I need ideas... Please :)

[angela0204]

Hello all,

I'm absolutely confused. I offer a newsletter that I send out once a month. I have a few subscribers but it doesn't seem like anyone is actually reading it. I sell various handmade items so it is kind of hard to focus on one type of product. For ex: someone that sells dog realated items would perhaps offer dog health info in their newsletter. I'm stuck. I have no clue what to discuss other than what new products I have, specials, etc. Should I put something like craft projects in my newsletter or am I going completely in the wrong direction.

Also, what type of content should I offer on my site? I know my targeted traffic is women (20's & up) but my customers come from all walks of life. Not sure if they would be interested in craft ideas or what.

Any help would greatly be appreciated.

Angela

[Lynn Terry]

[angela0204]

[Lynn Terry]

[Jeff Casmer]

Hi Angela,

How do you know who is reading your newsletter? You have each newsletter on a webpage which I couldnt find until I got to the "site-map". I would make it part of your table on front page on the left hand side and put "newsletter". You could also try this "read my newsletter and answer this question and I will send you a free 'whatever'." This is a way to get your readers to at least send you an email to see if anyone is reading it.......

Just my 2 cents....

Good luck!
Jeff Casmer

[kidino]

Angela,

How do you know they are not being read?

Anyhow, here're some suggestions.

First of all, don't just talk about your products. Talk about a something else that can really bring warmth to your subscribers. And then you weave those stories with your products. They say these three topics are really good ice-breaker (with your subscribers).

- babies
- pets
- women

In my case, I've shared with my subscribers photos of my little baby girl. And I get a lot of response when I do that. And you can also share photos from recent trips ... etc ...

And then, you can say something like "... do you know any cute babies? nephew, niece ... maybe you can find something nice at my store."

Try to appear like writing to a friend rather then from a store. It's easier for your subscribers to relate to you. And use short sentences. If it's long, break them a part with coma, dashes, etc ... it'll be easier on the eyes, and easier to understand.

And then, write more often. You said you write monthly. Try weekly ... I am serious! When you write more often, they'll remember you more. Maybe now they don't need anything from you, but when they do, your name will sure come to mind.

Alright ... these are the things that I do. And I have great success with these. You should try it ...

[Baggs]

Kidino is absolutely correct - connect with your audiance and then when they want to but, they will feel they already trust you.

[angela0204]

I'm sorry I haven't posted in a bit. Thank you all for your suggestions. I will give them a shot. You all asked how I know if someone is reading my newsletter or not. Well, when I publish my newsletter to my site I have a specific link that I follow. In my traffic stats it gives detailed information as to how many visits I've had to that specific link. I don't know exactly how many are reading, but I guess according to how many are signed up with my newsletter. Also, the last three winners of my contests didn't claim their prize.

Thank you all again for your help and I will try your suggestions.

Angela

[okcshoppers]