July 14, 2008

Reconnecting to Your Ezine List

Ever let a few missed issues turn into months of no contact to your newsletter list?

And then the next thing you know, you’re feeling embarrassed about writing. And the time just keeps going by??

I’ve been there.

Before you can expect your readership to purchase from you, they’ll need to feel connected with you.

No one likes to receive email with only offers and promotion.

People sign up for your ezine because they want to hear from you.

They want to relate with you, learn from you and be supported by you.

Getting in touch and staying in touch is the first step to reactivating your list.

However, here is one thing you should NEVER do when you’ve missed a few issues:

Never start off with an apology.

“Hi, Sorry I haven’t written in awhile…”

UGH. Who wants to open an email and feel that kind of low-energy?

It’s the equivalent of meeting someone at a party and they start off telling you what’s wrong with their life. Bummer.

Instead of apologizing, share something new and good in your life. Anything! Even if it’s the weather in your hometown or something you enjoyed in the past week relevant to your ezine’s theme.

This is the equivalent of meeting someone fun and cool at a party. It’s a pleasure to be around them.

What’s the antidote for being out of touch with your list?

Like any relationship, just start connecting.

And, like any relationship that’s been a little “cool” – start slowly and give a lot of value.

Then figure out a way to keep in touch twice per month that works for you.

Here are a few examples for getting back in touch with your list that you can borrow or adapt to your modality…

Nutrition Pro

- It’s hot and sticky in New York so I thought to share my favorite breakfast smoothie. It’s cooling, naturally low-fat and takes 2-minutes flat! Then share the recipe in your “tip section”. End with your contact info and an invitation.

Relationship Coach

- I just watched last Wednesday’s Oprah episode about two women who can’t find love no matter what they do. Get my take on why these women keep making the same mistakes with men. And then add your 2 cents as if you were invited to comment on the Oprah show. You could even have fun with it and make it look like a magazine interview between you and Oprah. End with your contact info and an invitation.

Herbalist

- It’s hot and humid here in Southern Vermont and I thought to share my favorite DIY herbal elixir for staying cool all summer for less than $5. Then share how to purchase mint, plant it and watch it grow wild and how to make homemade iced mint tea that tastes better than any store bought version. End with your contact info and an invitation.

See what I mean? Make it short and sweet.

Start adding value to your reader’s life and they’ll love you for it.

And that’s the first step to getting them to consider working with you.

To your success,

Karin

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Filed under Blog, Email Marketing, Materials that Work by Karin