Four years ago when I first took over WomenCanDoAnything.com I continued on with creating newsletters somewhat similar to my predessessor, albeit in a different format. I continued to do this for about 2 years. After this amount of time I finally realized that they were a lot of work…like 4+ hours work for not a lot of payback (that I could see anyways).
I mean, first I had to create the content…some of which was interviews with other people. I had to coordinate with my editor (Bonnie *who is an awesome writer btw) at the time. I had to gather pictures, collect links, and put it all together. Yes I used a template and just plugged stuff in, but even at that it was hugely time consuming.
And I didn’t seem to get a lot of feedback and interaction with my subscribers.
Nevertheless, after two years I decided that it just wasn’t paying off. All that time and effort, was netting me almost nothing.
I noticed something happening in the online marketing space that looks like it was more effective and a lot less work. And that was to just write emails. And I’m talking plain old “non formatted” emails. The kind that are black and white, start of with “Hi Sue” and just basically say the simplest of messages.
I saw that these kinds of emails would do two things for me as an online business owner.
- Save me a ton of time (which was obvious), and
- Help me create a much more personal relationship with those I was communicating with.
So I decided to scrap the task of creating newsletters and instead chose to just…..write emails. So far it’s been working much better. I have not only seen a huge amount of my time freed up so I can focus on other things but I have also noticed (and people have commented) that I have closer relationships with people who are subscribed to my list and that my emails seem so friendly.
I’m not saying that this is the way you should go. I assume some businesses find that creating newsletters is profitable or beneficial in some way. I know this because I still see many successful businesses doing it.
Whichever way you communicate with your subscribers, I hope you’re using a email newsletter service that blows your socks off. After years of looking for one that did everything I wanted and was so user friendly (and is free up to 500 subscribers) I finally found this one.
Today I want to know what your opinion is. What your experience is. Do you create traditional online newsletters? Or do you just write email messages to your peeps? And what services to you use? And why? What makes a good email newsletter service in your opinion?
Be sure to comment below (cause you know it will help you).
Do you think your “like minded” friends will have a say in this? If so…please tweet and share on Facebook. Buttons are everywhere…
{ 17 comments… read them below or add one }
Ha! I have often wondered why you don’t do fancy emails… makes total sense and I can tell it must be working for you.
Hey Tracey – Great Post. All always good advice and something I have been working on. Content is never an issue but dang coordinating all the little tweaks. Thanks for your insight!
Jude
Dang those tweaks…they take up the most time.
Hi Tracy,
Thank you for another informative post. I have enjoyed receiving your emails and have found a wealth of information in them. I had the opportunity to watch your webinar on Google rankings this weekend and found that while I had done the research and had all the right components, I just wasn’t using them correctly! I am looking forward to learning more from you. Thank you so much!
Hi Jenifer, Glad you got some value out of it… Tracy
Hey Tracy,
This is good advice!
But, the email format is used by most of the Internet Marketing gurus I think. And it is obvious why. It is the best format to create a “real” relationship with your subscribers like you wrote on this message.
You are also right on when saying that MailChimp is the best starter for beginning InfoMarketers. They offer a free kick start with all the drums and whistles for up to 500 subscribers and 3000 emails per month. This is hard to beat!
I personnally use AutoresponsePlus but you need to be a bit familiar with codes if you intend to use it for more than just one newsletter because the one time price of $200 includes a free installation on your server. So, if you want to use it for another blog, you need to install the second system yourself.
I prefer AutoresponsePlus because everything is unlimited. You get unlimited subscribers, posts, broadcasts, newsletters plus up to 10 different domain installations. It is only limited to your server’s bandwidth or capacity.
regards,
Mario Bruneau
Hi Mario, I too use Autoresponse Plus. Have for years. It’s a good solution but taking 11+ hours to send and email out was starting to become a real pain. I do like the fact that it’s unlimited…but it does have it’s limitations. I will continue to use it for certains projects. Thanks for your comments. Tracy
I’m glad to hear someone else in the internet marketing business say this. When working solo, and having to really budget my time, I feel like a simple email that says “hi, how are you?” extends my working relationships far beyond what I think the return would be if I sent out a general newsletter.
If companies have the time, money and resources, I think newsletters can be effective — but not in a small business like mine.
Thanks for the post!
Cool Lori….time is a valuable thing…spend it wisely
Tracy
“Just emails” works for me. They’re more personal, effective and real than “being marketed to.” I think there’s a reason and place for both, but I certainly respond to and send both!
I agree
I do too.
I have also gone simple, as just like you I spent a heck of a lot of time on newsletters and found the same thing – not much response back. I atill get them to sign my list so I have them when I need them but after they sign up I give them an incentive to sign up for the Feedburner Feed that they get in their email. This gets each categorized post with one subject per time to them and it seems to be working quite well. I still use my email newsletter system which happens to be one that Women of Today offers called Women of Today Web Connect. When I do use it I still stick to one subject with a catchy headline. No more stressing over newsleter content and deadlines.
Oh, and one more thing, for Women of Today we deliver E-Tips and there is one theme per week of the month – Business, Networking, Personal Growth and Marketing and we find delivering useful tips we get a very good response as people tend to ask questions or comment and we get the chance to connect with them -the key!
Hey Sherry..yup creating newsletters doesn’t work for everyone. I see them less and less these days…even from those who aren’t aren’t master marketers. I believe it’s a bit of a trend. Cheers… Tracy
Hi Tracey,
It’s funny that you sent me this info. I have been looking for another company to use for my newsletters. Mail Chimp is very reasonable. Thanks so much!
Hugs,
Janet
Hi Janet, I’ve looked at and used a number of the more popular ones and Mail Chimp is one of the best I’ve seen. And you can’t be free for 500 subscribers
Tracy
Hi Tracy, Maybe this is better forme for now instead of Blogging, I am still networking my Organizing Service. As always you give simple informative advice for us non techies!!
Michelle
I’ve been thinking about this same issue these last several weeks on a clients newsletter. I don’t want to do plain emails but I don’t want it to be too busy so I look around for different ideas.
This post has me thinking though. Thanks.
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