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

A few years ago, when I first started seeing HTML e-zines in my inbox, I admit I was jealous. They were attractive, attention getting, snazzy. They made my text e-zines look boring.

But my mind fought the idea of upgrading my own. "My readers appreciate my e-zine for its content," I told myself. "They don't need some slick design to get their attention. They just want my information, straight up. Publishing in HTML won't make a difference."

I was wrong.

Well, I was right that my readers receive my e-zine for its content. After all, that's why they subscribed - for my concise, how-to articles.

But I was mistaken that a better "presentation" wouldn't make a difference.

After much deliberation, I decided to give HTML a whirl. I had my e-zine professionally designed in HTML, featuring my logo, colors, and photo.

First off, let's all agree that it's ridiculously easy to publish in text. That's a good thing.

If you're just beginning your e-zine and are a bit overwhelmed, text is a great place to start. You can then focus on developing great content and publishing on a regular basis, without worrying about HTML design and coding snafus.

Text also gives you complete freedom and flexibility - you can add new sections and delete others any time you feel like it, without having to redesign your entire e-zine.

But let's face it: There are hundreds of thousands of text e-zines out there that all look the same. I subscribe to 30+ text e-zines, and they all seem to lump together in my e-mail inbox.

The ones that catch my eye and make me read on - they're HTML.

>

"Okay, okay," you say. "I know HTML e-zines look great. But do they get better results?"

I'll let these statistics answer that question:

• HTML e-zines are read MORE OFTEN than plain text e-zines.



• HTML e-zines have a higher CLICK-THROUGH rate. (That is, people are more likely to click on any links you provide to your site or sales offers.)



• HTML e-zines reinforce your BRAND by carrying the same look as your Web site and other marketing materials with your logo, colors, etc.



• HTML e-zines allow you to TRACK your readership by showing how many people on your list actually open each e-zine you send.

It's also nice if you can offer your readers a choice in what they want to receive. Why? While I got dozens of compliments and thank-yous after switching to HTML, I also got a few people asking if they could still receive my e-zine in TEXT! Go figure... ;

(c) 2003 Alexandria K. Brown

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Alexandria K. Brown, "The E-zine Queen," is author of the award-winning manual, "Boost Business With Your Own E-zine." To learn more about her book and sign up for more FREE tips like these, visit her site at http://EzineQueenTutorial.com/

---

Emerging Trends in Web Content and Web Publishing

Content is King but the web pages are still littered... Read More

E-Power The E-zine Advantage

"Regular communication with your customers is essential to your success."... Read More

Why Arent You Using CGI?

The very name CGI used to send chills up my... Read More

How To Increase Your Sales From Your Newsletter

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

Newsletters ? Keeping Your Customers Informed

Many businesses use email newsletters to introduce themselves to new... Read More

Email Newsletters: The Header

Managing Subscriber addresses: At the top of your email message... Read More

Secrets To Successful Publishing

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

The Biggest Mistakes That Can Spell Doom For You As A Newsletter Publisher And How To Avoid Them

A lot of newsletter publishers spend a great deal of... Read More

Finding the GOLD with Ezines and Google!

HiHow'd you go with your product search?Here's another way to... Read More

Why Self-Publish Your Book?

When I meet an author with a great book concept,... Read More

Publish Articles Online: Start With Your Own ezine

So, you want to publish articles online? It's really quite... Read More

Subscriber Incentives: Are They Effective?

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

Section Ideas to Include in Your Newsletter Design

A good newsletter template is not only consisted of a... Read More

Ezine Advertising Strategy Exposed-15 Tips to Boost Your Profits

In my opinion, Electronic Magazine (Ezine) advertising is the greatest,... Read More

22 Ways to Grow Your Subscriber List

1. Don't bury your subscriber form, place it on your... Read More

The Number One Tried and Tested Method For Exploding Your Ezine Subscriptions

We all know how cagey and stubborn prospects can be... Read More

The Magic Button That Earns $3,546 or more

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

EZines: Get from Adequate to Fabulous

If my in-box is any indication, most of the business... Read More

Increase Your Website Popularity with 500 Words

Are you looking to increase your relevancy in the search... Read More

Start Your Own Ezine Newsletter & Profit!

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

Publish Anything: The Saga of a PublishAmerica Author

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

Why I Started My Ezine

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

Managing Internet Addresses in Your Email Newsletter

Web and email addresses pose a special challenge for writers... Read More

The Quick Ways To Increase Your E-zines Subscriber Base

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

Why Arent You Writing Ezine Articles?

I'm amazed!Everywhere I go on the Web, people are desperately... Read More

How to Choose a Good Newsletter Name

Good newsletter names are usually 2-4 words. If shorter, they... Read More

3 Things You Need to Do to Turn Net Information into Cash

Although we are in the information age, very few people... Read More

PublishAmerica - Publishing Parasites

I have to admit to being readily impressed by company... Read More

10 Winning Ezine Publishing Tips

1. Share your personality with your subscribers. Your subscribers are... Read More

Understanding Ezine Publishing!

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

Does Your Subject Line Do the Job?

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

The End of Email, Ezines and Online Marketing?

Ok, it's time to bring out my soapbox.Something has been... Read More

Are We Dating or Married?

You've convinced me that I want to sign up for... Read More