The Easiest Way to Build Credibility and Increase Long-Term Sales

Written by Alexandria K. Brown


If you're looking for low-cost ways to promote your business (and aren't we all?), I do hope you've considered publishing an e-mail newsletter, or "e-zine."

I began my "AKB MarCom Tips" e-zine three years ago, when I'd just started my copywriting and marcom consulting business. I wanted an easy way to stay in touch with past associates, current clients, prospects ... just about everyone! And I wanted them to realize I really knew my stuff about writing compelling copy for Web sites, ads, brochures, etc. I wanted to be seen as an "expert" in their eyes, to encourage them to hire me and/or refer me to possible clients.

Well, it's worked far better than I'd imagined. Each year I gain tens of thousands of dollars in new business based on leads from my e-zine alone. And if you need to promote YOUR business (and/or yourself) to others, I highly recommend publishing your own e-zine.

Here are 5 darn good reasons why you shouldn't wait any longer:

1. An e-zine is a very CREDIBLE and SUBTLE way to promote your services or products.

Instead of simply *saying* how great you are (as in traditional advertising), an e-zine lets you *show* how great you are by sharing your expertise with your readers. (As my old journalism professor used to say, "Show me, don't just tell me!") You're avoiding simple bragging, and are instead offering useful information that demonstrates your knowledge. Bravo!

2. Publishing an e-zine positions you as an EXPERT in your field.

By showcasing your knowledge and skills, you're likely to attract more clients. And by sharing what you know well, you're saying, "Hey, I know my stuff! I'm an expert! You should listen to me."

And don't be scared ofrepparttar word "expert" -- you don't have to know EVERYTHING inrepparttar 127531 world about your topic to call yourself an expert -- you just need to know a lot more than most people. If you make a living doing what you do, you're likely an expert in your own right. If you're still uncomfortable with that term, try onrepparttar 127532 word "resource." Okay, feel better? ; )

3. An e-zine isrepparttar 127533 perfect way to STAY IN TOUCH with your clients and prospects on a regular basis.

Hey, Why Are You Recording My Name?

Written by Alan Yap


Which email are you more likely to read: one with your name on it or one without? Chances are, you will chooserepparttar former. Well, you are not alone. Statistics have shown that people are more than twice as likely to open and read an email that is personally addressed to them. But how can you benefit from this fact?

Personalize your emails!

Whenever you send emails to your prospects or ezine subscribers, have their names appear onrepparttar 127530 subject headings. This simple tip can easily double your earnings.

But wait, how are you going to get them to "willingly" tell you their names?

If you run an ezine (which is an absolute *MUST* for your online success), your primary goal is to getrepparttar 127531 email addresses of your potential subscribers. Don't try to ask for their first names, last names, gender, age, or any other personal information.

Withrepparttar 127532 increasing number of online scams, it is not difficult to see why people hate to divulge their personal data, especially on their first contact. Why should they? They hardly know you. You should be happy if they are willing to give you their email addresses. Ask for anything more and they may not even subscribe.

"What Alan? I thought you just said we should personalize our emails? How can we do so without asking for their names inrepparttar 127533 first place?"

You can, and you should ask for their names. But not onrepparttar 127534 first contact.

An example always makes things clearer. Take a look at http://www.profitjump.com . You see that I only ask forrepparttar 127535 email address of those who wish to subscribe. Once they enter their email addresses and hitrepparttar 127536 "Subscribe" button,repparttar 127537 real action begins...

Notice that I say all new subscribers will receive 3 free gifts? After I've received their subscription requests, I send them a "Thank You" note. This note also tells them how to get their free gifts -- by simply replying to my autoresponder. This time they will be emailing me using their email programs, which are usually configured to include their names. The second "free gift" request email that I receive from them will now contain their names. Bingo!

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