Who's Free Newsletter Do You Subscribe To (and actually read)?

[SullyUI]

I enjoy getting a new email or two a week that has valuable information on internet marketing or copywriting.

As of now, I rarely read the few newsletters that I get unless it's something related to a product I've bought.

A lot of times the newsletters I get are just too full of product pitches. I don't mind being sold to but a lot of marketers really overdo it. Especially when I'm getting an email every day with a new product pitch; that's way too often.

Other times I've seen a few good emails from marketers who have valuable information in each broadcast. Meaning they take the time to write out their newsletter so that it's full of good information and has plenty of food for thought.

So, my question is, what are some recommended free newsletters that you subscribe to? I don't mind if you recommend your own, as long as you give a good reason why.

[Paul Myers]

Tina,

Unfortunately, his doesn't come nearly as often as I'd like.

I never get tired of hearing that.

One I've been reading just about every issue lately is Marlon's "Marketing in a Minute." Really good stuff. http://www.marlonsnews.com/


Paul

[Jeremy Kelsall]

Paul Myers Talkbiz is one that I always look forward to and always read from top to bottom when it does show up.

He has a no bull**** approach that I really enjoy - Kind of a change from the norm of what you are used to getting

Another good one is Josh Spaulding, although his are just links to blog posts, BUT they are usually always pretty informative.

[Rod Cortez]

Content-wise, I've yet to see one that out does Paul Myers (and I've been on dozens upon dozens of lists in the past decade). Ed Dales 30 Day Challenge is very, very good, but it's not an e-zine per se.

Most of the others are just glorified pitch-fests.

[drmani]

I read only three these days:

Martin Avis
Kevin Riley
Willie Crawford

All success
Dr.Mani

[Ldimilo]

Originally Posted by TMG Enterprises

Paul Myers' TalkBizNews is the best one out there as far as I'm concerned. Unfortunately, his doesn't come nearly as often as I'd like. He very rarely puts any kind of pitch but when he does, you need to at least take a look.

Paul does "pitch" in every newsletter BUT he ties his offer so well with his stories you rarely feel "pitched". Highly recommended for anyone wanting to start a newsletter and see the right way to market. He makes it feel oh so effortless....

[Jack Humphrey]

Talkbiz

And it comes just about the right number of times. Not that I wouldn't want more, but I think Paul's writing is based on inspiration to do so. Funny concept really, but it makes for far higher quality.

There really isn't much of anything else I read that could be considered a true newsletter anymore. The rest I get through RSS, not email.

[Katie Rich]

Tony Shepherd/Laycock Publishing, there is always something in them that makes me smile, they don't go on forever and are always helpful and full of good points.

Chris Freville and Tim Brocklehurst and Marlon Sanders.

[Martin.Avis]

Thanks Tina and Mani. So there are at least two of you out there!

Let's not forget Dr Andy's excellent EzSEO Newsletter.

Martin

[John Taylor]

Here are a few you might want to check out:
(In no particular order)

Early To Rise
Monday Morning Memo
John Forde
Marketing Sherpa
Grok Dot Com

John

[Stephen Root]

I can recommend Marketing Sherpa too. It's one of my favorites. I used to read Rich Schefren too but nowadays it's just same crap you get from every email newsletter out there. You can also check Craig Perrine's Maverick Marketer. Craig's attitude is so right.

My company UpToEleven Marketing just started their own newsletter and we aim to create a newsletter that tells you what you actually need to know. The idea is to follow internet marketing scene and publish truly unique and truthful content. Since we are all so sick of marketing launch hype BS we are avoiding that as much as possible.

If you are looking for newsletter, give us a change to prove ourselves and subscribe. Yes, that's call to action

[SullyUI]

Great suggestions...Thanks guys, I just subscribed to about 4 of these newsletters

[Michael Tracey]

Originally Posted by Tina Paul Myers' TalkBizNews Unfortunately, his doesn't come nearly as often as I'd like.


Paul Myers;963642

Tina,I never get tired of hearing that.
Paul

Unfortunately, his doesn't come nearly as often as I'd like.
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Michael

[Paul Myers]

Michael,

Unfortunately, his doesn't come nearly as often as I'd like.
Unfortunately, his doesn't come nearly as often as I'd like.

Ah, it's a lovely morning here in Erie! I think I've earned a beer before my rest.

By the way, JT's recommendation of Jack Forde's list gets a solid second here. If you're looking to learn copywriting, he and Mike Fortin (http://www.michelfortin.com) are excellent tutors. That Garfinkel guy (http://www.world-copywriting-institute.com) is the best in my opinion, though, teaching-wise.

Bob Serling still has the best intro course for the business, but he's focusing on higher-level students these daze. Not so much focus on the newslettering.

