Mastering the Art of Ezine Publishing

The Power of Ezine Marketing: Building Relationships

The true strength of ezine marketing lies in its ability to foster relationships. Successful ezine editors understand this and use their platform to build connections with their readers, many of whom eventually become customers and business partners.

Finding Your Focus

Ken Evoy, in his best-selling marketing manual "Make Your Site Sell," emphasizes the importance of targeting your audience. He argues that trying to sell to everyone often results in selling to no one. This principle is equally applicable to ezine editing and promotion.

Just like magazines in a grocery store, each ezine should cater to a specific segment of society. Your focus could be anything from e-commerce and website development to comic book collecting or pet care. The key is to find a niche that aligns with your interests and expertise.

Developing an Effective Ezine Format

A well-structured format is crucial for an ezine. It ensures your content is organized and easy to read. Here are some factors to consider:

• The first page of your ezine should grab the reader's attention and encourage them to continue reading. This could be achieved through a captivating quote, a personal greeting, or an engaging table of contents.
• Your ezine should prioritize content over advertisements. While ads are necessary, an ezine that resembles a classified ad section can be off-putting.
• Always provide clear instructions for subscribing and unsubscribing.

Building Your Subscriber Base

Gaining subscribers is as simple as asking people to subscribe. However, it's essential to respect people's privacy and only add those who have explicitly requested to join your list. Here are some strategies to increase your subscriber base:

• Write articles and submit them to other ezines. Include subscription instructions in the author's tag.
• Exchange ads with other ezine editors.
• Offer freebies to subscribers, such as special articles, software programs, discounts, or ebooks.
• Partner with companies that offer services to increase your ezine subscription base.
• Announce your ezine on various websites and databases.

Choosing a Delivery System

While a small list can be managed using your current email program, as your list grows, it's advisable to use a listserver. This tool allows you to compose your email, paste it to an online form, hit "send," and let the listserver handle the rest.

In conclusion, creating your own ezine is a powerful way to build relationships online that can benefit your business. Don't wait, start your ezine journey today.