Have you thought to yourself, “I know I need to stay in touch with my email list but I don’t know what to email them about…”
You’re right – you’ve got to stay in touch on a consistent basis! But not every email you send out should be a “BIG SALE!” or “NEW PRODUCT!” type email.
So what else can you write about and share? Here are 7 “Non-Salesy” reasons to get in touch (other than “buy my stuff!”):
1. Reveal a Top-Secret Resource
What resources have you run across that your subscribers would appreciate?
You could share a few books, a website or two, a cool tool you use with clients, reference or research sources… what would make their lives easier and get them better results?
You know the secret weapons — share a few!
2. Be a Great Filter
Raise your hand if you’re super busy and have a to-do list that could reach the moon.
Your hand is raised, right? I thought so. So is the hand of every single one of your subscribers. So remember that. And save them some time by being a “filter” and sharing your best finds with them.
Check your Facebook or Twitter page for links you’ve shared recently. Why not choose a few related ones that fall under the same theme and share them in an email?
3. Write a Detailed “How To” Guide
Insanely practical and implementable information will make your subscribers love you. Choose a small project or goal that many of your clients have struggled with and go through it from the very beginning. Be very detailed. Include everything readers need to know to make it work. If you can get them to take action, you’ll be amazed at how excited they get about sharing you.
4. Send a Useful Article
You can find free to use articles at www.EzineArticles.com and many other websites. You’re allowed to copy and paste and send these to your list. Search by topic or keyword and you’ll run across some quality information. Be sure to always include the author’s information at the end of the article.
5. Answer the Big Q&As
What questions do your clients or potential clients ask most often? Write up great answers to a few and share them with your list. You could combine a few into one email or create a series.
6. Create a Practical Case Study
Got a client who’s getting fantastic results? Go beyond the usual testimonial and interview the client in-depth to find out more about how they’re implementing what you’re teaching and why it’s working for them. Find a few really big keys to their success and share them. Be sure to include some actionable info so it doesn’t read like a late night infomercial. ;)
7. Share a Template, Tool, or Checklist
This list of ideas I’m sharing as a blog post could easily be turned into an email to my list. What types of templates, tools, or checklists do you have that you’ve already created or could create? People love simple to use, fill in the blank templates and easy to follow checklists or brainstorming idea lists.
Two Bonus Tips
One of the reasons I love blogging is that it keeps me consistently developing content I can share with my email list as well as on social media. Schedule regular time for writing and you’ll find that your writing and communication will improve and you’ll always have something to share.
Watch your favorite entrepreneurs and make note of what types of information and resources they’re sending to you via email. You can model many of their ideas with your own twist.
Your Turn!
What types of emails do you love to receive from the lists you’re subscribed to?
What types of emails do you send to your own list? Have you used any of these ideas? What else works for you?
Hi Michelle – – WHat do you use to create the images like the one at the top of this post?
Most of the images I start with are from http://www.StockFresh.com (add the word “isolated” to your search and you’ll get images with white backgrounds that are easy to use in this type of thing) and then I use either Photoshop or Pixlr to add the text. This is close to the process I use: https://michelleshaeffer.com/how-to-create-pinnable-image-quotes/2012/07/23/
Another free and easy to use program is PicMonkey! http://www.picmonkey.com/
I love PicMonkey, Teresa! And I’ve just created my 1st image with pixlr, awesome tool indeed! Thanks for sharing these resources, everyone!
Michelle, I absolutely love your emails! I don’t think there was ever one of them that I did not learn something that I could apply immediately or file for the future because I knew the time would come to put that tip, tool, or How-to into practice.
For my next email, I am doing a combination of 2 tips of yours above :) I am sending a PDF from a series on my blog. All based on a suggestion from one of my Facebook fans!
Come see how I’m doing it, I’d love your thoughts :)
Thanks Delia, that’s great feedback and I appreciate it. :)
Isn’t it cool how many suggestions from fans and readers turn into fabulous blog posts?
I think I’m on your list – I’ll double check. :)
Great tips Michelle. I’ve used your bonus tip and others except #6. I received a newsletter from Evan Carmichael about favorite videos and I did one for my list with my own twist and the open rate was 40% – I don’t know if that’s good or bad. You, Danielle LaPorte and so many others have influenced my emails – It would make this comment way too long to share them all. It helps to keep your creative mind open and opportunities for amazing e-mails will always show up. I’m stoked that intuitively I’ve been doing the right things. Thanks for sharing and happy holidays to you and your family.
