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written by Wendy Maynard, Marketing Maven
Internet Marketing: Build Online Relationships with an Ezine
Are you publishing an ezine (electronic newsletter)? By creating an informative publication that is sent out on a regular basis, you stay in the awareness of your your customers and leads. It also reinforces your expertise.
Your ezine can provide your readers with helpful tips and advice. You can also give them updates about your company, as well as showcasing your latest projects. Your ezine can help drive repeat business to your website. It also reminds people you are still available the next time they need your fabulous services or products.
Over time, an ezine establishes trust with your readers. You begin to form a relationship, even if you’ve never met face to face. Be there for your readers if they have questions, need advice, or want support. E-mail or call them back promptly. Ultimately, your publication will lead to more word-of-mouth business and referrals.
To generate your mailing list, start by asking your current customers, friends, associates, and vendors if they would like to subscribe. Include a sign-up form on your website for print and/or electronic versions. For an example of a sign-up page, go to my ezine page at Go Marketing Maven/ezine.html. Ask new customers if they would like to receive your newsletter. Organize your contacts using some kind of database software. Make sure you keep your list up to date.
To collect the names of your ezine subscribers, you will have to pick out a system as a database and to send out information. I highly recommend Professional Cart Solutions as your management system for your subscriber info, ezine sign-up forms, autoresponders, shopping cart, affiliate program, ad tracking, and more. This is the best system if you marketing online. Professional Cart Solutions has a "starter" version for only $29/mo. They offer a FREE 30-day trial, so you can even just play around with the program for a bit and see how you like it!
The common protocol in today's spam-heavy Internet climate is to use an opt-in list in which a person has to agree to become a subscriber. I also recommend having a privacy statement on your website to reassure potential subscribers that you won't give away or sell their name to other entities. Be sure to include a method for people to unsubscribe if they no longer want to receive your ezine.
Some advice: Keep the majority of your publication focused on advice and resources. If it is too sales-oriented, people will be a LOT less interested in it. You will also lose some of your credibility and may be perceived as pushy. Make your ezine fun, interesting, creative, and informative. Try organizing each issue around a theme. Develop a mailing schedule and stick to it.
If you want to learn more about how to get started on your ezine, Alexandria (Ali) Brown, the “Ezine Queen,” is an expert in ezine publishing. She has a wonderful product to help you learn all about how to start one and to make it successful. Learn more about her manual at Boost Business With Your Ezine (even if you don’t purchase it, be sure to sign up for her ezine for tips).
ACTION ITEM: Today, start making plans to create an ezine. If you already have one, is it being sent regularly? Does it need a facelift? Is the content interesting? Are you receiving positive feedback? Make sure your publication is creative and that it’s working effectively. If you want to read more about how to build your list, read my article on Six Tips to Build Your List.(c) 2006 Wendy Gray Maynard
ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Wendy Maynard, the Marketing Maven, publishes Maven Marketing Strategies, a weekly marketing strategy ezine for business owners, freelancers, and entrepreneurs. If you're ready to skyrocket your sales, easily attract customers, and have more fun, get your FREE TIPS now at www.gomarketingmaven.com/ezine_3.html
NOTE: You're welcome to "reprint" this article online as long as it remains unaltered (including the about the author info at the end), and you send a courtesy email to:
