Does Your Business Really Need a Newsletter?
When it comes to online marketing, there’s one means of communication that rules them all. And it’s not even Google - it’s the newsletter! If you’ve ever wondered why brands are so willing to offer discounts just to have you on their mailing list, this is why: they really want you on their list. Subscribing to a newsletter is the ultimate form of trust - emails are personal and direct and pretty hard to ignore.
If you’re a business, should you really be building a mailing list? You already have thousands of followers on Instagram and a couple of your pins went viral… Do you really need to put all the extra effort into yet another marketing platform? Isn’t it better to produce content for those already listening, instead of trying to reach new people?
While I do recommend going to where your audience already is on social media, email marketing is different. Each social network comes with its own set of rules - just think of the highly-disputed Instagram algorithm! And unfortunately, those rules can sometimes feel like trying to decipher ancient runes. Not to mention they’re always changing! Remember when Facebook used to be the hip new network overtaking MySpace? And remember how there was no Instagram Reels just a few months ago, and now it’s all people are talking about? Yeah, keeping up with social media is challenging. Especially when you’re running a company as well.
Keeping up with email marketing, though? Quite easy. Newsletters haven’t changed that much, because they don’t need to. While social channels warm up your potential customers, newsletters seal the deal.
In order to create a successful newsletter that brings in sales, you only need three things:
1. An email marketing platform - MailChimp is an industry favorite. They offer a free account under 2000 contacts, and their paid plans start at $9.99/month. Alternatives include MailerLite, Moosend, ActiveCampaign and Omnisend, and picking one might depend on the purpose and size of your business.
2. Enticing copy - While using stock photos can save the look of your brand, there’s no way you can use “stock copy”. Work with a copywriter for the best possible results!
3.
On-brand design - If you’re already working with a designer, you have nothing to worry about! If , however, you need to DIY this part, Canva has great newsletter templates you can use for free. Make sure you include your brand logo and colors, to make your newsletter easily recognizable.
There’s a thin line between good advertising and really annoying one, so make sure you treat your contacts with respect. That means not adding them to your mailing list unless they asked to, keeping a consistent stream of emails, and offering useful, valuable content they won’t be getting elsewhere. Wanna see how I do it? Sign up below!
P.S. Do you still need a website in this day and age? Well… Here are my thoughts on the matter.