Should I start a newsletter?
Starting your newsletter for your business.
The short answer is yes but before you start here are a few tips and reasons why it is good for your business.
‘Everyone and their grandfather has a newsletter’. I read that line from an email by copywriter Sally Fox. I was about to start my letter and it threw me into doubt. Why should I start a newsletter, who would read it, does anyone care?
But Sally goes on to say yes - you can start one, also alongside a few people who specialise in email marketing. Most of them say - to start with a plan. Have a few topics you want to discuss.
Starting a newsletter can be a great way to connect with your audience and share information on a regular basis. However, whether or not you should start a newsletter depends on your goals and audience.
Do you have a lot of information to share with a specific group of people, or do you want to build a loyal following, then a newsletter could be a good idea.
Additionally, you will need to consider how much time and resources you have to commit to creating and distributing the newsletter. Will it be weekly, bi-monthly or once a month?
Who is your audience?
Why I started my newsletter.
To spark conversations. To engage, to give people tips on fonts, design and freelancing. The world is a busy place and we are time-poor. There are lots of things on the internet. I gather what has been in my world over the past month and bring it into one place.
You can put links and contact information in your newsletter, helping to maintain your web presence, and keeping new readers aware of all of your other channels - such as LinkedIn or Instagram.
Since starting my newsletter ‘Font Love Friday and Other Designery Things’ in 2022, I have not asked my readers directly to buy from me, I engage by saying what I have been working on. A BUY NOW or WORK WITH ME tone is not my style. I prefer to talk on a personal level. I think people like a personal story.
I always start my newsletter off with a story and what has been happening over the last month and tie in a font. I discuss the font in a little detail, I offer the resource of where to find more information and download.
I knew when I started it that I could commit to writing it once a month. My newsletter is out on the last Friday of the month. I know some email strategists would be saying that is not enough, but I do know that it is and readers have given me feedback about it. So all fine on that front!
Font Love Friday and Other Designery Things cover art.
Email providers.
Which to use. I’m not a fan of sales funnel emails, but as we know things change in business and I may do it but that will be for a different audience. So I won’t do that - just yet. I know they work for some companies and freelancers but that is not me.
There are a lot of email providers out there. Do your research and see what is the right fit for you.
Email providers include Mailerlite, Mailchimp, and Squarespace. If you are building a sales funnel check out Converter Kit or Kabaji - the list can go on.
Ask for feedback
I have had my readers hit the reply button without asking to. They have sent lovely, kind messages. I especially love it when I have sent over a resource that they had not heard of.
”I’m glad to be on your email list. Your emails are substantial and offer plenty of learning opportunities. Great ‘designery’ things to look at and rabbit holes to go down! Thank you!”
Lisa de Caux MA(Hons) Proof reader and editor
What not to write about.
When you work out your plan of what to write, keep in mind a few things not to say.
You have asked people to sign up. You have their attention. Don’t throw it away.
Here are a few things that you may want to avoid writing about in your newsletter:
Personal information that is too private or sensitive
Negative or derogatory comments about individuals or groups
Offensive language or content that may be inappropriate for your audience, If you are going to use swear/cuss words - give people a warning.
Political or controversial topics that may alienate or offend your subscribers
Misinformation or false claims may harm your reputation as a trusted source of information.
It's important to keep in mind that your newsletter represents your brand and your values, so it's always best to exercise good judgment and focus on providing valuable, engaging content to your subscribers. Remember it is your business and the goal of your business is to make sales.
Before you press send.
Start your newsletter with a subject line headline. If you can’t think of one there are a few AI tools out there that can help you if you are stuck.
Check you have filled in the grey subject line. The one that is hidden. You can be utilising this as an extra teaser into your email. Example below:
Proofread it. Check for spellings, read it out aloud to yourself. We are human mistakes can happen but it is good practice to check for these things.
Find the best time of day to send it out. Decide on a time and day for consistency - your readers will know when to expect it.
Tell the world. Don’t forget to promote the newsletter itself. Share it on social media, tell your friends - spread the word.
Create cover art. I receive emails and it takes me a while to work out who they are. Create a banner with your name or your newsletter name, your brand and your image.
I hope you have found this article useful and if you need help with your branding or cover art for your newsletter I’m always willing to help.
Hi! Thanks for reading!
I’m Angela Lyons and I am the founder and graphic designer at Lyons Creative.
I specialise in both print and digital design, I aim to help businesses enhance their visual appeal by creating compelling and distinct designs. I also help freelancers and share my experiences of freelance life.
If you are interested in learning more about my services and how I can assist your business, please feel free to contact me via direct message, and we can discuss your design needs further. Hit the button below!