Then there's Clayton Makepeace (http://www.makepeacetotalpackage.com). And, the greatest living copywriter, Gary Bencivenga (http://www.bencivengabullets.com).

If you want to learn to sell more stuff, there's all the links you need. Seriously.


Paul

[Stephen Root]

Originally Posted by Paul Myers

And, the greatest living copywriter, Gary Bencivenga (Bencivenga Bullets).

So the greatest of all is Gary Halbert?

[Paul Myers]

Stephen,

So the greatest of all is Gary Halbert?

Not going there. Not for the greatest ever. I refuse to speculate on that.

Gary was easily among the most fun storytellers I've ever met, though. A grand old scoundrel.


Paul

[Bev Clement]

Paul's BizTalkNews and I thought when I signed up it would come out at least daily or twice a day, or even three times a day. But, it doesn't, we have to wait not knowing when it comes out next

Martin Avis because he talks about home, and I can picture him and Delia going to Bluewater and doing all the things we missed in China and Hong Kong. The problem with Martin's newsletter is he talks proper English, so I imagine the Yanks wonder what he is talking about at times

Marlon's is another one we get.

Early to Rise

Fool

Michel Fortin

Did I mention Paul Myers' BizTalkNews if you are not subscribed then you should be. Only problem is it doesn't come out daily as I expected

And the thing about all of these, they never end up in my spam folder. I haven't had to whitelist any of them.

Edit, I had a totally blonde moment or ten, and got the name wrong.

TalkBizNews by Paul Myers, who is planning on sending this out even more often so I don't get the name wrong again

[Stephen Root]

Originally Posted by Paul Myers

Stephen,Not going there. Not for the greatest ever. I refuse to speculate on that.

Gary was easily among the most fun storytellers I've ever met, though. A grand old scoundrel.

Hehe, I can respect that I really like Garfinkel too after I heard him speaking at Harlan's Tactic 7.

[Paul Myers]

Stephen,

I really like Garfinkel too after I heard him speaking at Harlan's Tactic 7.

All kidding aside, I consider David Garfinkel to be the best teacher of copywriting that I've ever encountered. The fact that he's a cool human being is a bonus.

Bev,

It's TalkBiz News. Sheesh... And I was never daily... Well, not except during the first part of August, for my birthday sales.


Paul

[Bev Clement]

Paul, I blame it on jetlag and old age on my part, but at least I got your name right

[SaSeoPete]

Pauls Talk Biz News because I am trying to get better at copywriting.

Need to know was great, but personally the best (and possibly the best free advice I have ever received) was the Jonny Cant Sell set of articles. Really opened my eyes.

Also, not really a news letter, but i subscribe to SEOMoz's feed. Really good SEO info there.

[Dana_W]

Marlon Sanders. I find great value in everything that he sends me. Basically, free step by step how to make money plans that I KNOW work - because I've implemented them. And they work.

[Paul Myers]

Pete,

Need to know was great, but personally the best (and possibly the best free advice I have ever received) was the Jonny Cant Sell set of articles. Really opened my eyes.

Dude! You actually read "Why Johnny Can't Sell?"

[whistling the theme to the Andy Griffith Show]

Yes, it truly is a good morning here in sunny Erie, PA. Thank you.


Paul

[ThalesMM]

That's really true, there are a few internet marketers that overdo it, that's why I pay attention to the first 5 emails that I receive, if it has 2 product promotions I just unsubscribe because is not worth my time reading.

Paul's newsletter is really amazing there are more useful tips than anything else! But yeah, he doesn't post often.. lol
Another one that I enjoy reading it's Sam's newsletter from DSM Publishing, she sends out one per week and it contains really good information, these two are the ones that I always read when arrive!

[jcaviani]

Paul Myers and Michael Campbell's are the ONLY newsletters I read. They are the only authors I have read recently in the IM realm that understand the concept of value. All the other folks are only around when they want something. If I could find more VALUE I would subscribe.

I don't care whose friend you are or who you brag about rubbing elbows with. And by God, I certainly don't care how much money you make. Few Americans seem to be aware that in some countries talking about earnings is just plain rude. Plus, most of your earnings claims are complete bull**** or half truths anyway.

If you really want to show me how smart you think you are, show me all the fortune 500 companies beating your door down for your expertise. Don't tell me how you appeal to a bunch of people who don't know the difference and buy products because they think they are lottery tickets.

Value! How about it IM guys/gals? You got any? Or, are you all out of rabbits?

[SaSeoPete]

Originally Posted by Paul Myers

Pete,Dude! You actually read "Why Johnny Can't Sell?"

[whistling the theme to the Andy Griffith Show]

Yes, it truly is a good morning here in sunny Erie, PA. Thank you.


Paul

I did indeed and really got a lot out of it too. I am using a lot of the knowledge I gained from it in my first product I am creating, thanks man!

