Do you send out a newsletter for your creative business? When I ask that question I’m often met with resistance. People wonder why they should send one and if it really makes any difference in their business. After all, it just adds one more item to the list of things to keep up with in a creative business.
Here are 8 reasons to start a newsletter for your creative business.
Build trust with your customers and potential customers. Some people are still very hesitant to purchase items online. If one of those people happens upon your online shop, website or blog they may hesitate to purchase from you just because they don’t know you but they may sign up for your newsletter because they like what you have to offer. Sending out a newsletter regularly lets those people know you are here to stay and that you are a real person doing a real business.
Another way to let folks know you are an expert in your niche. Sending out a newsletter with even a small bit of technical information sends the message, every month, that you are an expert. Include a paragraph about how to purchase the perfect cabochons, or the technical aspects of spinning wool and you’ll soon have a readership that thinks of you first when they want to know more about a particular subject.
Share updates about your business. Do you have fans all over the country? Your newsletter is one way to let them know where you will be traveling for teaching engagements or art shows. Do you own a company that is seen as seasonal? If you sell wool gloves or scarves you can show your readers that you also sell spun wool, summer weight scarves or home decor items.
Show you care about your customers. Do you have information that would be helpful to your customers? Include it in your newsletter (as long as it relates to your business). If you sell organic dog treats be sure to include a paragraph or two in your newsletter about summer dog safety, new training techniques or other information that shows your customers that you care about them.
Show your face. In this world of over stimulation it’s easy to forget about a company that doesn’t remind you OFTEN that they are there. Sending out a friendly newsletter just lets you customers see your face, brand or goods just one more time.
Turn visitors into customers. Maybe you have readers who stop by your blog often but they have yet to purchase and item from your site or shop. Sending out a newsletter with a shop discount may be one way to turn a reader into a buyer.
Share your style with the world. You’ve been working very hard to get a handle on your aesthetic. You’ve got your style, color palette and vibe down to a science. A newsletter is one more way to share your style. Adding a link that allows readers to share your newsletter with their friends and family will also promote you and your brand to new people.
Do market research. Are you wondering if some of your customers/potential customers would like to see other sizes or colors in your shop? Ask them! Use your newsletter to gather information about other products you might offer in your shop or at shows. Did you come up with a new prototype for a product? Share it with your readers and get their feedback.
The best part about a newsletter is that it can be free when you are first starting and it’s easy for your readers to sign up. No newsboys on the street corner involved.
Do you have a newsletter? How do you think it helps your brand or business? Would you like to learn more about how to set one up? Let us know in the comments!
By: Vicki O’Dell, The Creative Goddess
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