What do you email to your subscribers?

30 replies
Hi,

I'm about to get started and I have one little question.

In fact, I'm afraid about not being able to create content for my email each day.

I plan to send an email once a day and I'd like to know what are you sending to your subs to gain authority and build trust?

A lot of marketers are talking about content, but what kind of content?

What do you do when you don't know what to talk about?

Thanks a lot,
Catherine
#email #subscribers #trust
  • Profile picture of the author Alex Blades
    What do you do when you don't know what to talk about?
    Just use PLR content, the work has already been done for you :p

    Look around the forum, and see what questions people are asking.
    Signature
    " I knew that if I failed, I wouldn't regret that.
    But I knew the one thing I might regret is not ever having tried. "

    ~ Jeff Bezos

    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[9115285].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Stephen Williams
    Send your subscribers value.

    Can you create a video?

    Record an audio?

    Can you capture your desktop?

    Maybe even write a report or eBook.

    The basic thing to remember is, just to provide content in
    written, audio or the highest of them all [video] content.

    Let your subscribers get to know you through each of these
    and you will do fine.

    Remember just to try and help them.

    Infact send them a SURVEY. Just ask them the question:

    "What would you like help with in (insert your marketplace here)"

    And they will tell you what they want.

    Then you can create that for them.
    Signature
    Right To The Point

    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[9115297].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author Stephen Williams
      p.s PLR content is kind of horrible unless you tweak it.. A LOT.

      And make it your own.

      But...

      I suppose its a starting point and better than doing nothing.

      Let me know if I can help you out anymore.
      Signature
      Right To The Point

      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[9115303].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author IanM723
      Originally Posted by Stephen Williams View Post

      Send your subscribers value.

      Can you create a video?

      Record an audio?

      Can you capture your desktop?

      Maybe even write a report or eBook.

      The basic thing to remember is, just to provide content in
      written, audio or the highest of them all [video] content.

      Let your subscribers get to know you through each of these
      and you will do fine.

      Remember just to try and help them.

      Infact send them a SURVEY. Just ask them the question:

      "What would you like help with in (insert your marketplace here)"

      And they will tell you what they want.

      Then you can create that for them.

      Stephen

      Awesome advice! All great ideas and all truly providing value. I just wanted to chime in on the idea of writing an ebook. I think this is a great idea and what I have seen a couple of people do is take the ebook - let's say it is 10 chapters and then you give maybe 1 chapter a week or something along those lines.

      If you are mailing daily, as the OP stated she wants to do, you could then actually take each chapter and maybe take 5 salient points from each chapter and then that becomes your weekly content. It is a great way of creating one large resource (the ebook) and then getting prolonged use out of it.

      Again, great stuff Stephen
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[9117123].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author barbling
    I email daily updates, what's new in marketing, updates on raising cane (part of my branding, I walk with a cane these days but try to get to the gym every day), stuff about my kids, my mooses, Honorable Husband, etc.etc.etc.

    Become YOU. Brand YOU. Simply do what feels right for *YOU*.

    Hope that helps!
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[9115324].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author Leslie B
      Originally Posted by barbling View Post

      I email daily updates, what's new in marketing, updates on raising cane (part of my branding, I walk with a cane these days but try to get to the gym every day), stuff about my kids, my mooses, Honorable Husband, etc.etc.etc.

      Become YOU. Brand YOU. Simply do what feels right for *YOU*.

      Hope that helps!
      I agree with Barb. I'm on her list and to be honest, she's the only marketer from who I can stand to get daily emails. The way she does it makes it "honest". I'm replanning my own strategy to be more like her, actually.

      Leslie
      Signature
      Taking it one day at a time!
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[9115554].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author discrat
      Originally Posted by barbling View Post

      I email daily updates, what's new in marketing, updates on raising cane (part of my branding, I walk with a cane these days but try to get to the gym every day), stuff about my kids, my mooses, Honorable Husband, etc.etc.etc.

