Newsletters come in all shapes and sizes; all lengths and  subjects; all languages and points of view. BUT, there are 5 key elements that all successful newsletters (emailed and printed versions) have:  

1) Clear Contact Information

Make it easy for your clients to contact you. Put your name and contact information on the front and back, if it’s a printed newsletter. If it’s getting sent out through email than make sure your website, email and social channels are linked! People should find you with *one* click.

2) An Offer

Sometimes your newsletter will be seen by people who are not on your mailing list. That’s a good thing, particularly if you are distributing your newsletter to strategic locations visited by potential clients. You want to entice people to join your network and get on your mailing list. The easiest way of doing this is offering something for the low, low cost of their email. Offer them a free report or brochure if they sign up for your mailing list. This way they get in your network and they see your expertise. 

3) Interesting, Entertaining Information

You want your readers to look forward to receiving your newsletter. The best way to do this is by creating content that is relevant to their needs.

Many businesses concentrate on providing information about the business. But if you do that, you’ll end up boring people. Instead, provide them with articles that are likely to interest them. Think of what you would like to read, if you were part of the network. 

4) Local, Personal Content

People buy from people. People learn about people through stories. Divide up your newsletter into some expertise and some personal anecdotes. Give people a reason to remember you- show off your dog, talk about your vacation or a book you like. People want to know about you because their business investment is supporting your life – make sure you let them know every time they buy your product they help your dog live a better life.  

Your newsletter is not just about business and it’s not just about your personal life. It’s about you, the brand. Provide a mix of information to show this off. 

5) Engagement Devices

Encourage your readers to actively participate in your newsletter, rather than just being passive consumers of information.

• Include puzzles and quizzes (put the answers on your website to encourage them to visit your site).
• Make an offer to do a free appraisal of their homes.
• Offer a downloadable or printed report with information about the housing market or about selling and buying homes in general. Encourage them to call, email or visit your website to obtain the report.
• Include testimonials and success stories.
• Include articles written by your readers.