newsletterIf you want your business to grow, then you need to look for ways to promote your product or services. If you can promote your business without spending an exorbitant amount of money – even better! One option many companies use is the newsletter.

However, many companies find it challenging to create a newsletter that is engaging and effective in getting results. With so many companies vying for customer attention, it is vital that you create a newsletter with a solid ROI. Fortunately, there are pros such as Neil Berman of Delivra who recently shared his tips for improving email engagement.

Tips to Creating an Engaging Newsletter

Subject line – You have to get the reader’s attention right from the start. Keep in mind that the majority of your readers will be using a mobile device, which only allots for 35 characters in the subject line. Hence, your subject needs to be brief, yet informative. A good approach is to highlight a couple of items and separate them with a vertical bar; for example,  Fall Email| Coupons| Cooking Tips

Mix things up – Don’t just use words. Be sure to include a variety of methods to share content. Elements such as video tutorials, surveys, infographics, and consumer guides provide value and engage your readers. When appropriate, be sure to give credit where it is due, as well as to link back to your own website.

Content is still King – Just like your website, if you have boring, or poorly written content, your readers won’t make it past the first section. Take time to present your company’s offerings in a way that supports your subject line and makes them want to click through to your website. As you write the various elements of your newsletter, keep the following in mind:

·         Include details – Most people skim, so make it easy to find the salient information. Consider using bullet points or bolding text.

·         Succinct – Have details but don’t overload the reader with them. Be clear but simple.

·         Have a CTA – Don’t just tell the reader about a product and leave them hanging. Always have a clear Call to Action that directs them to the next step. Most email programs have built in tools to make designing a CTA easy.

·         Conversation – Your newsletter needs to be casual, as though you are having a conversation with the reader. Don’t be afraid to use contractions and short sentences. If it sounds like a professor wrote it, you need to rethink your approach and start again.

·         Proofread – Always have a second person read through the newsletter before sending it. They will be able to catch mistakes, as well as provide feedback regarding how the copy reads. If possible, have more than one proofreader, to get extra input on engagement.

These tips are sure to help you create a more successful email campaign. By applying them, you will begin to see more engagement, and ultimately more sales. If you have questions about creating an engaging newsletter , talk to our pros at Alpine Communications. We would love to help you!