Virtual Assistant Forums | Work from Home

White Rose · #1 (**permalink**) 10-28-2009

Howdy,

I have noticed that when I sign up for e-newsletters with other businesses, I would get constant newsletters. Almost daily or few times a week. Needless to say, it can be too much thus become annoying. I lost interest and unsubscribed with them. I have spoke with few others and they felt the same.

I know should I start contributing email newsletters to my subscribers, I would limit it once every other week or once a month.

I would love to hear your input on this issue.

StephanieP · #2 (**permalink**) 10-28-2009

I just unsuscribed to a couple myself this morning because what I thought were newsletters became almost constant sales pitches with very little informational value to me. There are a couple that I decided to keep getting because the newsletters were worth it to me. But, for the most part, I don't like anything that pitches more than offering good tips, advice, or information. To me anything that starts with "this is important" immediately followed by "let me show you how" isn't of any value unless it provides something I can use right now without having to sign up with any kind of paid service or seminar to get to the "valuable" stuff (if that makes sense).

I think there's a way that you can offer both (FREE valuable information with an offer to learn more - the sales pitch) in one email or newsletter. But I think the trick is to try to make the sales pitch seem like more of an afterthought. If I'm getting a good amount of valuable information from you on a weekly basis and I like you enough (the way you write, how your personality comes through, the originality or ease of the tips and information), as soon as I can afford it I will probably search out the "more for a fee" on my own because I want to soak up everything you have to offer (again, I hope that makes sense...lol).

A "Sales Letter" does not a good "newsletter" make...IMO

leedrozak · #3 (**permalink**) 10-28-2009

Brenda,

Instead of a newsletter I send out a monthly tip sheet and quarterly - hottest and mostly free software and programs. This seems to work well with my list since my open rate is extremely high. I chose this because I have enough issues getting articles for my blog let alone a newsletter.

White Rose · #4 (**permalink**) 10-28-2009

I agree with you Stephaine. What I get so constantly are sale pitch with very little valuable information if any. A lot of times they sound like a desperated and pushy car dealers!

I prefer to stay with those who are motivated to help us by giving us valuable information with an option to purchase something from them when I'm ready.

Lee, what you do is a great idea. I like that.

StephanieP · #5 (**permalink**) 10-28-2009

Oh, I think I got a bit off topic...

As far as frequency goes, I think that it would be a good idea to set a schedule (1 week, bi-weekly, monthly...whatever) and stick to it with maybe a couple of extra ones thrown in here, but only if they have a purpose (a holiday special or a special report that is time sensitive...that sort of thing). I also think it might be a good idea to let your subscribers know when they can expect to receive your newsletter: 1) it makes you accountable for creating it and sending it out on time, 2) If you're providing really good content and/or are a fun read, they may come to anticipate it showing up in their in-box and 3) When/if you do send out an unscheduled newsletter it may be a nice surprise for them (see #3) and they'll know that there's something "special" about it since you're usually so predictable. (Just my 2 cents

)

AdvantageAdministrativeSltns · #6 (**permalink**) 10-30-2009

Consistency and information is everything. You may have time now to send out a newsletter weekly or even monthly, but will you when you really get busy. This is something to keep in mind. I think once a month is just right, and I agree that if you are consistant they will come to expect it from you and if you have a special running and send them an announcement they will be surprised and they make sure to look it over because it is unscheduled.

I don't like when I sign up for a newsletter thinking that I am going to get tips from them and it is the same newsletter every week and it includes their sales pitch.

My newsletter has an article that I write about marketing tips and then a focus area of what my business can offer (one maybe two small paragraphs on how I can help them) the focus has to do with the marketing tips. I also have a section that tells them what is new with me (postings on Linkedin, Facebook, specials etc). I also have a quote of the month.

When we are not busy with our business yet, we have a tendancy to sign up for everything and find out quickly that we do not have the time to keep up with it. I know that when this happened to me, I only kept the monthly newsletters that offered great information. I don't have time for the daily or weekly updates or their sales pitches.

Lia-VSS · #7 (**permalink**) 10-30-2009

I do agree with most people on here, once a month is right for sending e-newsletters - and I like the facts about sending ones with free tips or programs you can download for for free!

my suggestions would be:-
* How YOUR business can help with potential client's businesses - i.e. social networking, tips on accounts/book-keeping, etc... you can also include audio, article links, etc...
* the hottest FREE program/website - this could be anything from PDF creator to creating invoices online - and saying that you can assist them if they have problems or they would like you to do it

* Latest company news [if you have any!!]
* then just a small blurb about the company...

HIH...

Julia

hdmrobinson · #8 (**permalink**) 10-31-2009

This is so timely. I am just now going through my email and unsubscribing from a bunch of lists that send me sales pitches more than once a week.

OnTask · #9 (**permalink**) 10-31-2009

This is the most annoying thing ever. Some people get so carried away. We read that this method is one of the most effective so we just go overboard. Think about it. If you were your client or subscriber and your inbox was constantly being hit by this one company that you are interested...get my drift. Let's put a limit to once a month. That is tasteful. They may even stop to read it. LOL!

NZVAs · #10 (**permalink**) 11-02-2009

I completely agree! I signed up for a few newsletters online, you know browsing and thinking "wow that website is so informative!" only to now look at the tons of emails I get sent and wondering "how on earth did I end up subscribing to that?". What's worse is that the emails get less and less informative and become one liners and a link. eTurnOff - if there is such a thing. I do enjoy the good ones though, and those that make an effort to send out useful information. Tammi Metzler, interviewed this month, has a great newsletter I would definitely encourage subscribing to. Her newsletter is a good example of what 'content for your customers' really is.

Tammi Metzler