3 Things to Include in Your Email Newsletter
Crafting the perfect email newsletter can be an intimidating task.
While there are many variables you can and should include in your weekly or monthly email newsletter, I’ve compiled a list of 3 must-haves when it comes to things to include in your email newsletter.
Email newsletters are a great way to build trust, increase website traffic, stay in front of your customers and prospects, maintain ongoing connections, and position your brand as an expert.
1. A compelling subject line
Avoid spamy subject lines that don’t make cents.
Because trust me, they won’t make cash either. 😉
Words like “free,” and “buy” are also guaranteed to trigger email spam filters and algorithms.
The key is to a good subject line is to get straight to the point and be catchy while selling urgency, curiosity, and/or utilizing personalization.
Personalizing email subject lines can lead to higher open rates – as high as 50%. Studies also show that personalized promotional emails result in 29% higher open rates.
Not buying it? Try A/B testing your email subject lines using personalization.
If you need a second opinion when running you’re A/B test, feel free to email me at: KimYangCreative@gmail.com – I respond within 24 hours.
Lastly, remember email subject lines should be a “peak” into your email newsletter, not a novel in itself.
Keep them short and concise – 41 characters is the optimal length for a subject line.
Even then, some suggest scaling back more.
In fact, a study analyzing 1,000 emails from today’s top experts concluded that subject lines which on average do not exceed 16 characters have significantly higher open rates.
Why?
Simply put, because of an increased chance of deliverability and mystery creates curiosity.
As I like to say, curiosity fed the cat.
2. Educational or useful information
The easiest and most helpful way to add value is by sharing educational or useful content.
Your brand should not only be a thought-leader but also a go-to reliable source for industry expertise.
I would even go as far as saying, share another influential brand’s content. But, not always.
The majority of the content you share should be curated by your own brand but by forming alliances and sharing another brand’s useful content you’re saying, “Hey prospect, I have your best intention in mind. Whether you hear it from me or not, I want you to know the latest on xyz. If you have any questions on this topic feel free to reach out to me.”
Educational or useful information can be shared in the form of copy or infographics debunking an industry myth, sharing tips and tricks, job postings, your favorite books/podcasts, helpful courses/videos, case studies, white papers, and more.
This can be a great opportunity to share ungated content or ungated lead magnets.
The goal should be to educate and help your prospects and customers.
3. CTA or an offer
Or, the Gary V method, “Jab, Jab, Jab, Right Hook.”
But an offer doesn’t necessarily need to look salesy (save the salesy offers for the every-so-often emails).
An offer can be a CTA to move forward with free coffee or plugging your favorite non-profit.
An offer or CTA should be the desired action you want your end user to take.
Heck, it could be for them to read your newest blog post.
AKA increase traffic to your website.
I’m all for shamelessly plugging yourself as long as you are executing it in an authentic way with intentions to benefit others.
Summary
Email newsletters are a great way to create loyalty, build trust, increase website traffic, stay in front of your customers and prospects, maintain ongoing connections, and position your brand as an expert.
Whether you’re creating a monthly or weekly email newsletter to showcase your brand and stay in front of customers and prospects, you should always include a compelling subject line, educational information, and a CTA or an offer.