Newsletters are becoming ever more popular. Not surprising since all editors know that they are a tried and tested method for both disseminating information and subtly (and quite frequently blatantly) promoting any product or service. In short, newsletters work for their owners.

ITS A CROWDED WORLD OUT THERE.

But the Internet and Email (as well as lower print production costs) have meant that the number of newsletter Titles is growing at breakneck speed!

And with new Titles being published by the hour - covering just about every subject under the sun - the market is getting pretty jam-packed out there.

So how are you going to ensure that your newsletter doesnt get crowded-out? How will you guarantee that your publication gains and develops a truly loyal readership, when they could so easily be distracted by your competitors newsletter offerings?

The answer?

YOUVE GOT TO GIVE YOUR PUBLICATION A TON OF "NEWSLETTER PERSONALITY".

Or to put it more accurately, you actually need to allow your own personality the space to shine through and dominate your written publication.

You see, when somebody meets you face-to-face they are quickly presented with (and pick up on) your personality traits and this makes you instantly memorable. Even when you have a conversation on the phone, you naturally give over a whole range of characteristics that mean that youll likely be remembered in the future.

But once youre in writing, particularly if its in the form of a plain text email, then youve got to fight harder to have your personality shine through.

And the stakes couldnt be higher. If you fail to impress your readers, then they will quickly forget all about you and move onto your competition. But the *best* way to distinguish yourself is to let your personality leap at the reader, right off the page or screen!

Now many newsletter editors face a problem that they are more accustomed to writing somber business documents than publishing a lively and memorable read.

HERE IS A TIP TO HELP YOU GET YOUR "NEWSLETTER PERSONALITY" RIGHT OUT THERE.

Think about your favorite newspaper. Maybe its the New York Times, USA Today or some local paper that you buy weekly. Somewhere in that paper there will be a columnist that you probably turn to and read week-in week-out. Why? Because you feel you know the characteristics of the writer. You understand where theyre coming from, on a whole range of issues. You either empathize with their views or read the column because it makes you angry and you enjoy the controversy.

No matter. What that journalist has achieved is to make their own personality leap from the paper. And you need to emulate precisely that approach in your entire newsletter!

HOW TO HAVE COMPLETE STRANGERS FEEL THEY KNOW YOU.

If you dont do it already, start telling your readership a little bit about yourself. People like to feel they know you and understand where youre coming from. Here are some handy pointers. Just pull out and use the ones that best apply for your own newsletter readership.

- ENSURE THAT YOUR READERS KNOW WHERE YOU ARE FROM.

People automatically start to think they know you and build a picture just from a place name, State or Country. You may not have been there for years, but itll start to build an image picture in your readers minds!

- ESTABLISH WHETHER YOU ARE STRAIGHT-LACED OR A BIT OF A JOKER.

Humor can work wonders, but if youre not a natural funny man (or woman) then dont try and fake it. Just beyourself.

- BE FORTHRIGHT ABOUT YOUR VIEWS.

Dont sit on the fence worrying about whether your readership will agree or not. Establish where you are coming from straight-away and celebrate the fact. Either your readers will agree or if they disagree, it will create some interest and soon youll get readers letters, etc...you get the idea.

Whether youre new to the newsletter editing game or already established, remember that your readers have a choice. If your publication comes across as faceless and lacking in personality, the chances are your readers will jump ship, right across to the nearest competition.

Good luck,
Michael Green

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