The secret to a newsletter people actually read

The reason for starting a newsletter is usually about what you want - you're looking for a new way to increase visits to your website, you're keen to share some of the expertise you've built up over the years, you want the chance to write.

Those things are important. Without a clear goal for your newsletter you're likely to fall out of the habit of sending it and you may start to wonder why you began it at all.

But equally as important is what your readers want from your newsletter. If you don't consider - and fulfil - their needs then why would they bother to open it or they even subscribe in the first place?

Here are 5 things to consider that will start you on the track of understanding your readers better:

1. Why did people sign up in the first place?

Go back to the very start. What problem, interest, or curiosity brought your subscribers to you?

2. What’s useful, interesting or inspiring to them right now?

What’s keeping them busy, what challenges are they facing, what would make their day easier or brighter?

3. What do they come to you for?

Identify your niche. Are they here for insights, behind-the-scenes stories, creative inspiration or connection?

4. What do they want to feel when they read your newsletter?

Informed? Inspired? Reassured? Entertained? Emotion is often what keeps people opening your emails week after week.

5. How does your newsletter make their lives better?

Every email should do something for your reader such as solve a problem, teach them something, spark a thought or make them feel part of something. It doesn't have to be something big, tiny improvements add up.

If you'd like more insights and tips like this one, subscribe to our newsletter:

By entering your details, you agree to receive the Raised Voices newsletter as well as marketing emails about workshops, resources, and services. You can unsubscribe at any time by clicking the link in the footer of  the emails. Your information will be stored securely and never shared with third parties.