3 Reasons To Publish An E-Newsletter AND A Blog

With spam filters high alert, delivering a newsletter by email not easy was even one year ago. Should reach your subscriber's inbox (without getting siphoned into a junk folder), still has vie attention amongst dozens - or even hundreds - new messages.

1. A blog not "email"

A Weblog or blog, other hand, a page your site that can be updated several times a week with fresh content. If a reader has "subscribed" your blog, he or she gets an alert (consisting headline brief summary) every time you post new information.

I.e., much same way you can include a teaser paragraph your e-newsletter with a link back full article your site.

If you're thinking that subscribers have proactively "visit" your blog (a "pull" tactic) vs. having an ezine or e-newsletter delivered them (a "push" approach) there's good news.

You can subscribe a blog using downloadable software called a newsreader. NewsGator www.newsgator.com a popular one integrates seamlessly with Outlook. There are lots newsreaders choose from, many them free. Once installed your desktop, newsreader (also called a news aggregator) grabs latest updates your blog via an RSS feed.

No need worry what RSS (it stands Really Simple Syndication). Just have faith that RSS a new way publish distribute content Web without using email. And that's point. No email. So, no worries about spam filters or delivery problems.

2. A blog an instant publishing tool

A blog an easy-to-use content management tool. When you "blog," you are instantly adding new content your site via a Web interface. No technical or programming skills are necessary. Anyone can update copy content your site. In fact, think a blog just another page your Web site.

Key point: a blog doesn't have be "cool." A steady stream short tips with links other sites or articles can be extremely useful. (See my article 5 tips a useful resource blog.) In fact, this same kind useful information you may be cramming into each issue your newsletter. With a blog, you can parcel out digestible bits - with more impact.

3. A blog makes your site search engine friendly

Search engines love blogs will index individual entries (no matter how short) if you've got your blogging software configured create a separate page each new post. In other words, think each blog post or entry a Web page with its own title.

By incorporating a blog into your site you are creating multiple new mini pages. Search engines crawl sites which are updated regularly with fresh content. So "blogging" raises your site's rankings search results.

OK, but are blogs a fad or a trend?

I love this question. Here's my answer:

Newsletters or ezines are still e-vehicle choice most marketers. Two things are slowing adoption blogs a channel business communication:

1. The term blogging associated with online journals; personal, unedited writing; and, er, needless bloviating.

2. Most folks don't know what a news reader why you need one subscribe a blog or any other RSS feed. (Again, don't fret over RSS. Visit www.newsgator.com a good explanation see how easy download a newsreader.)

Use a blog extend reach your e-newsletter

My advice now continue publishing an e-newsletter. If you're sending HTML, trim your design down bare minimum make file size small possible. This will give you a better chance getting past spam filters other blocking tools being used by major ISPs like AOL.

Of course, don't forget link back your blog through each issue your e-newsletter. You'll probably need explain your newsletter readers what your blog is, where find how subscribe it.

If you think your email subscribers are not ready embrace "newsreaders," then don't mention this downloadable software - or RSS that matter. Simply include a prominent link your blog layout your newsletter remind readers "visit" often updates between issues.

Bottom line, consider adding a blog your site two reasons: an instant publishing tool an adjunct your email marketing efforts. You may find you can use a blog trim down extraneous information that's clogging regular issues your newsletter making less effective.

Useful Resources

Good explanation RSS

Using RSS Feeds Promote Your Website by Ralph Wilson

Quick explanation RSS (from my article "5 key questions about business blogs")

Popular Blogging Tools

Blogger (free tool; now owned by Google)

Movable Type (software you install; powers many professional-looking blogs)

TypePad (hosted version Movable Type; easier set up)

Debbie Weil publisher award-winning WordBiz Report, read by close 15,000 subscribers over 80 countries. She also an Internet marketing & communications consultant. She sells special reports & award-winning starter kits, produces audio conferences on topics related to marketing with e-newsletters or ezines... well blogs. Download your free copy her mini guide online copywriting (value $10) instantly when you subscribe WordBiz Report.

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