[Paul Myers]

Pete,

I love you, man. Got any cute sisters who live in my hemisphere?

ThalesMM,

I can send you personalized ads, if you like?

John,

If I could find more VALUE I would subscribe.

Thanks, man. From an old hand like you, that's a compliment. Seriously.

If you want value, hit the link I left above for Marlon's stuff. There are really a lot of people in the business who still deliver on that, but you go back far enough that you only need a certain kind of intel.

Mizel finally put his stuff out there - The Online Marketing Letter | Website Marketing Resources | Increase Traffic, Improve Newsletter, Make More Money

You've been around enough. You know Jon's got the goods.

PM that old Scottish bastard upthread for the link to his membership site, too. He does some canny testing that's well worth the price of admission to watch. Just make sure he keeps his kilt down, or you'll go blind.

And Riley's stuff, much as I hate to admit it. Decent, for an old drunk.

I'd suggest the War Room, but the OP said free, so...


Paul

[CDarklock]

Off the top of my head:

John Alanis
Kevin Thompson
Jeff Czyzewski
Perry Marshall
Gabor Olah

Those are the ones that stick out.

[SullyUI]

Originally Posted by Paul Myers

I'd suggest the War Room, but the OP said free, so...


Paul

Doesn't have to be free. I don't mind if you recommend the War Room...It adds up to what...$0.50 per year?

If it's an amazing deal for almost nothing, then it counts too.

[jcaviani]

Paul,

I am serious too. You provide value (at least to me). Thanks, I forgot about Marlon and Jon.

More and more, I have been seeking my mental stimulation from the bookstore. Most of what I read has nothing to do with internet marketing specifically because there is nothing about internet marketing, other than some technology, that changes the sales process. The medium may change but all the same basic rules of marketing and sales still apply.

The internet to me is nothing more than another marketing channel and since I understand technology, I don't have to wrestle with understanding how decipher or mix and match the proper technologies for the job - whether they be online, offline or combo approaches. I think too many people are enamored with the internet to the point of blindness.

My job has become one of collecting, sifting out the useless and rearranging the dots. Internet marketers, with their endless chapters from a book with no beginning or end, have become my R&D department. Thanks guys, I appreciate you parting with some of your best ideas for pocket change and a victory lap.

The illusive thing for most people, and I don't care how smart you think you are, is the art of the deal. What kinds of things are worth pursuing with tunnel vision? Most people have no idea. We have a set of deal criterion that we apply to every opportunity. After closer scrutiny, many things that look good on the surface are built on shifting sands.

That's enough bloviating for one day, I have work to do. I just couldn't resist giving kudos where kudos is due.

[Michael Franklin]

I still find value in Travis Sago's content....He has a great personality that really shines through in his writing style.

He's written some e-mails that are real gems - especially regarding article marketing and content creation.

[saraward]

Ive subscribed to sam milners newsletter for the past couple of years and even though i do get pitches from time to time as she tells a story at the same time of her own experiences it doesnt feel like shes trying to sell you anything.

I get sick to death of marketers emailing you once a day but with sams i get emails once/twice a week and a monthly tutorial. The truth is though the tutorials i would pay $50 a time for as they are so good but i get them sent monthly to my inbox.

You can view her details at samantha milner dot com her ideas are real and are easy to implement even if you have no im experience if i hadnt come across her i would have wasted a lot of money.

Sara

[SaSeoPete]

Originally Posted by Paul Myers

Pete,

I love you, man. Got any cute sisters who live in my hemisphere?

Eaaasssyy there tiger, wrong hemisphere, and only brothers, which I doubt is your flavour!

[dsmpublishing]

Originally Posted by ThalesMM

Another one that I enjoy reading it's Sam's newsletter from DSM Publishing, she sends out one per week and it contains really good information, these two are the ones that I always read when arrive!

Thanks thales it means a lot!

I hate the idea of daily emails and i am glad that your happy with it.
sam
X

[dsmpublishing]

Originally Posted by saraward

Ive subscribed to sam milners newsletter for the past couple of years and even though i do get pitches from time to time as she tells a story at the same time of her own experiences it doesnt feel like shes trying to sell you anything.

I get sick to death of marketers emailing you once a day but with sams i get emails once/twice a week and a monthly tutorial. The truth is though the tutorials i would pay $50 a time for as they are so good but i get them sent monthly to my inbox.

You can view her details at samantha milner dot com her ideas are real and are easy to implement even if you have no im experience if i hadnt come across her i would have wasted a lot of money.

