Want to create an ezine but don't know where to start?
Or, do you
simply need help creating and broadcasting your current ezine?
Sending out regular ezines is a great way to keep in touch with
your clients and market your services.
Check out these FAQs about
creating and broadcasting ezines:
 Is
there an advantage to having a specific broadcasting system to send an ezine,
rather than sending directly from an e-mail program?
While there are many, one of the main
advantages of using specific e-mail broadcasting software is having an automated
process for people to sign up for your ezine. These systems usually allow you to
post a sign-up form to your website, enabling people to sign up for or
unsubscribe from your subscription list automatically - you don't have to
do a thing! This is especially important when your list of subscribers starts to
grow.
Broadcasting systems can also include
features like an automated double opt-in process, the ability to send timed
broadcasts/auto-responders and the ability to keep track of statistics (i.e.
e-mail bounces, link tracking, etc)
And given the
current ICANN (Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers) Spam
rulings, it's best to send your ezine out through a specific broadcasting system
rather than from an e-mail program. This keeps your ezine legal and up to
current regulations and also keeps your ISP (Internet Service Provider) on
friendly terms.
What is the difference between an HTML and a plain text ezine?
An HTML ezine is basically a mini-web
page that is sent via e-mail. With HTML, you can include color, different fonts
and various graphical elements. A plain text ezine is generally in simple Times
font, with 10 point text.
The main advantage of an HTML ezine
is it looks more attractive, and therefore is more likely to capture the
reader's attention. However, HTML ezines are larger, more complex e-mails,
making them more likely to get blocked by SPAM filters. Also, some ISPs or
E-mail programs have trouble reading HTML e-mails.
What does it mean to use a double opt-in process for an ezine
subscription?
The term 'Double Opt-in' refers to
the process of how someone subscribes to your list. When your ezine subscription
is set up to be double opt-in, it means the subscriber is taking two steps to
complete the subscription process.
The first step is usually filling in
their name and e-mail address in an online form - the second is replying to a
clicking a link in a e-mail to finalize the subscription.
This is basically a safeguard to
ensure that everyone on your list actually wants to be subscribed to your ezine.
This is very important - in order to prevent being accused of 'spamming,'
you need to ensure everyone on your list has agreed to receive your
ezine.
How do you prevent your ezine from getting blocked?
Some e-mail programs, filters or ISPs
will only allow e-mail to come from addresses that have been approved or
verified by the recipient. A simple way to help ensure your e-mail gets around
this is to list the 'sender e-mail address' with the sign-up
form.
For example, have a sentence that
says something to the effect of "this ezine will be sent from the address hello@howareyou.com - if your ISP uses
filters, please add this address to your safe list so you can receive my
e-mails."
E-mails can also be blocked based on
certain key phrases or words that are commonly used in SPAM. For example, the
phrase 'free trial' or 'special offer' may be flagged, causing an ezine to be
blocked. The best way to prevent this is the avoid using these trigger phrases.
E-Filtrate
is a great tool to check your ezines for SPAM phrases or words before they go
out.
What is the best way to write an ezine?
It is difficult to read large blocks
of text online. So, when writing for an online publication, it is best to use
short sentences and paragraphs. Break up the writing as much as possible into
bulleted lists.
Keep the format simple and
consistent. Using bold, italics, and varying font sizes and colors for emphasis
is fine, but don't get carried away - too much variety can be distracting to the
reader.
Also, be sure to keep the reader in
mind and, if appropriate, use a more casual or conversational
tone.
If you are new to the world of
ezines, here's how I can help:
- By creating an HTML ezine template
based on your current website design/company logo.
- By getting your ezine set up in the
e-mail broadcasting system of your choice.
- By creating a customized sign-up
page to include on your website.
- By training you on how to send an
HTML ezine with your broadcasting system.
If you are currently have an ezine
but need help sending it, I can also help on a long-term basis. Just send me the
content and I will:
- Insert it into your HTML template.
- Do a
quick edit for spelling/grammar errors.
- Format the text and add any links or graphics.
- Check
it for SPAM trigger phrases or words.
- Send a test message to ensure everything looks
good
- Broadcast it.
Prices
vary depending on what is required - please contact me for more
information.
Here are some samples of HTML ezines I have
created:
Living
With Intention, By Deanna Davis, www.appliedinsight.net
What's the Point,
By Eric G. Schneider, www.acupreneur.com
| "Kerri has been absolutely
phenomenal to work with. She is creative, responsive and thoroughly
professional in all aspects of her work. She saved me countless hours and
dollars in the launch and ongoing management of my ezine. I can't
recommend her highly enough. She?s top notch in her expertise and a joy to
work with."
Deanna Davis
www.appliedinsight.net
|
If you are interested in learning
more, please drop me a line at kerri.martin@shaw.ca.
All the best,
Kerri Martin
Ezinesnap.com
| 
Board of Advisors
