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Do you find writing for your email newsletter tedious? Do you postpone publishing an email newsletter because you dread having to write articles on a regular basis?

Readers are looking for fresh, useful and interesting information. The way you present that information can take various forms. Instead of writing a 'standard article', try these ideas for a change:

1. Product reviews: Introduce readers to new products through your reviews. Once visitors value your unbiased opinion, they will look forward to your next review. When possible, refer to affiliate products to generate an income.



2. Comparative reviews: Evaluate different products and give them a rating. Share your research findings on products or services that you have considered for yourself and pass on your recommendations. There again, another affiliate sale opportunity.



3. Mini polls: Conduct a mini poll on your website using a single question with multiple choices e.g. ‘How much time do you spend on the Internet each week?’ Then collate and report on results.



4. Interviews: Relate an interview with an expert in your field on their experience, opinion or latest project. An interview gives interesting insights and the dialogue format adds variety.



5. ‘Ask the Expert’: Invite readers to submit questions. You can either answer those questions yourself to boost your reputation as an expert or invite an outside expert to respond to them on your behalf and reduce your workload.



6. Tips: In each issue, give a tip or solve a common problem that occurs in your line of work. Bonus idea: collate those tips in an ebook and give it away as an incentive to attract new subscribers or as a reward for loyal readership.



7. Editorial: Comment on local, national and international news relevant to your type of business. Your knowledge will shine through.



8. Events: Announce and remind readers of coming events relevant to your line of work. Strengthen your alliances with other organisations by advertising their functions.



9. Reader’s corner: Open a line of communication with readers. Let them voice their opinion and share their experience. This builds rapport and loyalty.



10. Anecdotes: Introduce a personal touch by relating a story to reinforce your message and enliven your email newsletter. A memorable story is good material for viral marketing (online word of mouth).



11. Contest: Organise a contest e.g. ‘best idea’ or ‘tell us in 20 words or less why…’ Publish the results in your newsletter. This could generate material for future newsletters. Reward winners by acknowledging their contribution with a short biography and a link to their website.



12. Story selling: Simple success stories that personify a real ‘slice of life’ are convincing. Use this more fluent and less formal approach to reporting a case study to advertise your products or services.

Writing for a newsletter does not have to be a chore. Choose a style and content that facilitate your work as publisher.

Many of these ideas have been adapted from ‘200 Marketing Ideas for Your Website’.

© 2005 Henriette Martel-Lawson

Henriette Martel-Lawson is the author of 200 Marketing Ideas for Your Website. Subscribe to WEBmarketingcues newsletter for articles, reviews and resources at www.marketingcues.com and receive a free ebook.

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