Creating a newsletter is not what it used to be, at least for me.
My first one was a one-page sheet detailing what I did over the summer. I sent it to my college friends (wait for it) IN THE MAIL. Yup, I fancied it up with photos and clip art, printed it out, and off it went through the postal service. I wish I kept a copy. If any of my friends out there still have one, please send me a photo. It may have been some of my best work.
A few summers later, I documented the activities of the day campers in my care. News of themed weeks and sporty highlights were also accompanied with colorful images. Although the camp’s printer only allowed black ink. These flyers were stuffed into soggy backpacks. Who knows if parents even read them. I think I may still have a dry copy, somewhere.
Fast forward to various copywriting gigs where the news was now in a digital format. I was tasked to compile compelling blogs, the latest promotions, and other spotlights to include in one of MANY monthly subscriptions. Some went to corporate computers. Others went to customer emails. So, of course the content had to match the audience. Crafting headlines, quippy descriptions, and calls to action is my jam, especially when other departments are tasked with the technological stuff.
Now it all falls on me. Yippee!
Don’t get me wrong. No one is forcing me to send newsletters. I’m choosing to write these updates. Honing my skills in this department will only make my life easier (someday, maybe). Not only is it enlightening to summarize what’s been happening lately, feature my blogs, and tone my techy muscles, but it helps keep the lines of communication open. Especially in a time when these lines can get crossed or buried in a sea of political press on social media.
As of now, my personal website, blog, and monthly emails are content I can control. What I can’t control is tech hiccups. Like personalizing confirmation emails only to have the default messages sent. Or assigning automation, groups, and deciphering data on the mailer dashboard. Okay, maybe I can control this if I knew what I was doing. It’s all a work in progress. And as a business owner, it’s something I should know how to do. At least until I can pay someone who knows how to do it better.
So, I will put on my creative cap, breathe into my business bag, and send out these newsletters like the lady boss I am! I hope readers can relate to something. I pray it offers some comic relief during unfunny times. And for the love of all things good and plenty, may it lead to building a creative empire where I can focus more on the quips and clip art rather than the conversion rate. Please and thank you.
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