      Become YOU. Brand YOU. Simply do what feels right for *YOU*.

      Hope that helps!
      I somehow missed this when I was reading over this Thread.
      All I can say is SPOT ON
      Signature

      Nothing to see here including a Sig so just move on :)

      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[9115606].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author lotsofsnow
    [DELETED]
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[9115340].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author Stephen Williams
      Originally Posted by hpgoodboy View Post

      The easiest and most reliable way to find out:

      Simply take a look at what other marketers are sending.

      Find their squeeze page, subscribe and take a look or
      buy one of their products and get on their list that way.
      It is much more reliable than all the bla bla bla.
      No.

      Not good advice even in the slightest.

      and what is bla bla bla?

      When most marketers are
      doing exactly the same as each other
      and you want her to copy?

      Wow cool concept.

      Not good when you want to email your subscribers who
      are almost certainly going to be on these
      "other marketers" email list.

      Why would they want the same content from different people
      including her?

      :confused:
      Signature
      Right To The Point

      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[9115355].message }}
      • Profile picture of the author Alex Blades
        Originally Posted by Stephen Williams View Post

        No.

        Not good advice even in the slightest.

        and what is bla bla bla?

        When most marketers are
        doing exactly the same as each other
        and you want her to copy?

        Wow cool concept.

        Not good when you want to email your subscribers who
        are almost certainly going to be on these
        "other marketers" email list.

        Why would they want the same content from different people
        including her?

        :confused:

        It's actually a good concept. He never said anything about copying content from other emails, he said look at how they do things to get an idea on how email marketing works.

        After closely examining what others do you can develop your
        own style.
        Signature
        " I knew that if I failed, I wouldn't regret that.
        But I knew the one thing I might regret is not ever having tried. "

        ~ Jeff Bezos

        {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[9115421].message }}
        • Profile picture of the author Stephen Williams
          Originally Posted by Alex Blades View Post

          It's actually a good concept. He never said anything about copying content from other emails, he said look at how they do things to get an idea on how email marketing works.
          He said "Simply take a look at what other marketers are sending."

          So we should look at the cut and dry copy and paste emails
          selling products to lists, copy that and send them out to our lists,
          that contain subscribers on the lists of marketers who just sent them
          the same kind of stuff?

          Okay!
          Signature
          Right To The Point

          {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[9115432].message }}
          • Profile picture of the author Steve B
            Catherine,

            What did your subscribers sign up for? What did you tell them would be the benefit of joining your list?

            Most marketers are focusing on a particular niche in order to sell their own or affiliate products in that niche.

            What your subscribers want, desire, or are asking for . . . those are the things you should be writing about.

            The best content is original, unique, and tightly focused on helping, educating, assisting, or satisfying the needs of your audience.

            Yes well written PLR that is reworked to add your own "voice" and style can work but it is not the only answer.

            Tips, niche news, events, new products, "how to" instructions, where to go to get ________, and personal experiences you've had in the niche will all be good topics within the niche.

            Another cool way to get content is to ask for it from your audience.

            Year's ago I had a fishing-related site. I asked my subscribers if they'd like to contribute a story about their most memorable fishing trip of the past summer and told them I would share their stories with all the subscribers.

            I didn't pay them, offer a freebie in exchange, or anything (although I did reward all the people who contributed as a surprise "thank you.") I received 48 stories from a pretty small list. It made great content.

            You can also interview other site owners in the niche, especially those with non-competing products.

            Public domain information is everywhere, freely available, and often wonderful content if you know how and where to find it.

            There are many options. Just remember to stay focused in the niche and send quality information that your audience wants to receive.

            Good luck to you,

            Steve
            Signature

            Steve Browne, online business strategies, tips, guidance, and resources
            SteveBrowneDirect

            {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[9115480].message }}
            • Profile picture of the author discrat
              Originally Posted by Steve B View Post

              Catherine,

              Yes well written PLR that is reworked to add your own "voice" and style can work but it is not the only answer.
              Steve
              Yeah, I think this is very true. Maybe in the past you could just buy PLR and plug it into an email and be done with that Follow Up.

