5 Things Every Email Newsletter Should Contain
Basic Information that Keeps Visitors Returning to a Website
Dec 17, 2008
Writing an email newsletter can be a lot of work. When taken the time to develop correctly, it can be one of the best internet marketing tools to use. It is a great way to let customers or fans know what is going on with a website or business, as this is the main goal of sending out the newsletter. Be sure to include these five basic things in every email newsletter for the best results.
Effective Email Newsletter Titles are Necessary
The title of the newsletter should be in the email subject line and be consistent with each newsletter sent. In most cases, a reader will voluntarily sign up for an email newsletter while visiting a particular website. In this case, the reader should be expecting the newsletter.
The title should be attention grabbing, but not "salesy." In order to get people to visit a website, be sure to get them to open the newsletter. This is getting harder to do with spam and junk emails, so make sure to get the attention of the recipient, and that the readers are comfortable knowing who the email is coming from.
Add a Table of Contents to the Newsletter
Include a table of contents (TOC) close to the top of every email newsletter. This allows the reader to quickly scan the contents, and find something of particular interest. The titles in the TOC should be something that will capture the subscriber's attention and make them take a closer look at the contents of the newsletter.
There should be at least three titles in the TOC. Anything less will make the newsletter appear whimpy in content. Readers may not think there is any substance of interest to them. Most of these newsletters get tossed before they are ever entirely read.
Include Pertinent Contact Information
A newsletter should contain all contact information, including:
- Company/individual's name
- Address
- Phone and/or cell number
- Fax number, if available
- Email address
- Website address
Other optional information might include the frequency of the newsletter distribution. This helps boost the reader's confidence that the newsletter is of value, especially to new subscribers.
Include Subscribe/Unsubscribe Instructions
Provide instructions for readers to subscribe or unsubscribe to your newsletter. Many people may receive an email newsletter because someone they know forwarded it. These people will be much more likely to subscribe if the information on how to do so is clear and concise. A quick sign-up box is very useful. On the same note, also provide information on how to unsubscribe, including links or emails to assist the reader.
Add Copyright/Redistribution Information
The newsletter should contain any copyright or redistribution information. If the articles and information provided are yours and yours alone, be sure this is noted in the newsletter. However, post information about how permission is obtained for reuse and reissue of the content. This makes readers feel comfortable that the newsletter is reputable.
These are the basic five things an email newsletter should contain. Remember, each reader is different. What one reader will like about a newsletter, another reader might not. Surveys are a great way to get feedback to help make a newsletter better and to increase your subscriptions.
 |
