No one can deny the fact that email newsletters have become a significant tool for companies. They connect both big and small businesses with their customers and prospects.
Beyond this, the financial benefits cannot be ignored. As per Statista, email marketing revenue is estimated to reach almost 11 billion by the end of 2023.
Imagine you own a travel agency. An email marketing strategy with a well-made newsletter can help you stay close to your target audience. You can share personalized itineraries and different places to visit with your subscribers. It can even guide your email subscribers to your website and make your business shine even brighter.
But how do you create an email newsletter that people can't wait to open and bring you great stuff, too?
Well, you're in for a treat because this blog is here to walk you through 9 simple steps to create a newsletter template that totally rocks!
9 Simple Steps To Make An Awesome Newsletter
There's no doubt that email marketing can help businesses grow. About 81% of small businesses still rely on email as their primary customer acquisition channel, and 80% for retention. While social media platforms are also important, there’s no competition with email marketing.
Here are 9 essential steps you need to make your overall marketing strategy a win!
1. Define Your Goals, Audience, And Marketing Strategy
Before diving into design, it's crucial to establish clear goals for your newsletter. Why do you want to start email marketing campaigns? Do you aim to increase website traffic, promote products, or educate your audience?
Understanding your target audience's needs and preferences is equally important. Once you have these insights, align your marketing strategy to ensure your newsletter addresses your audience's pain points and aligns with your business goals.
2. Choose An Email Service Provider
Selecting an email marketing software is like picking a trustworthy ally for your email marketing strategy. An email marketing tool is the sturdy foundation for your campaign's success.
However, not all email providers offer similar or extraordinary features. It's essential to seek out a reliable email marketing tool that brings a variety of user-friendly templates, helps you manage your subscriber list, and offers the power to track the journey of your emails.
Well-known email providers like Mailchimp, Constant Contact, and ConvertKit stand ready to join your team, providing the tools you need to craft engaging newsletters that resonate with your audience.
Go through our hand-picked list of best email marketing tools to pick the best one for your business!
3. Finalize An Email Template
Nailing down your newsletter templates is like giving your newsletter a signature look that everyone will recognize. Think of it as your brand's fashion statement! When you're choosing a pre made template, go for one that vibes with your brand's unique style and personality. It's like picking an outfit that represents you perfectly.
And remember, in today's mobile friendly world, your template needs to be tech-savvy too. Make sure it's compatible for mobile devices – just like that friend who's always ready for a chat on your phone. Because a lot of folks read emails on their smartphones -- as many as 1.7 billion people.
Source: Emailmonday
4. Write The Content And Customize The Design
Now it's time to fill your newsletter with awesome things. Share things that evoke those "Wow!" reactions—stories, insights, and tips that captivate readers.
Think of some interesting educational content that encourages readers to enjoy reading.
Don't forget to sprinkle in some visual delight with pictures and videos. After all, your marketing campaign is not just about words! And when it comes to design, you can use a drag and drop editor. Strike that perfect balance— create a newsletter that's neither too cluttered nor too sparse.
Take your newsletter as a cozy room where everything has its place. This way, you'll create an engaging and visually pleasing experience that keeps your readers eagerly anticipating each issue.
5. Decide On The Subject Line
Curate subject lines that entice users to click on your emails. An engaging subject line, similar to an eye-catching book cover, can do wonders for your email campaigns.
Source: Grammarly
Think of your email subject line as a sneak peek that piques curiosity and invites readers in. Just as a book cover entices you to read, your subject line should captivate, promising an enjoyable journey through your curated content.
6. Add Alt Text And Plain Text
Don't forget the little details that make your email newsletters accessible to everyone. Alt text is like a friendly tour guide for images, describing their newsletter content in case they can't be displayed. It ensures that even if the visuals don't show up, your message still shines through.
And just like offering a helping hand, consider adding a plain text version of your email newsletters. This thoughtful touch caters to newsletter subscribers who prefer to savor your content in a simple text format, ensuring that everyone gets to enjoy what you have to say.
Quality over quantity – Emails may be cost efficient but it’s no excuse to not produce quality content to give to a targeted audience.
Benjamin Murray
7. Review For All Legal Compliances
Ensure your newsletter complies with data protection laws like GDPR or CAN-SPAM Act. Include an unsubscribe button, your physical address, and a clear privacy policy. And don't forget to add your business address!
Did you know that 73% of email users use the “unsubscribe” link to stop unwanted emails?
That's a huge number! Therefore, it's vital to check that everything's fair and square. Ensure people can say "No, thank you" if they don't want your emails anymore.
At the end, your newsletter campaign is to inform, engage, and encourage readers, not to annoy them.
8. Test And Deliver Your Newsletter
Before hitting send, conduct thorough testing. When you create a newsletter, check the email's appearance on different devices and newsletter audiences.
Test all links and CTAs to ensure they work seamlessly. Once you're satisfied, schedule or send your newsletter.
9. Analyze And Assess Your Efforts
After sending out your newsletter, track its performance. Most email marketing platforms provide analytics on open rates, click-through rates, sign ups, and engagement.
Use this data to gauge the effectiveness of your email marketing strategy and make adjustments accordingly. You'll know if lots of people opened it or clicked on things. This helps you know what people like and what you can do even better next time.
Why should I make a newsletter for my business?
A newsletter is like a special note that you send to friends. It helps you stay close to people who like what you do. When you create a newsletter, you can tell your email clients about new things, show them interesting stuff, and even bring them to your online home (your website). It's a way to make your business shine!
What's the best way to send a newsletter?
Special tools (like Mailchimp, Constant Contact, and ConvertKit) help you send your newsletters. They help you track who gets your emails and how they like them. Check them out and see which one fits your needs best!
Final Words
Designing a newsletter is like crafting a heartfelt letter to a friend – it's personal, thoughtful, and leaves a lasting impression.
Following these nine steps will not only help you create a newsletter that people eagerly open but also one that builds a genuine connection between your brand and your readers.
Remember, a successful email marketing strategy is all about delivering value, sparking interest, and leaving your audience excited for the next issue.