I adore Danielle LaPorte. And yes, 40% is an excellent open rate! :) Depending on who you ask, and the list size, anywhere from 5%-20% is considered “average.”
I like getting emails that share resources, but only a few at a time. If there are too many, I find I don’t click on all of them. How ’bout you?
When I send out a message with resources, I offer about 3 of them. Shared this post on Facebook, but I might just share it with my list in a future message. Thanks for the idea (and the resource) Michelle. :)
Yep, I find my brain gets overwhelmed when I have too many choices. The only exception is if the choices are super well organized and there are’s that process of choose a category, then choose a resource, if that makes sense. :)
And feel free to share! ;)
I did share it, on my Fan Page. Thanks :)
great ideas Michelle ! I’m working on a special Xmas gift for my subscribers, a WP Basics e-book. My subscribers get it for free, but after it will be sold on my site. I agree with everyone else, too many tips and resources in the same e-mail make it confusing, and in the end people don’t click on any of the links…
Lucky subscribers! ;)
Some great tips here – will definitely try a few! Thanks for sharing!
You’re welcome, Alexandria! :)
I love the idea of a case study, but I’m not sure how to go about it.
A detailed how-to guide would be pretty awesome…
(See what I did there? #3!)
Oooooh great comment. :) I’ll add that to my list of blog posts to get written and shared.
That is really helpful and has come at a good time for me. Thanks very much; this is going to have a massive impact on my business.
Hey Keith, awesome! Thanks for stopping by and commenting.
Michelle,
I’ve used all of these except #6 in some way. When one client was interviewed and appeared on video in Huffington Post I shared his video on my blog as an example of the coverage a press release can bring.
My readers love it when I share links to unique products or services.
I love to receive posts with links to resources and unique ideas.
Thank you for keeping us on our toes
Great idea to share that video, Flora!
And I do too — I love to see what resources others are finding helpful, tools they’re using and blogs they’re reading. :)
I like this Michelle. Sometimes it’s hard to think of interesting stuff that is different from your blog. This is a good list. Thanks
I think I get “email block” more often than “blogger block” personally. ;) Hope this helps you break through when you get it, too!
Hello, Michelle. The article you provided on 7 tips and 2 bonuses for emails, etc., is one of the best ideas I’ve read and learned from in a long time. What a great way to start the New Year. It’s the shot in the arm I needed to boost me with energy and focus. You’re making a difference in the world. Thank you for your time in reading this message. Rosella Young, AA-1 Designs where we create fun Easy Living!
Hey Rosella, great to hear this was helpful for you. :) Appreciate you stopping by to comment.
Thank you so much for sharing this. I am currently working on an email strategy for my list. Email marketing is not the easiest thing to do in the world. I appreciate this list!
You’re welcome Beth. It’s a little easier with a list of ideas to start with when we’re trying to figure out what to email next. :)
I preparing to send out my first email. Have been procrastinating about how to organize it. Thanks for the tips.
Hi Michelle,
Great post! I sent out my first ever broadcast yesterday and so far it has a 49% open rate so I’m thinking that’s ok. The best thing about your post is I can refer back to it for content suggestions when I run out of initial ideas (a major reason for significant procrastination prior to yesterday’s edition).
Chick you rock!
Thanks, Caylie
One of the best emails I have ever received was a step by step how to guide to doing a video and editing the video using movie maker. Useful short cuts that save time and energy are very valuable! Thanks.
Already I have some experience in email strategy its working nicely too. Thanks for sharing this information with us.
THANK YOU, MICHELLE, for sharing such great advice! I’ve actually quoted this post in our recent blog (http://blog.socialot.com/use-social-media-to-avoid-pushy-sales/) because our readers are always looking out for outreach tips!
I love you blog — I always get fantastic info here!
Thanks — and I’ll be back:)
– Erin Larson, Socialot.com
Answering big or frequently asked questions always attracts attention. Guides are also highly appreciated. Well, pretty much everything in this post is great.
Answering someone’s questions is always a good thing. They have a request, you provide the service and you gain a fan or at least someone who thinks better of you.
Indeed, making people “love you” is more about making them respect you as a person/writer/businessman or woman. It’s in the same vein.
Answering big or frequently asked questions always attracts attention. Guides are also highly appreciated. Well, pretty much everything in this post is great.
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