| Volume 2, Issue 4 | April 2005 |
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In This Issue
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Things have been pretty busy on the writing front here, which is why this issue of WriteTips didn't quite manage to find its way to your inbox by April 1. In fact, due to the volume of my workload as of late, I'm considering changing the delivery date from the first of every month to simply "April," "May," "June," etc. This way the pressure is off for me to complete each issue by a certain date, but you'll still get your monthly fix of WriteTips. After all, I certainly don't want to promise what I can't deliver!
Enjoy this issue, and happy spring!
All the best,
Cassie Hart
5 Fantastic Ideas for Your Ezine
Do you make an effort to stay in touch with your clients? Even if it's been a while since a few of your contacts expressed a need for your product or service, you want them to know that you'll be there whenever they do need assistance. You can avoid the "out of sight, out of mind" philosophy by making a point to initiate some sort of communication on a regular basis.
One way to keep in touch is to publish an Ezine, i.e., an electronic newsletter. Ezines are great way to promote your business. Not only can they be used as vehicles help to keep your name in front of clients, but they also provide an opportunity for you to share your expertise with others, as well. I can hear it now as some of you think (aloud): "Sure, I'd love to publish an Ezine for my business. But I have no idea what to write about! Got some suggestions, Cassie?"
You bet I do. Ezines should provide readers with information that they can use, so it's important to remember this: content is king! Whether you're looking for new ideas for an existing publication or a new one and you aren't sure what type of content to include, some of the following ideas---when tailored to fit your clients' interests---should help you get started.
1. Editor's notes If each issue of your Ezine focuses on a single theme (like how to publish an Ezine, for instance, or how to housetrain your dog, or make beaded bracelets, etc), consider introducing your reason for addressing the key topic in a brief letter from the editor. This is also a good place to include an overview of particular news items relevant to your industry, address how they affects your business, and mention how this news will affect your clients.
2. News updates Have you introduced a new service or product lately? Has your business (or a particular employee) been recognized for outstanding service? Maybe you've expanded your office space or moved to a new location. Sharing newsworthy events will show that your business is constantly moving forward. Remember, it's your Ezine, so go ahead and brag a little!
3. How-to articles Informative, well-written articles that educate your readers are the meat and potatoes of any Ezine. Do you have knowledge to share that might help your readers solve a problem? Take your valuable know-how and outline steps for success in a how-to article. Here are a few examples of article themes according to various professions:
Realtor: How to Select a Qualified Realtor (for first-time homebuyers)
Office staffing company: How to Ace Your Next Interview
Lawn maintenance company: How to Get a Weed-Free Lawn
4. Tips Have you discovered a way to execute a task that saves time or money? Do you have information to share that will help others simplify or improve their lives? For example, a nutritionist might share healthy eating tips, or a financial advisor may have the inside scoop on how to maximize your IRA. Some other ideas might include:
10 Exercises You Can Do at Your Desk
Eat Right, Weigh Light
7 Fashions That Never Go Out of Style
5. Interviews Talk to other professionals about issues that concern your customers. Reassure your clients that you, too, look to others for advice. Interviews can be conducted in person, over the phone, or via email.
Now go for it! Sure, publishing an Ezine requires a bit of work. It's worth it, however, to let your clients know that you're willing to go the extra mile to keep in touch and share information that you've picked up along the way.
Good luck putting that first issue together---or continuing to make your previously-established Ezine the best it can possibly be!
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Resources | |||
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Espeak Chat with other Ezine publishers Enewsletterchat.com Article sources Looking for content for your Ezine? Check out this site for articles. Seishindo.org Marketing your Ezine A great site about marketing in general, DuctTape Marketing highlights top reasons to establish an Ezine for your business. ducttapemarketing.com |
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Feedback Central | |||
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If you've got suggestions or comments
about how to make this Ezine even better, I'd love to
hear from you. Are the articles useful? Have any of
these tips helped with your own writing? Send me an
email and let me know how I'm doing!
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About Cassie Hart | |||
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Eight years of professional writing experience have
enabled me to learn the finer points of writing efficient,
effective, and creative copy. Press releases, brochures,
newsletters, website content, press kits, and articles
are among the many types of marketing and
promotional communications I regularly generate for
clients.
To discuss potential projects not listed here (or to obtain more information about any of those mentioned above) feel free to send me an email. Contact me today for a fr*e estimate on your next writing project!
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voice: 309.454.1908
web: http://www.cassiehartwriter.com
