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Top 3 Ways to Personalize a Newsletter

sample of newsletter personalized
A newsletter’s greeting is one place to personalize. Instead of the default Hello, drop in the person’s name.

Back when I was a newspaper editor, an outside party performed a full review of our publication. One of the reviewer’s comments referred to writing style. She recommended writing articles in an understandable, personal way. Essentially, it’s like writing to Mom – nothing complex or flashy. Instead of trying to impress every reader out there, just focus on getting the message across to one special reader, like your mom. Good advice! The same recommendation goes for newsletters. Newsletter editors have numerous ways to personalize their message. Here are my Top 3 ways to personalize a newsletter.

1. Personalize the Greeting

One personalization opportunity is the newsletter’s greeting. Instead of using generic terms like Hello, Greetings, or To Whom it May Concern (super impersonal!), personalize the salutation instead. Email programs like the one I use, Constant Contact, allow me to drop in the name of the recipient in the greeting. I know that people read this salutation, because once I sent a newsletter with Hello Bill on every single salutation. Oops! Thankfully, people let us know, and I corrected it for the next issue.

2. Personalize the ‘From’ Field

Another personalization strategy involves the “From” field that newsletter recipients see in the inbox. Which email are you more likely to open? One from a familiar, recognizable name of someone you know or one from a corporation or organization? Therefore, send the newsletter from an individual’s email, not a corporation or organization, and you’ll get more opens. Additionally, your email is more likely to get past filters. Email services like Gmail will filter emails into “Social” and “Promotional” boxes. That’s not where you want your email to land, because it’s much less likely to be opened and read.

3. Personalize the Content

Finally, personalize the content inside a newsletter. Include a short note from an organization representative like the owner, president, or trusted employee. The Packerland Websites’ newsletter includes a photo of owner Bill Koehne in every issue. The photo and accompanying note tell about his hobbies or recent travels. These tidbits remind clients they’re working with a real person. The message is this: We want you to get to know us, and we want to get to know you. Developing personal relationships is a key to business success…and it’s what makes life meaningful.

Turn Newsletters into Engagement Machines

newsletter personalize

Implementing personalization into a newsletter will help turn the newsletter into an engagement machine. In reality, a newsletter is a valuable communications tool. It’s an effective way to get information out and engagement in. Personalizing a newsletter takes that engagement to the next level.

Contact the Wonder Writer

Although my life as a newspaper editor is behind me, I’m still writing and publishing as much as ever. Currently, I’m editing five newsletters. Each implements various personalization techniques to improve opens and encourage readership. For help with your newsletter campaign, contact the Wonder Writer at Writer to the Rescue.

Bonus Tip: How to increase opens on your newsletter with a killer subject line.

5 E-newsletter Marketing Tips to Grow Your Business

E-newsletter
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Is an E-newsletter or Direct Mail newsletter right for your business? Before you create a newsletter marketing campaign, here are five things to nail down.

Identify Your Target Reader

First, identify your target reader. Get a good picture in your mind of who you want to reach and how. Is your target audience likely to open an email and read a digital E-newsletter? Maybe your audience is more likely to read a Direct Mail print newsletter they can hold in their hands, rather than an E-newsletter.

Set E-Newsletter Goals

Second, think about your goals for an E-newsletter or print newsletter. Once you identify your goals for a newsletter, it’s easier to choose content. So, what results are you looking for?

Potential Newsletter Goals:

  • Send customers to your website to place orders
  • Bring consumers to your store or event
  • Tell the story of your brand’s products and services
  • Offer discounts or announce sales
  • Generates leads
  • Recruit the right people for your team

Tell Your Story with Images

Wonder Writer action figure

Third, you’ll need some great photos to tell your story at a glance. Casual or professional – you choose the images that fit your audience. Show off your team’s personality with photos of your staff. Use action photos to generate interest in your products and services.

Keep E-Newsletter Text Short & Sweet

Fourth, you’ll need words, because text is the meat of your newsletter. Short and sweet is the way to go. Write a summary paragraph about each topic. Add a click-through link to a longer article on your blog or website. Choose a click-bait subject line to entice more readers. To pick the best newsletter ideas, read through your recent social media posts, blogs, or company communications.

Newsletter Topic Ideas:

Strong Headlines in Packerland Websites newsletter
  • Showcase a new product or service
  • Explain how a product works
  • Highlight a member of your staff
  • Share a How-to Guide, Recipe, Alert, Recommendation
  • Publish a Calendar of Events & invite guests to attend
  • Communicate your company culture & vision

Design Like a Rock Star

Fifth, create an attractive newsletter design that’s mobile responsive and easy to read, scan, and click. Match the design with your brand by adding your company logo, colors, and motto. Even better, create a newsletter that mimics your website.

Contact Writer to the Rescue

Need an experienced newsletter editor to pull this all together? Writer to the Rescue offers the one-two punch of professional writing and marketing services. The Wonder Writer excels at using traditional and digital marketing tools to grow your small business. Expand your client base with an E-newsletter or print newsletter. Contact Writer to the Rescue today.