Before we talk about some ideas that will serve your audience, let’s get on the same page about the purpose of a newsletter. Why you’re writing, will naturally impact what you write.
To be clear, when I’m talking about email marketing – I’m talking about something different from your blog posts.
Why and how each category of content is different depends on your content marketing plan. For example, my newsletter is where I share personal stories about learning how to run a business – an online service business, like many of you.
The blog is where I share tutorials and tips to make blogging on WordPress easier.
The most important part of my content marketing plan is to differentiate the newsletter and provide exclusive content. It is the most important part of what I do – it is where my clients and I ‘meet’. And its a way for them to know and trust me – and I’m completely transparent.
Tone & Voice for your Newsletters
What does it look like when you are truly authentic? If you can answer that, you will have the tone and voice for your content.
Then decide the purpose for each type of content – above is how I differentiate the content types in a broad sense.
Newsletter ideas that will absolutely thrill your audience!
Use as many or as few of these as appeal to your audience. Be transparent, be authentic – be unique! There are four examples to give you a few ideas of how to use the topics: Flower shop, Lifestyle Blogger, Etsy Jewelry store, and consultant.
Example: Flower Shop
- Stories!
Best mother’s day present you ever received - News/newsworthy
Last day to order flowers for mother’s day - Opinion piece
Are flowers really the best present? - Current events
Will presidential race affect flower importing? - Media coverage
Inform your readers of newspaper articles/features - Events
Mother Daughter flower arranging! - Event photos/ review
Photos of flower arranging class & results - Event speech, slide deck, video, MP3
How to video on flower arrangements
Example: Lifestyle Blog
- Announcements: new event.
LIVE on IG – Ask me Anything! - Calendar of events/ upcoming start dates
Fun events on the blog this month just for subscribers. - Company goals / mission / values
My goal is to encourage and inspire you in your day to day lives with young kids. - Historical fact
It was this day that I lost my grandmother 2 years ago. - Featured Employee / staff profile
Sarah has been my assistant and photographer. Her favorite blog was … because… - Featured Customer
Meet my new sponsor. Story behind why they do business.
Etsy Shop – Jewelry
- New Product
Aren’t these darling? Mother/Daughter infinity symbols. - Product Review
Sally posted a video of her graduation photo shoot with her new bracelet! View that here! - Product Unboxing & delighted customer
We sent Jenny & Becky our most popular BFF necklaces – have a peak at their reactions! - Behind the scenes – creating the product/service
Another day at the shop! [Sneak Peak inside] - Behind the scenes – packing / shipping it with love
One of my favorite things – packaging these in our beautiful boxes and wrap! - Tutorial for Use – screencasting or video
It’s very easy to remove a few links to get the desired size. Have a look here. - A Tool to make using your product/service easier
We love these jewelry display cases from Sylvia’s Etsy Shop: here. - Industry Tip
Paint the stems of earrings with clear nailpolish to prevent allergic reactions! - Product Use case
Cleaning- company could use this idea to feature the reduction of allergic reactions in one of their clients. - FAQ
Return Policy
How to Size Online
Adding/Removing Length from bracelets
How to order ring size - Q & A
May’s birthstone! Have a look at these adaptations! - Top 10 – humorous or educational
Our most poignant customer requests – get the kleenex!
Example: Consultant
- Insider tips/ insider look
What I’m working on this week & how it helps you! - Expert Interview
We let expert photographer, Garry, into our class to get his feedback. Read his thoughts here. - Customer Interview
We interviewed Amy after she purchased to find out why she signed up for this class, and how it has helped her fledgling business. - Customer Testimonial
We love it when we get unsolicited thanks in the mailbox! Have a look at this sweet card from Daniel. - Survey / Poll
Complete the one-question form here. - Invitation
Join us for our annual graduation ceremony and rank the graduates latest shots. - Request a referral
If you loved this class as much as we loved teaching it, would you tell a friend by clicking here? - Special Giveaways & Discounts
If your friend joins with you in February – you both receive half off! - Freebies – gift cards, prints, etc
We love this shot from Tom so much that we created this sweet phone wallpaper for download! - Social initiatives / giving back
We love teaching photography and we donate our services in the local kids club to encourage an appreciation of the arts and nature. - Invite to participate in social initiatives
Join us this Friday at the Cultural Center as we invite the kids to share their shots! - Create a special online community/ club / slack / group
This year we’ve added an Insider club to the class. Every participant and graduate has access to this incredible resource.
Example: Building Online Software
- Go deeper – promote newer & more exciting offers when they’re ready
Version 2.0 is coming out next month! We can’t wait to give you a sneak peak into all the cool new features! - Seasonal photos of the work space
Ah spring!! We all had to get outside on the lawn last Friday for a little laptops & sunshine! - Regular photos of work in progress
It’s a lot louder in here than it looks with everyone’s heads down – the tapping of keyboards and constant background noise gets to be loud! - Manage change – lots of warning
With version 2.0 will come a change in pricing – but we thing you’ll like the changes coming. - Photos and updates from a company mascot or profile
Yes, we made Jim, the owner, get dolled up today! haha - Thank you’s & appreciation for clients
Congratulations to Lenora who’s been in business for 10 years now! Catch her interview on the blog today! - Window into company culture
Did you know that we do lunch dates? Each department ‘dates’ another department once a week! Here’s Tanya and Mark at the bagel shop across the street. - Humour, cartoons, light & personable
Gah! I tried to get a photo of Tanya & Mark but they were too quick! lol - Collaboration with other industries with similar markets – content from a fresh voice!
Today we have our payroll company being UN-boring! Bring it, guys!! - Promotions/ ads of complementary industries
If you ever need a task management & collaboration app, these are the guys! We use their app daily and love it! - Promote tools that you use
New! View the resources page on our blog – see all the things that we need to run our business. - Personal touch: you like balloons? Cats? Incorporate them!
Who loves cats?!?! Minions! It’s all about the Minions!
BONUS TIP: - Minions – cause everybody loves minions.
Conclusion
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Beginner Checklist
If you’re starting out, you’ll love our comprehensive 52 point checklist for your website! Read through once, and then work on items one at a time as it comes up!
Cathy Mitchell
Single Mom, Lifelong Learner, Jesus Follower, Founder and CEO at WPBarista.