I’ve subscribed to great newsletters over the past few years and today I look back on the reasons why I decided to subscribe to them in the first place.
There has to be some secret formula for writing catchy newsletters, right?
Let’s see what made me decide to want to receive these newsletters:
- Was it the attractive layout? Yes.
- Was it the snappy content? Yes
- Was it the people behind the company? Yes.
As you can see, these are the same reasons why we love some blogs and websites. Writing catchy newsletters uses the same basic principles as writing great blog posts and effective web copies, but I believe there are 2 things that make newsletters unique: well thought-out subject lines and powerful introductory one liners.
In blogs and websites, you have the option to go to another post or page to read something else if you don’t like what you see. However, in the case of newsletters in inboxes, the subject line is king. It will determine whether or not a newsletter will be opened.
Every now and then we need to be reminded of the basics. So whether you’re just planning to launch a newsletter or thinking of giving your current one a makeover, here are some tips to guide you in writing catchy newsletters:
- Tip #1- Pique your readers’ interest with a great subject line.
Make your recipient stop and notice. Email newsletters, just like any other email, get stuck in the inbox unless it’s opened and read. Thus, write a catchy subject line, no longer than 50 characters including spaces that will draw the recipient’s attention. - Tip #2 – K.I.S.S.
Now that you have their attention, your next task is to give them a reason to linger and read some more. Keep your newsletter short and simple. (KISS) Be brief and direct to the point. - Tip #3 – Adjust writing style to your readers.
Get to know your readers well – their demographics, their profiles, their likes and dislikes and other preferences. Suit the tone of your writing to what they want. - Tip #4 – Lay it out in bullets.
All text, in paragraph form, is not ideal in email newsletters. Pique their interest over and over again by highlighting or emphasizing important points or enumerating basic points. - Tip #5 – Tell readers what to do next.
Would you like them to forward or share your newsletter or direct them to your website? Make sure you tell readers what to do at the end of your letter.
Like me, people today subscribe to several newsletters, not just one or two. So make sure yours gets opened. With these tips, writing catchy newsletters shouldn’t be too tricky. Good luck and happy newsletter writing!
To Your Success,
Elmar Sandyck
August 12th, 2010 at 2:42 pm
Hi Elmar,
You’re right, lots of subscriptions to newsletters, and not always time to read them all.
You hit the nail on the head with your 5 tips. From start to finish. Bullets are so popular, especially with all the the speed reading most people practice today.
Great post!
Susanna
[Reply]
admin Reply:
August 13th, 2010 at 3:40 pm
Hi Susanna,
I’m glad you like the post and thanks for dropping by!
As you notice I visited you blog a lot the past days,
it’s a great blog with a lot of valuable information.
Talk soon!
Elmar
[Reply]
August 17th, 2010 at 6:34 pm
Hey Elmar,
Great post! I am actually getting ready to do more ezine marketing and coming across this information is very helpful my friend. Also great blog here with all of the valuable information you have. Keep up the good work you are doing here.
Dave
[Reply]
admin Reply:
August 17th, 2010 at 11:02 pm
Hey Dave,
Thanks for the compliment, I’m happy the information helped you!
I see you are also active in the 7 Figure Networker System!
Great decision, the system and also its creator, Jonathan Budd, are both just phantastic.
Let’s keep in touch!
Elmar
[Reply]
September 21st, 2010 at 4:50 am
I agree with you, Elmar! These five tips tips are great. I always enjoy brainstorming about catchy subject lines. Sometimes it can be tough, but we have to do what we have to do — please our readers!
[Reply]
November 19th, 2010 at 2:00 am
People will get to read a newsletter if it has the elements stated above. Readers will be enjoyed in reading it! Thanks Elmar for sharing it with us!
The ABC of Business – Never Hire A Person Who Walks Slowly…
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