does anyone write newsletters?

[OrganicallyGrown]

Hi,

I would like to start a newsletter called 'Organic News' or something like that which is a monthly update full of organic news and a profile of a family or person going organic and how they do it, etc. It will be part of my marketing campaign for my home business but I don't want the focus to be on sales - more informative.

Does anyone write a newsletter? What can you recommend to a newbie? How do you get your subscription numbers up? (ofcourse good content would help).

And one final question. Is it ok to ask for writing submissions from mums on MDC?

cheers,
jenn

[mamadaan]

I am interested too

Hi,

I am interested too. Are you thinking of making an e-mail newsletter or a printed one? I am looking into making a 'natural family living' newsletter/magazine for the Netherlands and Flanders. I want it to be printed and for sale in shops selling breastfeeding clothes/baby carriers etc.

Can you tell me a bit more about what you want to do?

Rebecca

[OrganicallyGrown]

I want it to be an email newsletter sent out monthly.

It will include informative articles/news alerts regarding organics, a spotlight on a family or person 'going organic', a product spotlight from my business,....and that is what I have come up with so far.

I have come accross a company called 'Constant Contact' which provides templates and software for sending out the newsletters.

I plan to have a link to a sign up form on my blog and also advertising it in my signature on forums/discussions I frequent.

Tell me more about your newsletter ideas too. I would be interested in hearing what you are planning.

Best,
jenn

[TypingMarie]

I write an email newsletter for work and use Constant Contact. It's very easy to use, and the templates are great -- lots of variety. The newsletter I write is very "sales-y". All of the subscribers are mostly interested in the coupons included in the email, even though there is some very well written informational content.

Coupons and special offers are what have made our newsletter list grow. I know that you're planning to focus on information, but I have to say, people sure love coupons

[mamadaan]

My ideas

Hi,

By the way, I really like the set up of the Mothering e-mail newsletter.

I have an idea for a sponsored e-mail newsletter about breastfeeding. My idea was to have four items:
1) Something newsey (La Leche League have a new website, something interesting that has just been published in the scientific literature)
2) Tips around someting to do with breastfeeding (mastis, cluster feedings or something)
3) A description of a product, but with no brand (say a nursing bra)
4) An advert, maybe connected to the product.

I have also though of something different, but printed for distributing in midwives' and pediatrician's offices.

My big problem is that I am a bit tired of all of the products around breastfeeding and feel that women need good advice and support rather than encouragement to buy yet another pile of stuff.

My idea about a natural family living newsletter in Dutch is actually much more a magazine, but I do not reaally have the money to set it up as a full-color glossy.

[bluegreenturtle]

Well I don't do a newsletter, but I publish a magazine(print and digital). You are welcome to email(or PM) me and I will answer whatever questions you have. I would post some advice on here but it can get kind of in depth and longwinded Good luck!