Guest Author - Kristin Peoples
As a Newsletter or Ezine provider, there comes a time when you have to decide whether to continue sending the newsletters out yourself via email or to use a newsletter or ezine service. There are many to choose from with a lot of great services. The problem is that there are so many. Something that works for one person’s business, many not necessarily work for you. With that being said, there are a few things you can do to help you decide which one to go with.
Templates
When you decide that a service is right for your ezine or newsletter, you have to wade through hundreds of potential templates. Ask yourself a few questions along the way:
• How detailed to you want it to be?
• Do you want color choices or standard?
• Do you have to have a set number of pages? Can it vary each month?
• Can you send them out at the same time each week? Can you designate a certain time for them to go out?
• If you have someone write it for you, what type of access do they need?
• Can you bring your own template or html knowledge?
• Can the font and style be changed within each newsletter? If you want to make your ezine or newsletter eye catching you may do a combination of both.
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Asking these questions in the initial phases can help you narrow it down to two or three that really have what you are looking for and can meet your needs.
How Much?
Price is always a consideration. You want to get the most for your money without having to pay a lot for it. Some newsletters charge by the amount of subscribers you have. If you are looking at this type, it may be cheaper in the beginning. As your business starts to grow, you will need to adjust for the increase. Other services charge by the size of the mailing. If you are planning on including a step by step process or a lot of pictures, you will need to keep this in mind.
Price.
While cost is always a key factor in the decision about which marketer to use, you’ll want to look beyond the numbers to be sure you’re getting most of the services you truly need to ensure the success of your ezine. Many companies charge you a certain rate per number of subscribers on your list. As your list grows, so does your monthly fee.
Reports and Tools
Reporting and Tools can help one service stand out from another. You will want to have the ability to see what your subscribers read or even if they open it at all. If you do not have the ability to see reports about your ezine or newsletter, it will not help you grow. Make sure the service has the tools and reports you are looking for. If it has more, that’s ok. Keep in mind the cost will most likely go up for more reporting. Does the service have a double-opt in? This will help your newsletter or ezine get to the subscriber and not be marked as spam. It should also have a spell checker and give you the ability to add subscribers who may have had problems getting the newsletter set up.
Some services offer trial services and promotions. Find out what’s free and what isn’t. More than likely you will give your credit card information for these services. At the end of the trial period, your credit card could be charged.
It is much easier to choose correctly the first time. It is difficult to move subscribers around once you have signed up. A little research in the beginning will help you choose the right service.
