Ok I've started to implement opt-in mailings on my sites and have had some success with new sign ups. However I'm not sure on the best emails to send out. Should I use only text? Is html messages ok? Should I include pictures? Should I only talk about one topic/subject or multiple ones? I figure the first newsletter sent out shouldn't have any affiliate links or anything in it so it doesn't just look like junk and to build some trust. Any ideas or techniques on sending out opt-in newsletters would be great. cheers,
I would suggest that you read this thread It happens to be a very long thread and in case you don't have enough time to read all of it start from this page "Samo" (members name) posted very informative information on how to convert well with your opt in list.
Those are great posts for sure. But I'm interested in more of how newsletters should be written and the content they should include. any thoughts...
Well. this is quite simple sign up for any of the most successful affiliates newsletters and see what and how they send to their subscribers and copy their approach. That is what I do
It's okay to promote affiliate links on the first email, but it has to be some related or which you yourself have used/tested, and must have a beneficial effects on your members. I would suggest plain text rather than html, because some mail server doesn't support html. As for the content, do some read up on copywriting and most important, write it in a way like you're talking to them personally. Just remember, people sign up to your newsletter because they want you to help them solve problems or provide information that they need. Ask yourself, if you are them, what would you like to see or know? Hope this helps... -- Eric --