              But there needs to be more
              Signature

              Nothing to see here including a Sig so just move on :)

              {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[9115551].message }}
          • Profile picture of the author Alex Blades
            Originally Posted by Stephen Williams View Post

            He said "Simply take a look at what other marketers are sending."

            So we should look at the cut and dry copy and paste emails
            selling products to lists, copy that and send them out to our lists,
            that contain subscribers on the lists of marketers who just sent them
            the same kind of stuff?

            Okay!
            Not sure what you are upset about, but that is sound advice HPG gave. We were able to leave the caves, because of the ability to hand down information. Watching how successful people do their internet marketing, works, that's why they make 6,7 figures a year.

            You've only been here a couple months, and already you are attacking a guy who has be contributing to this forum for seven years. Relax, take your shoes off, and stay a while. No need to attack other Warriors because you don't agree with them
            Signature
            " I knew that if I failed, I wouldn't regret that.
            But I knew the one thing I might regret is not ever having tried. "

            ~ Jeff Bezos

            {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[9115506].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author dale2811
      Originally Posted by hpgoodboy View Post

      The easiest and most reliable way to find out:

      Simply take a look at what other marketers are sending.

      Find their squeeze page, subscribe and take a look or
      buy one of their products and get on their list that way.

      It is much more reliable than all the talk.

      After closely examining what others do you can develop your
      own style.
      Just like HP says, keep track of the emails that you get and create your own swipe from the ones that stand out.

      What I also do is create different categories & sub-categories using Labels in gmail. I then assign the appropriate Label(s) to each email when I am reading them.

      For example I assign a Label for Squeeze Pages to those emails that link to a squeeze page. Those would be examples of Solo Ads in many cases.

      I have a Label for Good Copywriting and I assign that to any emails that are examples of Good Copywriting. And so on... These labels help categorize the emails that I get from various email marketers, SEO Experts, Website Design Experts, Graphics Design Experts, etc.

      And it is also possible in gmail to search for all messages containing certain text if you want to search for all recent message about a certain product and compare how they are each written and add the good stuff into a swipe file. You would probably want to make a note of what stinks too...

      Anyways those are my ideas to piggyback onto what HP said.

      Lots of good ideas in all of the messages in here - probably the equivalent of a good WSO...
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[9116108].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Malteaser
    I send value driven posts, tap into their core values and ask them to reach out to you if they struggle online. When they see you as a credible person and someone they can trust, they will buy from you once you promote your offer. In other words will buy from you because they either want to work with you if you are in the online marketing niche OR because they trust you if you are selling a product. Do not pitch before the 7th or 8th people. They will need to see an e-mail at least 6-7 times before they trust you
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[9115350].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author jamescanz
    Originally Posted by Cathbern View Post

    What do you do when you don't know what to talk about?
    Tell stories and weave them into the recommendation I have at hand

    A good way to go about doing this is by simply looking around you...

    And creating a story using any object you can see.

    If that's too complex, you can always talk about your struggles...

    Stories like that tend to work very well and can also be inspiring to your subs
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[9115404].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Mark Tandan
    There's some solid advice above. But I'm going to tell you simply - email marketing is both an art and a (learnable) skill. Your job is to communicate value - period. From time to time that value will be in recommending a HIGHLY suitable product to your list, and you'll earn a commission for your efforts.

    All this said, invest a small amount in a great email marketing course. I've studied a lot of them. I would suggest you look up a fella by the name of Sean Mize - he's kind of legendary in that regard. In fact, as I'm on his list, I actually open AND READ every one of the emails he sends. Should tell you something.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[9115500].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author rakhwas
    I send 100% commision products, and tell them i use it my self, thats basicly it, and i earn quite good on it
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[9115501].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author discrat
      Hey Catherine,
      You should always be trying to develop your Persona in every email.

