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
_____________________________________________

---

11 Quick (and Good) E-zine Content Ideas

Publishing an e-zine is the ideal opportunity to showcase your... Read More

Should You Upgrade Your E-zine From Text to HTML?

A few years ago, when I first started seeing HTML... Read More

Does Your Ezine Publisher Try To Rape Your Pocket?

If you have been online for a while, one of... Read More

Free Ezine Advertising That Works!

When I say free ezine advertising, I'm not talking about... Read More

Ezines VS. Trade Journals

As many people know Industry Trade Journals in America have... Read More

7 Ways You Can Make a Huge Impression With Your Ezine Welcome Message

Many times I receive a Welcome Message from someone after... Read More

Lesson #6: Six Simple Steps to Writing Magnetically Charged Email Messages!

If you remember, the majority of people (i.e., 68%) need... Read More

3 Money-Making Reasons for Displaying Your Newsletters on Your Website

Seeing is believing. Unless your website visitors can experience your... Read More

Ezine Publishing Donts

When I teach ezine classes, I ask the students what... Read More

Putting the YOU in Your E-zine

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

How To Increase Your Sales From Your Newsletter

The first and most important thing you should know when... Read More

Start Your Own Ezine Newsletter & Profit!

The information listed here is worth more than gold. if... Read More

Don?t Distract Readers from What They are Doing

I'm working on a report for a company that puts... Read More

How To Develope Content For Your Ezine Without Having To Write Your Own Articles

Do you struggle with creating content for your ezine? You... Read More

Secrets To Successful Publishing

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

Learn How to Choose a Great Topic for Your Newsletter

Since you're going to write your newsletter on a regular... Read More

Where And How To Get Information For Your Newsletter And Ezines

With the rapid expansion and diversion of commerce, manufacturers, career... Read More

Coping With Those Dreaded Ezine Publishing Deadlines

Time, of course, doesn't stand still and never did, and... Read More

7 Benefits Of Using Newsletter Templates

1. Time saver. To get going make a quick visit... 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

Plagiarism on the High Seas

More and more companies are finding the value in informational... Read More

The Nitty-Gritty Of Ezine Publishing

I sat here this morning, and decided to work out... Read More

The Magic Button That Earns $3,546 or more

Ever wonder how a "guru" earns $3,546 or more just... 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

How to Make Your eZine Work for You Long After Its Published

If you publish an email newsletter, do you convert the... Read More

Writing Effective Newsletters

It's obvious but true that your newsletter can only be... Read More

Why I Started My Ezine

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

Understanding Ezine Publishing!

I can remember my first reaction to word "ezine". What... Read More

Medium and the Message

A debate is raging in e-publishing circles: should content be... Read More

You Can Publish an Ezine

Publishing an Ezine can be scary to the newbie. But... Read More

Create An Ezine To Get People Back To Your Site

I know you've worked hard on your website. I know... Read More

How To Write Effective Ezine Ads... And Then Some

When writing an ezine ad, there is a big mistake... Read More

Future of Electronic Publishing

UNESCO's somewhat arbitrary definition of "book" is: "Non-periodical printed publication... Read More