Online-based business owners know it’s important to connect with their database subscribers on a regular basis. However in many cases, it’s difficult for them to:

• find the time to write an article
• appropriately format the article and other details in the ezine template
• actually send out the ezine on a regular schedule

So, how can you, as a Virtual Assistant help your client (s) achieve their goal of sending out a regular newsletter?

It’s easy really …. just a few simple steps will make this a breeze.

Schedule a time to chat with your client and ask the following questions:

• How often do you want your ezine to be distributed?
• Is there a particular time of each month you would like it to go (3rd week of the month, the 15th of each month etc.)
• Other than the feature article, what else do you want included in the ezine?
• What is your main goal for the ezine?
• Do you have a current template for your ezine or do you need one? (If you can create one, great. If not, consider outsourcing this task.)
• Tell them - I’d like to block out time in your schedule to make sure you have time to write the feature article. How does 2 hours at the beginning of each month work?

There may be other items you will also discuss but by asking these questions above, you are not only applying your Marketing Mindset but also helping your client achieve a goal = you are providing a solution to one of their challenges.

A Virtual Assistant who provides appropriate solutions to their client’s challenges is a Virtual Assistant who builds a long-term relationship with her client.

Once you have these details from your client you can TELL them how you can help make sure an ezine will get out each month. Start by puting together a schedule and keep them accountable. Include the time where they will write the article. Tell them when you need the article by in order to format it in the template and provide to them for final review. Take care of any other pieces you agreed to.

It may seem simple but by successfully accomplishing this goal, your client will build more confidence in you and see you as an essential part of their business.

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.