Write an Ezine? But I Dont Know HOW!

If you've been promoting your business on the internet you've probably heard how important it is to have a list. And that it's also important to publish an ezine.

So are you publishing and ezine? If not, why? Is it because you are too nervous or lack confidence?

I can understand how you feel. I've been there, even though I'm a journalist and published my own niche, non-profit newsletter for a year.

But when I started a home business and realized I needed to write about internet marketing - a subject I was still unfamiliar with - I froze up.

I simply could not think of anything to write about. I felt like I just did not have the experience and the knowledge I needed, because I was still learning.

I started my ezine only when things were really starting to take off and I had learned a good deal of what really worked for me in my business.

In retrospect, I don't think I'd have done it any differently, but I did learn a few things from my own experience that might make it less painful to start your new ezine.

1. Start With a Script

Writing the first few issues of your ezine is like starting a conversation with a new date.

You're nervous... you want to make a good impression. Most people will use a few tried and tested formulas to break the ice.

Similarly, when you want to start sending out your ezine, there are a lot of resources out there - tested formulas that experts have used with their own subscribers.

It could be a sales letter, an article, a tip, a template or anything else that you think could get you started with that first issue.

As on a first date, the conversation might be a bit awkward, your sentences may sound stilted. It could be a disaster as far as you're concerned. So what!

The first few articles I ever wrote make me cringe when I read them today. But I know I needed to write them to start building my own confidence.

Disastrous first dates leave much the same impression on people. But the similarity to dating ends there.

Because in writing an ezine you DO get a second (and third, and fourth...) chance to make an impression.

Your date may never call back, but with your subscribers, you can try again and again till you get it right.

If you do make a mistake (like sending out multiple copies by mistake), admit your mistake and apologize. You'll find that subscribers, unlike dates, can be quite forgiving.

When new network marketers approach a new prospect, they are always advised to use a script the first few times.

As they gain confidence, the words begin to flow more naturally and they are able to discard the scripts and become better at selling.

It takes time, and more importantly, practice, to get it right. But if you never start, how will you ever find out if you can do it?

2. Write Like You Speak

As you gain confidence in your ability to write and publish an ezine, you'll begin to get more comfortable with the process of publishing.

Now you might want to start writing your own editorials or tips, to make your ezine more personal and share your expertise in your subject.

To do this, imagine you're sitting in front of an old friend (or that your subscribers are your friends) and that you're bringing them up-to-date with what's been happening in your life.

If you had an experience, good or bad, while promoting your business, that taught you something new, share it with them in the most conversational tone.

Avoid rambling on interminably and leave out boring details that aren't crucial to what you learnt.

And always go back, read what you've written and edit it before you send it out to your list.

3. Keep Learning

There's no bigger turn off than an editor who knows less than her subscribers. So if you plan to write on a certain topic, make sure you do your homework.

If you're writing about eBook publishing, subscribe to all the ezines and article lists on that subject and read them to find out what's happening in that field. Then share the news with your readers.

You could also take some initiative and conduct a survey or two, find out something new about your field and write your own original articles or reports.

4. Speak Your Mind

Once you have established a publishing schedule and have developed a comfortable rapport with your subscribers, don't be afraid to share your opinion on new developments in your field.

If you have a strong opinion on something, its alright to say so. People feel more comfortable when they know where you're coming from, even if they don't always agree.

So what are you waiting for? Send out that first issue and take your business to a whole new level.

Make a date with your list now.

Get more tips, tools and resources on ezine publishing

Copyright © 2003 Priya Shah

_____________________________________________

Priya Shah is the editor of the newsletters Be a Whiz at eBiz! and The Glutathione Report. She shows you how to truly build multiple sources of income online with the Brilliant Team Home Business Opportunity
_____________________________________________

---

PARLOT.COM: Turnkey Money Making websites

E-zine Promotion: 10 Smart Reasons To Charge A Fee For Your E-zine

You publish an e-zine, you may consider to start charging... Read More

Ebook Rebranding - The New Ebook Marketing Power?

Well, it is definitely yes!In the early day of internet... Read More

Create An Immortal Ezine: Evergreen Newsletters

This article is particularly for those people who want to... Read More

Why I Started My Ezine

Why I started this E- ZineSit back, and travel with... Read More

10 Valuable Tips For Ezine Publishers

1. Write your own articles.Your articles will give you an... Read More

Email Newsletter Format: HTML or Text

An email newsletter is probably the most effective way to... Read More

The Quick Ways To Increase Your E-zines Subscriber Base

1. Give Incentives Give people an incentive to subscribe to... Read More

5 Keys To A Successful Ezine

There are 5 basic keys you need for your ezine... Read More

7 Ways to Self-Promote Within Your E-zine

We all know that an e-zine won't attract and keep... Read More

Become an E-Book Author ... Make Money From Your Knowledge!

"E-Book" is short for Electronic Book---an organized set of content... Read More

A Blog, 5 Minutes a Week and These 5 Simple Steps Equals Your Own Online E_ZINE

One of the fastest ways to gain "Guru" Status online... Read More

Newsletter Name Ideas - Creative Ideas to Choose A Good Name for Your Newsletter

When you want to choose a name for your newsletter,... Read More

An Embarrassment of Riches - Part I

The Internet is too rich. Even powerful and sophisticated search... Read More

Email Newsletters: Privacy and Unsubscribing

As you likely know from personal experience, the value of... Read More

What Makes An Ezine Worth Reading?

What makes your ezine hot stuff? With literally thousands of... Read More

Does Your Subject Line Do the Job?

It's proven that the FROM field of your emails is... Read More

Publish Anything: The Saga of a PublishAmerica Author

My story is that an author who'd done online writing... Read More

Who Is Your E-zine Really FROM?

One morning this past fall, I was going through my... Read More

Subscriber Incentives: Are They Effective?

Peter Boulder of Pepper and Rodgers Group tells a story... Read More

How Many Articles Can An Author Write As An Expert In A Field?

More and more smart business people are finding the value... Read More

How to Build Your List ? 7 Powerful Strategies

If you have been an internet marketer, or had any... Read More

Putting the YOU in Your E-zine

I get many e-zines in my inbox every week, and... Read More

Newsletter Names - Creative Ideas for Newsletter Titles

Your newsletter name has a big effect on your readership,... Read More

Are You Getting The Most Out Of Your Ezine?

There are two reasons to publish an ezine.... Read More

Secrets To Successful Publishing

Have you ever wondered what would it take to compete... Read More