New Year, New Newsletter

Turning 'Meh' into Memorable.

Your inbox is full, but there’s that one email you look forward to opening.

It’s relatable, useful, and doesn’t scream “BUY NOW” at every turn.

This is exactly what I help my clients achieve with their newsletters.

If yours feels a bit “meh,” don’t worry. Here’s how to turn it into something your audience wants to read.

Step 1: Write What They Want to Read

Simple, isn’t it? But how do you figure out what they want?

Start with your most popular social media posts. Whether it’s this week, month, or quarter, your audience has already told you what interests them.

No social media stats to pull from yet? No problem!

• Pinterest: Type your niche into the search bar, and let the top Pins guide you.

• Google: Type in your niche, scroll down to the “People Also Ask” section, and there it is, your audience’s burning questions served up on a plate.

  
  

Step 2: Keep It Simple

We’ve all been there, haven’t we? Scrolling endlessly for the perfect newsletter template.

Don’t get me wrong, I love a pretty email as much as the next person, but guess what? A fancy template doesn’t magically boost your open rate.

Here’s what really matters:

• Clear, concise content that delivers value.

• No need to personalise every email with your reader’s name, it’s starting to feel a bit unauthentic these days, isn’t it?

  
  

Instead, focus on segments:

• Ask your readers what they’re interested in.

• Tailor their emails to match.

• Use your newsletter to highlight other segments they might want to sign up for later.

For example, I email three types of content.

1.     Blogs

2.     Platform updates

3.     Strategy tips

Not everyone wants all three, so when they sign up I could send them a preference email then they can choose and personalise it to their needs. (I’ve not set this up yet, but it’s on my to-do list… so watch this space!).

Then you can make sure they are only signed up to the email list relevant to their interests.

Step 3: Make It Easy to Sign Up

Your landing page doesn’t need to be a masterpiece. One page is more than enough!

• Be clear about what your newsletter offers, promotions, tips, education, you name it.

• Be honest so they know what to expect. no surprises, no unsubscribe.

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Here’s a wee pro tip… feature your subscribers!

Yes, really.

Share their stories, promote their businesses, or advertise their events.

Make them feel like they’re part of your community, and they’ll not only stick around but also share your newsletter with others.

Step 4: Educate and Entertain First, Sell Later

Nobody wants to read an email that feels like it’s straight from Del Boy.

The majority of your newsletter should be about educating or entertaining your audience.

Promotions should feel like an afterthought, not the main attraction.

Step 5: Sign Off with Personality

Here’s another wee pro tip for you, sign off with your name.

Not your business name and add a photo of yourself. Why? Because people remember faces.

It’s a small touch that makes a big difference.

Ready to Transform Your Newsletter?

There you have it, proof that newsletters don’t have to be overcomplicated.

If you’d like help with content ideas, landing pages, automation, or building email lists, you know where to find me.

If you don’t know where to find me use the button below. It’ll take you to my contact page, and yes, submitting it will sign you up for my newsletter. But don’t worry, you can unsubscribe anytime. (Although I think you’ll love it, so why not stick around?)

Contact Me

Got any questions? Leave a comment below or email me at patsy@odbervirtual.com.

I hope you enjoyed this blog, please share it with anyone you think would be interested and I look forward to seeing your newsletters.

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