EzineRings: A Revolutionary Approach to Promotion

The Power of EzineRings

For e-publishers, EzineRings can serve as a fresh and continually expanding source of targeted subscribers, thereby ensuring the future success and profitability of your venture. Each ezine features a text box with links to the "next" and "previous" ezine samples in the ring, as well as a "full list" containing brief ads for each ring member. This allows your subscribers to sample and subscribe to ezines in the ring.

Ezine publishing is rapidly becoming a trendy and intelligent move. With the plethora of choices available, your subscribers want to know which ezines are worth their time. EzineRings can solve this problem entirely. While a single ezine cannot cover everything on a specific topic, an EzineRing can claim to do just that - providing your subscribers exactly what they want.

Creating an EzineRing

Creating an EzineRing is not a daunting task. You need to compile a list of e-publishers that you wish to associate with. Choose publications that complement your ezine - look for good presentation, and content that enhances your own. The number of subscribers is not as important as the quality of the ezine. Any targeted (on your niche subject) and well-written ezine will be a valuable addition to your ring.

Once you have your list, send an invitation to join your EzineRing. Here's a sample letter with instructions:

Hi [Their Name],

I'm setting up a free EzineRing for [your ezine name] and have selected [their ezine name] to join. The idea is very similar to webrings that allow surfers to move from site to site in the ring. An EzineRing allows a targeted audience to request a free sample and also to subscribe to your ezine. A great way to increase your subscriber base!

You only need to send me a short text ad promoting your ezine. This ad must contain an autoresponder link to a free ezine sample. The deadline for this is [Deadline Date].

I will then send you a small text box that must be placed in every issue of your ezine. It will contain autoresponder links to a full list of participating ezines, and the previous and next ezine samples in the ring.

I hope to hear from you shortly. This is a great promotional opportunity for your ezine - so don't miss out.

Best wishes,

[Your Name]
[Your Signature File]

Setting Up Links in the Ring

Once you've received all your ads, you'll need access to a free autoresponder - an email message that is sent out automatically and immediately upon request. Two free autoresponder services are Smartbotpro and GetResponse.

The easiest thing to do is to place all your ads on one autoresponder and rotate them once a month (or on a regular basis) so that everyone's ad gets maximum exposure - it's only fair. This autoresponder is your full list.

Constructing Text Boxes

The next step is to construct text boxes for all the members of your ring. These boxes all need to contain unique "previous" and "next" links. Follow these steps:

• Using index cards or separate sheets of paper, list all your members (including yourself) in alphabetical order and number from 1 to whatever.
• Write down each member's sample ezine link underneath their name. This was requested in your invitation.
• On each sheet, write the words "previous" and "next" on separate lines. These relate to previous and next ezine samples.
• Number 1 in your ring will need the sample ezine link from the final member of your ring. Write this link next to "previous." Then write the sample ezine link from number 2 in your ring beside "next" for number 1.
• Work your way through your sheets of paper remembering that "previous" requires the sample ezine link from the previous member numbered in the ring, and "next" requires the sample ezine link from the next member numbered in the ring.
• Each sheet should now contain the unique links needed for all your members.
• Construct a text box for your ring.

The Final Step

The last step is to send the text box to all your members. "Full list" requires the autoresponder link that you set up earlier. The only parts that change for each member are the "previous" and "next" links that are now conveniently written underneath each member's name.

The Added Value of EzineRings

By setting up an EzineRing, instead of simply participating in one, you've got a lot to gain. Sure, you'll have to organize and monitor the whole thing, but you can also identify yourself as the ring owner in both the text box and full list - these can be used to direct traffic back to your website. You can also, for example, reserve the odd ad space in your full list, to promote some of your affiliate links. Your possibilities are only limited by your imagination.