyal customer following. Newsletter content Your content should be interesting, relevant, but most importantly, useful to your customers. Snappy, informative material will showcase your expertise in your field and add value - not only will this keep them reading, they will forward your newsletter to friends and colleagues and build a network for you. Producing a newsletter involves investing time researching and keeping up with new trends and phenomenons in your industry. A little elbow grease will continuously generate fresh ideas for regular newsletters and keep your small business top of mind with your customers. Here are a few ideas for newsletter content:
Write "how to" articles.
Highlight the benefits of a new product or service in your industry.
Discuss and link to other articles related to your industry and customers' interests.
Create seasonal content or reminders.
Write a bio about interesting personalities or pioneers in your industry.
Build an archive of newsletters on your website, and republish popular ones - or reflect on topics from past issues.
Publishing and distributing your newsletter There are several ways to publish and distribute a newsletter: using an email auto-responder, on a website, or as through an online marketing suite. The most efficient way to get keep customers returning to your site is to offer subscriptions and incentives to sign up for email delivery when they first visit your website. For example, you can offer a free downloadable e-book if they subscribe. By providing opt-in email subscription services on your website, you also generate a list of qualified leads for your business. However, make sure you give subscribers easy ways to unsubscribe if they no longer want your newsletter. Who doesn't like something for nothing? Successful newsletter marketing relies on authentic, informative content. So make sure you have a great list of customers to target and valuable information share.
Newsletter Marketing For Your Small Business: Getting Started
