Do you know why newsletters are a highly effective marketing tool?

Newsletters keep you and your business in front of people whether it is current clients, past clients or prospective clients. It really is that simple.

Keeping your subscriber list up to date with your business and providing them with tips and tidbits designed to help them in the course of doing business will keep you at the forefront of their thoughts when they are looking for the services you offer. It is also a terrific way for your subscribers to get to know you, like you and trust you. You need your list to be comfortable with you before they will buy from you.

One goal in sending newsletters to your subscribers is to do it regularly. Sending a newsletter too often will annoy your readers, while sending it out irregularly will fail to complete its purpose. Once a week or bi-weekly is a good guide. Set up a schedule and stick to it. If you choose Wednesdays, then stick to Wednesdays, whether it is every Wednesday or every other Wednesday.

A second goal in sending newsletters is to be personable, helpful, and newsworthy yet brief. Start with a personal note. This could be something about an upcoming holiday or even the weather in your area. Move on to providing an article you have written (or had written for you). Of course, this article is crafted for your target market, so they will find it helpful and informative. Next, be helpful by providing one or two resources you may have found helpful to you or you believe will prove helpful to your subscribers. End with a list of upcoming events you are participating in or you know would interest your subscribers.

Sounds simple, doesn't it? It can be when it's done right. If one or all parts of creating your own newsletter just doesn't appeal to you, hire a professional to help you out. There are a number of professional writers who offer services ranging from setting up your auto responder to developing a template to creating the content.

Whatever you do and however you do it, make the best use of your subscriber list and keep them informed so they get to know you, like you and trust you. Before you know it, they will become faithful clients as well as readers.