If you've been promoting your business on internet you've probably heard how important it is to have a list. And that it's also important to publish an ezine.

So are you publishing and ezine? If not, why? Is it because you are too nervous or lack confidence?

I can understand how you feel. I've been there, even though I'm a journalist and published my own niche, non-profit newsletter for a year.

But when I started a home business and realized I needed to write about internet marketing - a subject I was still unfamiliar with - I froze up.

I simply could not think of anything to write about. I felt like I just did not have experience and knowledge I needed, because I was still learning.

I started my ezine only when things were really starting to take off and I had learned a good deal of what really worked for me in my business.

In retrospect, I don't think I'd have done it any differently, but I did learn a few things from my own experience that might make it less painful to start your new ezine.

1. Start With a Script

Writing first few issues of your ezine is like starting a conversation with a new date.

You're nervous... you want to make a good impression. Most people will use a few tried and tested formulas to break ice.

Similarly, when you want to start sending out your ezine, there are a lot of resources out there - tested formulas that experts have used with their own subscribers.

It could be a sales letter, an article, a tip, a template or anything else that you think could get you started with that first issue.

As on a first date, conversation might be a bit awkward, your sentences may sound stilted. It could be a disaster as far as you're concerned. So what!

The first few articles I ever wrote make me cringe when I read them today. But I know I needed to write them to start building my own confidence.

Disastrous first dates leave much same impression on people. But similarity to dating ends there.

Because in writing an ezine you DO get a second (and third, and fourth...) chance to make an impression.

Your date may never call back, but with your subscribers, you can try again and again till you get it right.

1. Submit your ezine to ezine directories.

Ezine directories attract people interested in subscribing to ezines that provide them with information about their interests such as marketing, affiliate programs, gardening, or staying healthy.

In addition, ezine directories will help you to find people to buy advertising in your publication as well as other publishers who would like to swap ads or do a joint venture with you.

2. Promote your ezine in your signature file. Include a couple lines of promotion for your ezine in addition to other information in your sig file.

3. Add a subscription box for your ezine on every page of your site. This will ensure that whatever page your visitors enter your site from, they will be able learn about your ezine and subscribe to your publication.

4. Provide a bonus for subscribing to your ezine such as an ebook, report, tutorial, marketing course, or access to your subscriber's only membership site.

Mention your bonus when promoting your ezine on your site, in your signature file, and when submitting your publication to ezine directories.

5. Buy classified ads or sponsor ads for your publication in ezines that you are already subscribed to and enjoy reading.

Also search ezine directories for ezines that reach your target market and offer reasonable advertising rates.