I've already written a few articles about how to publish an ezine, so I thought it might be fun to write one about how NOT to publish an ezine.
When you can see both the right way and the wrong way to do something, it can help you learn. So, here are some things you shouldn't do when making an ezine.
- Don't include your name and contact information. Who would want to talk to you? They don't care if the ezine is written by a real person they can trust. NOT!
Your readers will definitely want to know that they can talk to a real person if they want to or need to. This helps make people feel safe.
- Fill your ezine with as many squiggles and decorations as you can. So your readers get a headache when they try to read your ezine? NOT!
Even though squiggles are cute, they could make it hard for a lot of people to read your ezine. Keep the layout neat and clean so that it is easy to read.
- Fill the ezine with ads. Isn't that why you're making the ezine in the first place? NOT!
No, you don't put out an ezine to run a lot of ads. You put out an ezine to build trust and respect with your readers, which is very important. This is good for your business and your name.
- Don't bother sending it out often, since most people won't be able to read it every time. NOT!
How can people trust what you say when they can't even count on you to send your ezine when you say you will?
- Don't add any new content. Instead, use the same content that other publishers are using. If it works for them, why shouldn't it work for you? NOT!
Your ezine should always have original content, even if it's just an editorial or some tips.
- Why bother with a disclaimer or privacy policy? Your readers know that you will keep their email safe. They also think that if you put something in your ezine, you must like it. NOT!
Don't think anything. Your readers want to know that their email address won't be given out to make money or promote something. Also, you want your readers to know that they should look at all offers, opportunities, and ads. Even though it's in your ezine, that doesn't mean you think it's a good idea.
- Content is content, right? As long as your ezine is full of "stuff," it is useful. NOT!
Try to give your readers simple, clear, useful information that they can use to help themselves. Don't use ads that try to look like tips or articles. The most important thing is to have good content.
- Don't give your readers a chance to get to know you. They want to know about your ezine, not you. NOT!
Your readers need to get to know you so they can trust you and know they can always count on you to put out a good ezine.
- Don't worry about making sure the ezine is formatted correctly. It doesn't matter how many characters are in each line; it all reads the same. NOT!
Format your ezine so that it looks the same everywhere. You want to make an ezine that looks clean, sharp, and professional.
Make sure that your ezine has correct spelling and grammar before you send it out. You are a professional, after all, right?
I hope that these tips have given you a good idea of how NOT to publish an ezine and a new way of looking at how to do it right. Making a good ezine that your readers can count on will be a huge boost to your business.