      People make the mistake of not being personable enough. They want to get straight to the point and start hawking Product. Errrrr...bad move !!

      The fact is that human beings are a social bunch of critters ( as Paul Myers might say lol). We crave to hear other peoples' stories and try to find tid bits in those stories that we can relate to .

      When a person hears you talk about a personal Story or Problem you had , whether it be in IM or a problem outside of IM, they immediately stand up and say " hey this guy has similar experiences as me " and BOOM guess what ? ....you make a connection with that person.

      This establishes rapport and eventually if you play it smart you will gain Trust with that person and ultimately that can translate into Sales.
      Signature

      Nothing to see here including a Sig so just move on :)

      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[9115533].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Nick Logan
    Creating a survey is the best option possible. You can't really know what they need unless they tell you this.

    For survey I use 123ContactForm - you can have up to 5 forms for free. Give them a gift if they send a survey to you...
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[9115524].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Raimundas M
    I agree to the above. I would also add this to the list: build a blog.

    Blog is a great way to engage with your subscribers and build relationships.

    Think of a blog as a real estate. Once you post something - it will stay there forever.

    If you want to build the like and trust factor with your new subscriber - you just send him or her to your blog on the first or second autoresponder message.

    The blog will do all the hard work for you.

    Then just notify your list everytime you post something new. They will love your for that.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[9115597].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author NicoleBeckett
    Originally Posted by Cathbern View Post

    Hi,

    I'm about to get started and I have one little question.

    In fact, I'm afraid about not being able to create content for my email each day.

    I plan to send an email once a day and I'd like to know what are you sending to your subs to gain authority and build trust?

    A lot of marketers are talking about content, but what kind of content?

    What do you do when you don't know what to talk about?

    Thanks a lot,
    Catherine

    Catherine, WHY do you plan to send an email once a day? Is that what you've promised your subscribers? Or, do you think emailing once a day is what you're "supposed" to do?

    The worst thing you can do is email your list when you don't have anything of value to say. If you try to force it, your readers WILL pick up on it. If you have any doubts as to whether you can email VALUE once a day, start with a slower pace. There's no law that says you can't email your list more frequently once you get more comfortable

    And if you think ALL of the good marketers email once a day, I draw your attention to our very own Paul Myers. He openly admits that he only emails his list when he has something important to say. I may get a couple of emails from him in a week and then not here from him for another week. But you know what? When I see one of his emails pop up, I make sure to read it -- simply because he has put such an emphasis on only emailing when he's got something good to share.

    Just some food for thought... good luck to you!!
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[9115640].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author joaquin112
    Everyone has a different opinion about this. The truth is that some styles work better than others. Find what works best for you by testing, not by copying others.
    Signature

    Publish your digital course at Accomplisher.com. We create the video sales letter, drive affiliate traffic and split the profits with you. If you want to start making money by teaching online, submit your application here.

    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[9115695].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author ErinWalsh
    Surveys are good, but you also can write informative articles. If a person has already purchased from you, it's good to send occassional updates of new product/service releases.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[9115785].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author DURABLEOILCOM
    You can sign up for other successful marketers in your niche, then assimilate the same message in your words/style.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[9115862].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author IanGreenwood
    This is a difficult question without knowing a bit more about your market. Obviously, I would say, generally, if they are your email list you will want to build some sort of rapport with them. Be friendly and give away some personal details. Nothing turns me off email more than regurgitated "dude-speak" thinly valed marketing spam.

