Establishing an effective communication strategy is important in today’s world. Of course, you will want to share special promotions but to be successful, you need to also provide objective, interesting, and helpful content that can help your readers solve a problem.
An email newsletter is a great way to communicate with your audience because it allows you to connect with them in a different way. Still not sure if a newsletter is right for you? Check out 9 Reasons Why Your Small Business Needs an Email Newsletter.
There is a variety of email providers available that makes launching an email newsletter easier than you think, with some options being free! If you’re ready to launch your email newsletter, but unsure where to start, let’s dive in!
Here are my 11 steps to help you start your email newsletter today.
1. Name Your Newsletter
Having a consistent and memorable name helps keep you, and your brand, top of mind for your readers. A newsletter name that stands out in the inbox can boost open rates and engagement.
2. Make a List of Topics
You know your business better than anyone. Write about things that you know. What do your clients or customers struggle with? If they have specific questions they ask, write about those. See what others in your industry share and use it for inspiration.
3. Set Goals
Decide how often you want to send out your newsletter. Be realistic, if once a week is too much, can you manage once or twice per month? Remember you want to stay top of mind.
4. Pick an Email Solution
Depending on your newsletter budget and number of contacts there are a variety of solutions available. If you are just starting out both Mailchimp and Constant Contact have free versions. What’s great is if you learn these platforms but want to move to something different in the future you can easily export your list and import to another email provider.
5. Design a Template
Most email providers have pre-designed templates available. Using one of those templates is a good place to start. You simply choose your colors, text, and basic layout, and then upload your logo into the header. Consider adding a professional headshot to the template as well. You can make small tweaks to the design as you go but try to be subtle as your subscribers will become familiar with your layout.
When designing your email template consider how you want your name and email to display in the “from” section. For example: Kirstin | Up North VA. A quick glance in your inbox tells you who I am and the name of my business.
6. Gather Your Contacts
Have you been collecting email addresses for your customers and clients? If so, gather your contacts and enter into a spreadsheet to upload to the email solution you choose. Text or message family, friends, and anyone else you know, letting them know you are starting an email newsletter and need their email address.
7. Send Out an Invitation to Sign Up
If you already have a list of emails for your customers or prospects that comply with CAN-SPAM, it’s polite to send a one-time invitation to sign up for your newsletter rather than opting your contacts into the list automatically without their permission.
Your list will probably be small to start, but your audience will be interested in your content and more likely to share it.
Don’t forget to share your newsletter announcement on social media as well as your website (more on that next) inviting your followers to subscribe!
Example –
We are very excited to launch our monthly email newsletter, _____ (name of newsletter)! Whether you are interested in learning more about our products, services, news, and current events, we assure you, there will be something in here for you!
Sign up today!
Link or button to sign up page
8. Create a Website Popup and Signup Form
Your email solution should provide a customizable popup and signup form that allows new subscribers into your list. Send the signup link in the invitation and add a popup and signup form on your website to make it easy for others visiting your website to subscribe.
9. Craft and Send Your First Edition!
Once you’ve sent out the invitation email with the signup link, you are now ready to send out the first edition of your email newsletter! Plan to send out your first edition within the first two weeks following the invitation email. Need help crafting your email newsletter? Check out my post 11 Steps to Crafting Your Email Newsletter.
10. Promote
Once you are comfortable and have a system for how you will plan and execute future editions of your newsletter, spend some time promoting it to gain new subscribers. Make sure you have a signup not only on the homepage of your website but in the footer of every page or on the sidebar. Encourage subscribers to forward your email and share it.
11. Stick to Your Goal
The hardest part is sticking to your newsletter schedule, remember to make your goal realistic, consider how much time you have available for writing and formatting.
Perhaps start with monthly until you’re more comfortable and quicker at creating content. Remember to provide valuable content consistently and you will be on the right track!
Pro tips:
Use these email newsletters as blog posts on your website and share on social media. Rotate when and where you use them, so you always have content.
Consider adding the following phrase or something similar to your initial and/or welcome emails to increase open rates and reduce your emails landing in spam folders.
Please add “(name of email newsletter)” to your email contacts to avoid newsletters being marked as spam. If you use a mail service like Gmail, be sure to check your promotions folder or you may miss my emails.
If you’re still a little unsure about sending an email newsletter, let’s chat!
Set up a time to talk with me about your business!
It’s free! It’s 30 minutes! It’s all about you!