A monthly newsletter is a pretty standard part of just about any stamping business.  I'm often asked, though, what, exactly, goes into a business-building, revenue-generating newsletter?

Here's a list of things to keep in mind:

1. Use a newsletter broadcasting service

You should not mail your newsletters from your personal computer.  You REALLY should not attach your newsletter to your personal e-mail as a doc or PDF!  Ultimately, you save time and money by using one of the many newsletter broadcasting services available to you.

My first place recommendation these days goes to AWeber.  They provide great flexibility, very professional features and top-notch delivery rates.  AWeber is the gold standard! 

Constant Contact gets my second place nod.  While they're deliverability rates are good, and they're the most user-friendly of the bunch, they lose points in my book for not allowing their users to have multiple, separate lists or unlimited autoresponders.

2. Make sure it's 70% information… 30% solicitation

Remember, the goal is NOT to send out a newsletter.  It's to send out a newsletter that somebody is going to OPEN and READ!  If your newsletter is predominantly "buy this, come to that," people aren't going to respond.

By keeping the majority of your content informative, you train your readers to look forward to your e-mails, because they know they're going to learn something when they open them.

How do you tell the difference between information and solicitation?  Just read your article and ask yourself, "would the reader benefit from this article if they didn't want to buy something or attend an event?"  If the answer is yes, then it's information.  If the answer is no, then it's solicitation.

3. Diversity Your Articles

One Card Project, one Q&A, one Technique, one Scrapbook Page, one non-paper Project, a Tool Tip, Class Calendar, company promotion and business opportunity mention is all you need!

4. Always Include Calls-To-Action

Don't let your readers guess at what you want them to do after they read the article.  TELL them what you want them to do in the clearest possible terms.

Follow these guidelines and you'll be producing a newsletter that generates business for you in no time.

Of course, if you'd rather not have to write ALL of these articles, check out the Newsletter Co-op you can join as a member of the Business Stampers Coaching Group.  Write one article, have access to 70+ new articles you can pick and choose for your newsletter each month!

For more information on the Co-Op, and the BSCG, click here