Sara

Thanks sara

also glad to finally see you on the wf after chatting about it on twitter.

kind regards


sam
X

[marketopoly]

There are only 3 newsletters that I always look forward to and read:

Paul Myers: Great original writing style with a 'story-telling' approach that conceals true marketing gems

Clayton Makepeace: Truly great and original copywriting and marketing ideas

Michael Campbell: Always interesting and informative

[ppcpimp]

if you are looking for coverage of this industry and not just marketing babble try these out:

dmconfidential

techcrunch

Adotas

Sorry I can't link them until post 15. They don't take in consideration the last 96 months of doing internet marketing I guess. All are def worth the read.

[Ldimilo]

Kind of offtopic, but I find the newsletter, "This is True" as something with funny stories that get me to think. I like those types of newsletters best because it helps with anecdotal stuff with a couple of my newsletters. Here's the link: Weird News -- Randy Cassingham's This is True

[Gene O]

I actually unsubscribed to a lot of them. No need to be on 47 different lists.

Perry Marshall's are always good. He knows his stuff.

[aaronanderson]

**TalkBiz News - by Paul Myers is my favorite among many.

The "and actually read?" part of this post, I address below:


LESS IS NOT NECESSARILY MORE
First off, it's interesting to see people writing that they've UNsubscribed from many newsletters because of too much pitching, not enough time to read, etc....

I would say do the opposite - subscribe to MANY marketing newsletters. You won't lose time if you "batch" your reading (see approach below)

In fact, as many marketers have said, we can learn a lot by just observing how marketers market (reverse engineer the emails) - even if all you get is the pitch.

To me, the Pitch is sometimes the most valuable email to reverse engineer...


BURNING THROUGH THE NEWSLETTERS, SAVING THE TIDBITS
Worried you don't have time to read them all?

I've found the old SKIMMING technique to help. But I mix it up with a little tech support from Evernote (see link below).

If I find a tidbit of useful info (a paragraph, a quote, etc) I will highlight JUST that part, then copy and and store that small piece of text in some form of swipe file.

I use a free tool called evernote (evernote(dot)com)
as my online storage of marketing tidbits.

KEY: Highlight ONLY the paragraph that is useful within the newsletter. Forget about flagging/staring the entire newsletter within your gmail account. Just highlight the tidbit and then "Evernote it"
Exception: If I actually buy something as a result of that email, I star it. Then Swipe the entire sales letter to my PC. Otherwise, Evernote.
Evernote will save it online for me to easily pull up anywhere I am in the world 24/7. The cool part is that it gives me the hyperlink back to where I had swiped it!



DO I ACTUALLY READ THE NEWSLETTERS?
Here is what I do:
1. I subscribe to many newsletters. I use a special Gmail account just for Marketing Newsletters.
2. Twice a week, I scan (not read) each one, and store tidbits with Evernote.
3. Then I quickly move to my next message. (Ok, so I do read a few, like Paul's TalkBiz News)


BATCHING FOR EFFICIENCY
I also try to do what Tim Farriss (author of The 4-Hour Workweek) calls "Batching" - I set aside 1 hour twice a week to go through all the MARKETING NEWSLETTER emails this way, and save myself literally HOURS of productive time (in comparison to opening, reading, opening, reading everyday).


Yeah, sure, I've missed some "scarcity deadlines", but I also gained more time with my wife



Subscribe to many,
Skim each one,
Evernote the tidbits,

Get back to what's most important, (family in my case)

Learn a lot more in potentially less time too.



-aaron

[builder]

Originally Posted by jcaviani

Paul,

I am serious too. You provide value (at least to me). Thanks, I forgot about Marlon and Jon.

More and more, I have been seeking my mental stimulation from the bookstore. Most of what I read has nothing to do with internet marketing specifically because there is nothing about internet marketing, other than some technology, that changes the sales process. The medium may change but all the same basic rules of marketing and sales still apply.

The internet to me is nothing more than another marketing channel and since I understand technology, I don't have to wrestle with understanding how decipher or mix and match the proper technologies for the job - whether they be online, offline or combo approaches. I think too many people are enamored with the internet to the point of blindness.

My job has become one of collecting, sifting out the useless and rearranging the dots. Internet marketers, with their endless chapters from a book with no beginning or end, have become my R&D department. Thanks guys, I appreciate you parting with some of your best ideas for pocket change and a victory lap.

The illusive thing for most people, and I don't care how smart you think you are, is the art of the deal. What kinds of things are worth pursuing with tunnel vision? Most people have no idea. We have a set of deal criterion that we apply to every opportunity. After closer scrutiny, many things that look good on the surface are built on shifting sands.

That's enough bloviating for one day, I have work to do. I just couldn't resist giving kudos where kudos is due.

I'd go for John's if only he'd make it available

[peakperformer]

wow really need to be taking some notes here.. lots of valuable information and good lists to subscribe to. thanks alot for "leaking the secrets" guys

[entrepreneurjay]

I like Travis Sagos Newsletters - The king bum marketer he has some pretty good stuff. And my own of course lol.