Five Reasons I’m Glad I Started a Newsletter

Last March I decided to do something out of sheer frustration. I started a newsletter.

You may remember I blogged about newsletters and additional reasons for starting my own, but the brief version is I grew tired of other mediums limiting (controlling) my visibility.

Consider Facebook, for instance. Of my followers, only a very small fraction of people actually see anything I post. That includes status updates, photos, blog posts, etc.

Because of Facebook’s curious algorithms, some days my views may be higher. Other days, there’s barely a handful of views.

Don’t misunderstand.

I still enjoy the daily interaction of Facebook. I have a lot of fun there. Sometimes, the conversation is a little more serious, but most days it’s fun and uplifting. Encouraging, even.

As you probably know, Facebook isn’t the only medium that limits our content. Twitter, LinkedIn, and many other social media venues do the same thing.

Though, with LinkedIn, if you use their site’s platform to publish a post rather than just posting your blog link to your feed, that garners more buzz. The key is your LinkedIn post should have fresh content and not just a “cut and paste” from a prior blog post. Or if you do repurpose your content, wait several months, add fresh material, and link back to your original blog post if you like.

Back to newsletters.

If you’re frustrated like I was and you’re feeling the burn with how your content is delivered on other mediums, consider a monthly/quarterly newsletter as a delightful, creative option.

Note: If you’re a writer trying to build a platform, I wouldn’t jump into this without first putting some thought into it.

Don’t make your newsletter solely about platform. NO. NO. NO.

Don’t make your subscribers feel like just a number. Offer something unique. Think of a way to craft engaging content without making folks feel marketed to. You may find Five Ways to Rock Your Monthly Newsletter helpful.

After sticking with my monthly newsletter for almost a year, I’ve learned some things.

Now do I think my newsletters are the greatest thing since sliced bread?

No, but they are definitely not as bland and they’re a lot less fattening. *grin*

In fact—subscribers tell me how much they look forward to my monthly dose of encouragement.

I have to say, I enjoy this medium even more than I hoped I would.

Like with anything new, there’s been a learning curve. And too, it’s  a creative challenge I probably wouldn’t have pursued if social media hadn’t reduced benefits.

Here are five reasons I’m glad I started a monthly newsletter.

 

• My newsletter is…mine. As with my bi-weekly blog posts, I’m in the driver’s seat. It’s my own medium. I produce the content. Because I have subscribers, I have more control over who sees my newsletter and when they see it. Even with a standard industry “open” rate being about 20%, my open rate is well above that so at least I know my newsletter is being “viewed” (aka getting read). In other words—I’m growing my platform and making an impact through what I love to do—write and encourage. (Notice I didn’t say market or sell. One day, when I have books to sell, naturally, that will shift a bit. However—my newsletter will never be “buy” motivated. Never. My spiritual gift is to encourage.)

 

• It has forced me to stay on task. I don’t just throw my newsletter together willy-nilly and press “send.” I work on it all month. I craft and create encouraging vignettes and content, and I organize it all in a clean, easy-to-read format. I also make it my readers’ safe place. My subscribers know when they open my newsletter, it’s all about the love. No Downer Dan content allowed!

 

• It has made me a better writer. Again, as with my blog, my skills have improved and grown. Writing a monthly newsletter is another creative option, as well as blogging. It’s taught me resilience, patience, and stamina. I’ve learned to edit better and write cleaner. I’ve made my newsletter reader-focused and value-based.

 

• I’ve made new friends. Writing is a solitary profession, and sometimes, a lonely one. It’s wonderful (and so important) to have like-minded folks—critique partners, fellow writers, readers, believers, and nice people—we connect with. There’s nothing like making someone’s day simply by extending a kindness or word of encouragement. I love getting e-mails from subscribers telling me my newsletter encouraged them! It makes all the effort worth it.

 

• I’ve learned what really matters. Writing is a daunting career path. In this crazy world of buy me, like me, kiss my grandma and my fluffy dog, Spot, it’s refreshing to just be me. I’m tired of the noise. I bet you are, too. My newsletters are the perfect vehicle to give you a taste of this down home gal from the Ozarks. I don’t want or expect anything from you. My newsletters are a ministry. They’re my gift to you.

 

 

If you’re still on the fence about starting your newsletter and you’d like to bounce around ideas, please feel free to contact me. I’m certainly no expert, but I’d be happy to listen and offer ideas.

Until next time, my friend~

 

***

PLEASE SHARE

Newsletter-envy? Five reasons to start your own newsletter.

(Click-to-tweet)

Don’t rely on other mediums. Five reasons I’m glad I didn’t.

(Click-to-tweet)

MORE ENCOURAGEMENT

Oh, Happy Day! You’re a Writer. (…and so are a million others.)

You’re unique. Press on!

Yes, I’m a Big Dreamer. Here’s Why.

Six characteristics big dreamers have in common.

Are you considering a newsletter?

What’s your favorite way to express yourself?

***

Much Love and Many Blessings,