3 things that are useful (read: essential) to have in place before you start sending email newsletters

I recently had a disco call with a gorgeous business owner about getting set up email newsletters. I knew that they could tap newsletters into their existing mix, but there were a few things that I thought would be useful for them to have in place before working with me. So I gave her a list and suggested she get her ducks in a row and then absolutely come back to me.

Of course I could have worked with her, and set up half of the system, but honestly, I want my clients to be delighted after they’ve worked with me and I knew the ingredients weren’t there to achieve this.

I thought it would be useful to share what I think are the necessary things to have in place before getting started with email newsletters.

1. A website / domain

   If you want to send an email newsletter that lands in your subscribers’ inbox, having a website (or a registered domain), is pretty crucial. Of course, there are loads of benefits of having a website, over and above being able to send newsletters, but being able to authenticate your email platform back to a @yourbusinessname.com is one of the first steps in sending emails that wont go straight to junk. So I’m afraid yourbusinessname@Outlook.com or yourbusinessname@gmail.com’s wont cut it. Once you own your domain you can set up a google workspace really easily and super affordably (there’s loads of other benefits to google workspace like google drive space, google meet etc, so it really is a worthwhile investment).

2. Branding

   Having branding that perfectly aligns with you, your business goals and your business vibe is super important for your email newsletters (as well as all your other business touchpoints). Having a brand kit that we can use across to your email platform really helps keep a consistent message, giving you authority in your area of expertise, and reflecting the professional you are. A definite worthwhile investment.

3. Professional photography

   Having your photos taken can be mega cringe. But you know what’s more awkward? Trying to sell your brilliant business, using photos you’ve taken on your Iphone. I’m not sure what wizardry that pro camera contains, but professional photos hit differently. If you’re a service business, getting snaps of you, you working with others or delivering your expertise is really valuable. I have a stack of photos, taken by an excellent branding photographer that I use across all of my channels, including email.

Once you have the above set, it’s time to book in to work with me on your email newsletters. I can set up your platform, bring your brand and optimised images across and create an easy to use template that you’ll love using. We can also build a plan to attract the right people to your list from your other marketing channels.