As a growth consultant, I get a lot of blog newsletter questions. Today, I’m answering the most common questions bloggers have when building blog newsletters.
Blog Newsletter Questions Answered
Q: What are the biggest benefits of having a newsletter? I don’t need one more thing on my weekly to do list!
- Traffic – publish post, get traffic from your biggest fans without relying on the off-chance someone might see something on social media.
- Make sales – your products, affiliates, etc.
- Monetize with brands or sponsors – dedicated blasts or sponsored post promotion.
- Esoteric community building (trust-building, expertise acknowledgement) – basically, this just means you’re building a fan base with those who want the same specialized knowledge you’re doling out. Ultimately, this fuels and increases conversions for the first three.
Q: How often should I survey my newsletter subscribers?
Oooh, I love this question and not only because I offer the free survey guide! Sign up below to get yours or access it in the Resource Library.
Basically, each newsletter is an opportunity for two-way communication. Therefore, it’s a very good idea to include at least one question of your readers with each.
Do you have a list which doesn’t communicate? First, change your welcome sequence to encourage them to respond to any newsletter by adding in questions and incentives. As for your existing list, incentives help (enter to win after responding, coupon code for survey completion, etc.).
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Q: Why aren’t people opening?!
Most of the time, it’s because (harsh truth alert) the email sender isn’t sending anything helpful to the reader. Ouch.
Listen, for years I was guilty of this so I am being blunt for a reason – I don’t want you to waste the same amount of time I did.
Read this article on how to increase newsletter open rates. It’s short. It’s helpful. And I promise – if you write each email keeping this in mind, over time You.Will.Increase.Email.Open.Rates.
Period.
Q: Why aren’t people clicking?!
There are quite a few reasons your click-through rates are low. First, I encourage you to read through this article on how to increase newsletter click-through rates. It’s no-nonsense and has actionable tips.
The biggest question I would ask is, “Am I giving them what THEY want?” Surveying your readers (newsletter and social followers) is a good place to start discovering the answer. So is identifying where and why they signed up for your newsletter in the first place.
To really break this down, you’re going to get honest with yourself and ask some questions:
- Do you always send the same TYPE of email (html or text)? Switch it up.
- Do you know your deliverability? Test another provider.
- How do you craft your subject line? Hint: it should take some time and revisions.
- Do you use the same format for every newsletter? Change it up.
Again, read the article on email click-through rates and see if you can implement changes.
Q: Should I stick to a predictable schedule?
Yes.
There is data that backs up that answer, but really, who cares – are you going to read it? No, so just do it. Whether it’s monthly, bi-monthly, or weekly (my recommendation for most clients), send them consistently.
Q: Should I write in a conversational tone or more business-like?
Wow, this is a great question and honestly, I can’t answer it for you. Why?
This aspect – 1,000% of the time – is all about YOUR audience. My advice is to write in the manner in which you’re most comfortable. That way it’s natural and you’ll be able to really narrow down and speak to your ideal readers.
Always be true to you, even if this is a business. Once you’ve done that, see how the audience responds to changes.
Q: How do I stay legal?
This article tells you how to keep your blog newsletters legal and on the right side of the law.
Summary
Whether it’s increase open or click-through rates, asking your blog newsletter questions will help you grow your business. What is your question? Ask them in the comments below!
Please pin this to your favorite blogging tips board – elevate everyone.
I finally became consistent with my newsletter. Both in terms of sending it every week, but also its content. The results are coming slowly, but I think it’s only normal after such a long time being irregular.
I need to read the other suggested posts from you.
Thank you for the great info, Sarah!
I have absolutely found every article I’ve read by you to be very useful. I wish I could get into a classroom setting with you and just listen to you give out good advice for hours. Thanks for sharing.
Thank you so much for such a sweet comment and I’m so glad I can help.
Once a year I host a mastermind just for that, Clearissa. Join us next time!