Making Newsletters

[doovde]

So I have just started to create a mailing list but haven't yet sent out my first newsletter. What do you think makes a good newsletter?

Also should you just email the newsletter or a link to a static newsletter?

In terms of sending out lots of emails what is the best way to do it?

Dave

[Newjabber]

In terms of sending out lots of emails what is the best way to do it?

Are you using aweber?

[TheShortStack]

Another question - do you design your own newsletters or do people like Aweber allow you to chose some kind of a template?

[Newjabber]

Another question - do you design your own newsletters or do people like Aweber allow you to chose some kind of a template?

There are templates, but you can make it look like you want i think. I have only sent out a few times, and i like the newsmail clean with just a top logo.

[Mark]

I think the best newsletters provide relevant and important information that your visitors would be interested in. Just sending out newsletters with "salesy" type information can be a turn-off for your readers.

Provide them with excellent information and content that is relevant to them but also subtly include your poker room links with it.

For instance, if your readers are mostly interested in pot limit omaha strategy articles, provide them with an update of the newest and best strategy articles you've created. At the end of the article, tell them where the best places are to play PLO.

If you have a bonus oriented site, send a newsletter with the best types of bonuses for them to clear.

Mark

[GregW]

I think the best newsletters provide relevant and important information that your visitors would be interested in. Just sending out newsletters with "salesy" type information can be a turn-off for your readers.

Provide them with excellent information and content that is relevant to them but also subtly include your poker room links with it.

For instance, if your readers are mostly interested in pot limit omaha strategy articles, provide them with an update of the newest and best strategy articles you've created. At the end of the article, tell them where the best places are to play PLO.

If you have a bonus oriented site, send a newsletter with the best types of bonuses for them to clear.

Mark

I think that's perfect advice. Think about why your visitors signed up to your newsletter and what they are expecting, then try your best to give it to them whilst subtely recommending an honestly good room for them.

As far as templates go, I don't really bother with them. In fact, I'm more reluctant to read them because they feel very salesy, so I stick with a plain newsletter. Lots of email sites block images in the emails themselves too, so they don't often look great.

[pomp]

I asked a website owner friend of mine a similar question and he advised me to "Tease to Please"

Basically meaning write an article but only use the first couple of lines on the newsletter with a "Read more...." link to article and website.

[Matt Geer]

For anyone that is interested, I am offering to help with weekly, bi-monthly, and monthly newsletters! Pm me if you guys have any questions! I can help with ideas for each one, I communicate well, and I deliver when I say I do!

[Self Made]

Also should you just email the newsletter or a link to a static newsletter?

Satisfy the customer. Make it easy for them. They shouldn't have to click through to a web site.

I asked a website owner friend of mine a similar question and he advised me to "Tease to Please"

Basically meaning write an article but only use the first couple of lines on the newsletter with a "Read more...." link to article and website.

So obviously I disagree with that.

My theory is provide value to them and they'll read it. And I get a 55% open rate, which I gather is pretty good.

[sipka]

I recommend Campaign monitor (100% Rebrandable email marketing software just for designers - Campaign Monitor), they have loads of templates, and you only pay when you send out newsletters and only for the recipients. They have several tools so you can check out if your email will be spam-proof, laid out correctly for every email client, etc..

I used to send out 2-3 versions of my newsletter and see which performs better and then I can adjust the content/layout/call-to-action in the next newsletter.