E-ZINES 401: Content Development and Writing

Do you struggle with writing articles for your E-Zine?  Wish you had more time to devote to developing ideas and content? Well, you are definitely not alone.

Due to the exploding popularity of E-Zines as marketing tools, many small business owners find themselves wearing yet another hat - that of E-Zine publisher.  Most likely, you have also taken on the additional roles  of writer, editor, and mailing list manager.

The concern I hear most often from new E-Zine publishers  is, "I am already so busy. I don't have time to think about coming up with an idea for an article much less writing one." Sound familiar? Your answers might be closer than you think!

FOCUS POCUS

First, take a moment to think about what you hope to accomplish with your E-Zine, and what your readers want from you.

If the purpose of your E-Zine falls somewhere between goodwill ambassador and promotional marketing tool, then you have everything you need right on your desktop! Let's take a look at the best places to find topics for your next publication.

OK, START WITH WHAT IS ON YOUR DESK.

=> Get any interesting e-mail this month?  From customers, competitors, or even junk mail?

=> What's in your in-box?

=> What's on your to-do list?
Anything you can share with your readers?

TAKE A LOOK AT YOUR DAILY EXPERIENCES.

=> What did you see and hear today? Article, news,
movie, books, billboards, bumper stickers.

=> Did you just get back from a really great
seminar? Hey, we (your readers) did not have the
opportunity to attend - tell us about it!

=> Did you get asked **that** question again?! Expand an FAQ into an article.

TAKE A LOOK OUTSIDE YOUR OFFICE.

=> Is there any news - local, national, or global affecting your products or services? (HINT: Of course there is!)

=> Do you have a forum on your web site? Do you visit  forums on other sites? Forums are loaded with questions, answers and opinions which makes them great places to pick up an idea for an article.

=> Did you have a great experience with a new vendor that you can share? Great customer service stories are always a favorite in newsletters.

=> Do you have any new products or services to offer? Maybe a "subscriber only" special?

=> Do you have a seasonal or holiday spin?

=> Interview somebody!

=> Go to the library and read...anything.

LET YOUR READERS WRITE YOUR E-ZINE

=> How? Encourage feedback. Ask your readers to tell you how they use your products. Host a Question and Answer column. Using this technique, you can develop a sense of community for your readers and as a bonus, you get material for your E-Zine.

DO YOU LOOK LIKE A REPORTER?

Ok, so maybe you don't really need one of those fedora hats with the PRESS card on it, but get one of those little flip-top, reporter-style spiral notebooks and carry it around with you.

When you have an idea for an article, write it down in your notebook. Also, keep a folder for clippings from magazine and newspaper articles. When you follow these simple steps, two things happen:

1) You develop an "idea bank" for articles upon which you can draw for any issue.

2) The large and overwhelming task of writing your e-zine has been broken down into smaller pieces and integrated into your daily routine.

When you do sit down to write your article, you won't be staring at a blank screen or piece of paper. You've already completed your homework and have some good ideas to work with.

That's it. The secret is to stick to what you know and write your newsletter in a personal and conversational tone, as though you were writing to one of your friends.

If you are looking for contributing authors, check out The Gallery here at E-ZineZ for free articles from over 50 authors.

Of course, if you want your articles delivered right to your email inbox once a month, check out our Ezine News and Content Service.

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