    He's a list I use to generate ideas for outgoing subjects. I fill in the blanks and then write a short piece around it. Hope it helps. :-)

    1. How to avoid __________
    2. X Tips to ______________
    3. Incredible Proof That __________ Does __________ !
    4. When you’re _________, you’re ___________ (Example: When you’re relaxed, you’re powerful.”
    5. You’re invited to __________
    6. Whoa, did you know ___________
    7. It’s not too late to _____________
    8. Things have changed: Now _______________
    9. Announcing _____________
    10. Breaking news! _______________
    11. The #1 principle to ____________
    12. X mistakes to avoid when _______________
    13. I love it when _________
    14. Did you know that ___________ ?
    15. I was shocked when I found out ______________
    16. When _________ BACKFIRED
    17. Do you hate _________? (E.g. “Do you hate cardio?” “Do you hate working a 9-5 job?”)
    18. A strange trick that ___________ (e.g. A strange trick that netted me my first 100 subscribers)
    19. I’m __________ … Are you with me?
    20. If only you knew _______________ (e.g. If only you knew how to avoid SMART syndrome)
    21. Please don’t hate me, but ____________
    22. I need you to know, ___________
    23. The cure for ______________
    24. Feel free to copy my _______ inside
    25. Last chance: Claim your copy of __________
    26. Only _____ hours left to _________ !
    27. My personal advice for __________
    28. Why most ___________ fail at _____________
    29. (action required) ______________
    30. It’s crazy, ___________
    31. Two words: __________ (Example: “Two words: Guaranteed. Profits.” “Two words: Easy. Workouts.”)
    32. [New] ______________
    33. I’m sick and tired of __________
    34. I asked and I received: _____________
    35. Finally, ___________________
    36. What if I told you ____________
    37. Instant ___________ you can start immediately
    38. Wow, it worked! ____________
    39. Ever wish you could __________ ?
    40. Hooray, you _______! … Now what? (Example: “Hooray! You setup your website! … Now what?”)
    Signature

    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[9115918].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Cathbern
    Wow! That's a lot of infos!

    I might need to rethink my strategy... Once again :S
    I'm looking forward to FINALLY start!
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[9115921].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author absolutelee
    I'm assuming you know how they got on your list, right? Did they get a freebie? Buy something? What was it? Chances are, they want more of that.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[9116114].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author drlelong
    Learn. Do. Teach.

    Follow this process, and you'll never run out of content to deliver to your list.

    So, from all the guidance you get from this thread, you can teach your list what they should be sending to their lists (assuming your emailing other marketers).
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[9116283].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Martin Avis
    Originally Posted by Cathbern View Post

    I'm about to get started and I have one little question.

    In fact, I'm afraid about not being able to create content for my email each day.

    I plan to send an email once a day and I'd like to know what are you sending to your subs to gain authority and build trust?
    Apart from the obvious question of why you feel you need to email them every day, the answer of what to talk about is simple:

    You have a life - talk about it!

    I learned a long time ago that the most responsive email I sent out were those that shared personal information. They moved me out from under the label of 'marketer' and into the realm of 'friend'.

    That little secret is what moved my newsletter from providing a small hobby income to being one of the most responsive around and giving me a very healthy full time income.

    People say to me "Oh, but you share all kinds of personal stuff that I would never be comfortable doing." My answer is that I am always in control of the personal information I share. If I'm not comfortable talking about something I don't. Simple.

    A lot of marketers are talking about content, but what kind of content?
    Stuff you'd be interested in. Things you've done, movies you've seen, products you've used. Don't think about selling - think about informing, amusing and entertaining.

    And remember that if you try to stay totally focused on whatever the declared topic of your newsletter is, you'll run out of things to say in no time.

    Your readers might have signed up to read about your take on blue widgets, but that doesn't mean blue widgets are all they are interested in.

    Treat them like real people with real lives and you'll find it very hard to run out of things to say.

    What do you do when you don't know what to talk about?
    And that brings us nicely back to the question of emailing every day. You don't need to. Send out your emails when you have something to say. That way your readers will learn to look forward to them.

    I sometimes email every day. At times, if I have a lot to talk about I might even send out twice a day. But at other times I might go two, three days - even a week - without sending anything. Less can be more if it helps you keep the quality up!

    Martin
    Signature
    Martin Avis publishes Kickstart Newsletter - Subscribe free at http://kickstartnewsletter.com
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[9116943].message }}

Trending Topics