CONTENT COMMANDO! by Marie Johnstone
CHOOSE YOUR WEAPON. Your ezine needs to focus on one
main theme - whatever your reason for publishing.
If you have a website, you definitely need an ezine, or
at the bare minimum a "keep me updated" list, to
complement it. Otherwise, ezines can be based on your
hobby or specialist area of knowledge.
AIM FOR PROMOTION. If, for example, you're an ace
accountant, creative cook, or daring diver, why not use
your expertise? You'll make it hard on yourself if you
attempt to write on subjects that you know little or
nothing about. But if you stick to what you know,
you'll instantly double your chances of success.
THE DRILL:
1) TIPS. Short tips make easy writing. They can be
presented as a bulleted list in every issue or dotted
here and there between lengthy sections to vary the
pace and give your readers a breather. Many of your
subscribers will be happy to send in their own tips in
return for a little exposure.
2) ASK THE EXPERT. This type of feature normally
attracts a lot of interest and is an easy way to build
up your content in a fresh, original manner. You'll be
doing your members a favour *and* showing off your
knowledge.
3) COMPETITIONS. Free and regular competitions help to
attract new subscribers - and keep your regulars happy.
You'll get more entrants if you make the task fairly
easy and if you give away a good prize. Types of
competitions can include: answers to questions,
solutions to puzzles, the top tip, the best letter or
article, and the first to send you an email. Prizes
don't have to be expensive. Give away your ebook, a
free ad in your ezine, your product or service, a
money-off voucher, or free entrance to a pay-to-join
site or club.
4) FREEBIES. Another attractive feature, but only if
the freebies are any good. Don't be tempted to give
away rubbish. It will taint your reputation.
5) FEEDBACK. Invite suggestions and comments from your
subscribers. If you want your ezine to be a roaring
success, you'd better listen to your members. Your
publication is for them - not you! Flattering letters
can be printed in your ezine or even used as
testimonials. Don't get hung up over valid criticisms -
act on them and learn from your mistakes.
6) EDITORIALS. Give your ezine the human touch and let
your readers get to know you. If your subscribers like
you they're more likely to buy from you, will happily
recommend your ezine to others, and will answer your
calls for feedback.
Writing an editorial may seem daunting at first, but
it's really a breeze when you know how. Typical content
includes:
¤ A run-down of the best bits in your ezine.
¤ Comments on interesting emails you've received.
¤ Local, national or worldwide news and gossip.
¤ Seminars or courses you've recently attended.
¤ Updates on your website, products, or services.
7) INTERVIEWS. Interviews make pretty easy work. Just
write a list of questions that you'd like to ask - and
that your subscribers would like to read about. Send
this by email to well-respected online authorities who
work in your field. You'll get a good response so long
as you're polite, professional, and generous.
8) ARTICLES. You don't have to publish an article (I've
given you plenty of ideas for filling your ezine), but,
so long as they're well-written, they'll always be in
demand. Ezine articles are best kept brief, with short
paragraphs, plenty of white space, and bulleted lists.
You don't have to write your own articles, but bear in
mind that your subscribers will get ticked off if you
always publish articles that have done the rounds a
million times before.
9) REVIEWS. Write up short reviews of products or
services suited to your ezine. Give your honest opinion
- always. Never lie to your valued members just to make
a quick buck with an affiliate scheme. You'll lose
credibility *and* subscribers.
10) CLASSIFIED ADS. Don't be tempted to fill your ezine
with too many ads - you'll get a lot of unsubscribe
requests if you do. Stick to up to ten ads per issue
and try to keep them relevant to your readers. Either
swap ads with other ezines for free exposure, or sell
ads when your list has reached about 1000 members.
Good content will make or break your ezine. Be
inventive, informative, and be willing to improve by
listening to what your subscribers want. Your ezine
will be a guaranteed success - as long as you mix
business with pleasure!
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Products Online! One Ordinary Checkout Girl Reveals her
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Join free ezine: writetosell@getresponse.com
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