Critical Skill #4 - Newsletter Publishing
The fourth skill for a thriving VA practice is newsletter publishing. This includes everything from designing the newsletter template, researching topics, basic editing/proofreading and actually sending the newsletter out.
There are a couple of ways that you can really support the publishing of your clients’ newsletters, above and beyond the ‘to do’s’ mentioned above.
First is to help set a publishing schedule for your client’s newsletter, and keep them on track with this schedule. A newsletter can be sent as often as fits the client and their market, although we do recommend sending a newsletter at least once a month.
It is easy for people to put off creating their newsletters as they get busy with other stuff. Big mistake! A newsletter is one of the best ways to build a relationship with readers, giving them the opportunity to know, like and trust the writer (your client) with each issue.
When your client delays sending their newsletter they are missing a great marketing opportunity, and it is our job to give them a friendly ‘nudge’ to get the issue done. As I like to joke with one of my clients, it’s my job to ‘nag’ them to get each issue ready.
You can also make it super easy for your client by preparing each newsletter issue so it is ready to go, with space for an article that can just be popped in when ready.
The second thing to do with your client’s newsletter is to put on your ‘marketing mindset’ goggles and take a look at what is being offered in each issue.
Is there a ‘call to action’ in each issue, engaging the reader to take some kind of step? It is good practice to include an offer/invitation of some kind in each issue. This could be a paid product of some kind, but can also be something as simple as asking a question and inviting the readers to respond.
