Starting a Newsletter

Originally Posted by Newbie Is there any particular software anyone would recommend for creating a newsletter?

Have you looked into Microsoft Publisher?

Originally Posted by RainMaker bald dog: I clicked your link, but will not take the time to read such a lengthy page (sorry). I'll take a look at your product if you put up a link that gives me a concise nutshell: benefits (features) and cost. I have a slogan that is so important to me that I put it right on my business cards: "No Bull, Just Results." (I'm not implying you are full of bull, but am merely stating that I am a straight to point kind of person, so you'll need to put into that type of a format for me).

That's only fair, Rainmaker.

So, here is the deal. For a flat $50 a month you get a comprehensive tool, including

• Server-based, so you can reach it from anywhere, giving you flexibility
• A content manegement system
• An email marketing module with sequential autoresponders and broadcast features. Emails are automatically go out both in HTML and text form, so everyone can receive it.
• Unlimited databases (PHP and MySQL-based)
• Link exchange programme
• Stats
• FTP
• Multiple templates
• Form generator

The system is being developed continuously and the updates are free.

Also, here is a video from the company that created the programme.
http://www.cms-content-management.com

Originally Posted by Newbie Is there any particular software anyone would recommend for creating a newsletter?

I use 1shoppingcart for broadcasting my newsletter. It's the only system I have used so I have nothing to compare it to........but from my experience so far, it is simple to use and provides good stats.

There are different levels you can enter with the package, but if all you need is broadcasting and autoresponder functionality (which is what I use) the cost is $29/month.

Hope this helps.

Stephen

Wobbly,

I send a Real Estate Marketing newsletter every month. I don't think people want to read a really long newsletter. So, I include the summary of an issue or topic and then links to information on my site or to other sites that have additional information. That way, my subscribers get an overvew of a few topics every month, and if they're interested and have time, they have a place to go to get more information.


I found the easiest way to get the newsletter done without making it a full-time job is to keep my eyes open throughout the month. I keep a running list of topics and resources, and then its much easier to put the newsletter together.

Newbie, there are lots of vendors who do nothing but e-mail newsletters. You might want to check out Constant Contact, Intellicontact, Vertical Response. They vary in the level of pre-designed templates, etc. but in general they're pretty easy to use. And, if that is the only tool you need, they are relatively inexpensive. Most of them have free trials, so you could try a couple out.

Hope this helps,

Kathleen

Great information everyone. Thank You!

Lots of good things on your website bald dog, but the one title that people in the marketing biz is "Captain Obvious" as well as Tooters of their own horn. So much to read creates a venue for those who are looking to move on because it is too much work. Just my opinion.

Fair comment, Ed.

Originally Posted by Ed Callais So much to read creates a venue for those who are looking to move on because it is too much work.

That's correct. Most people are seeking stuff that is quick, easy, popular, conventional, comfortable, convenient and cheap, and requires no work. Most people want to be spoonfed.



But what I've also found that smart buyers want to know as much as possible before making buying decisions and they don't mind reading.



The other reason for the long copy is that I don't want to be contacted for "more information". I put the "more information" out there, and smart buyers read whatever they want to read. If I'm about to pay $50,000 plus to a consultant, I'm willing to read a few hundred pages to aid my decision.



Also, if you give me a 500-page book on the top ten parenting mistakes fathers of teenage girls make, and I am the father of a teenage girl, I will read every single page back and forth several times.



All in all, if my message matches the problem of the readers, they will read it.



Worth recounting is the story of Max Hart (of Hart, Schaffner, & Marx) and his advertising manager, the late George L. Dyer. They were arguing about the validity of the long copy. To clinch the argument, Mr. Dyer said, “I’ll bet you $10 I can write a newspaper page of solid type and you’ll read every word of it.” Mr. Hart scoffed at the idea, “I don’t have to write a line of it to prove my point,” Mr. Dyer responded. “I’ll only tell you the headline. That would be… ‘This page is all about Max Hart!’”



Thoughts?



Cheers



Tom

Originally Posted by Bald Dog “I’ll only tell you the headline. That would be… ‘This page is all about Max Hart!’”

Good point and great example.

Interesting perspective, BD. Have you taken my website effectiveness poll?

Website Effectiveness poll
Everyone seems to have differing opinions on website content. I love to hear details from people who have found what clicks for their niche. I am still experimenting, myself.

Good counterpoint. I guess I would want them to contact me, but that is me.