What does your newsletter do for you? What does it do for your readers? There's always a hidden question when it comes to trying or buying anything. The question a lot of potential subscribers ask about ezines and newsletters is, "What's in it for me?”

So what is in it for them and you? How will someone benefit from subscribing to your ezine or newsletter? How will you benefit as well? Lots of questions right? But this is what it takes to fully think through the purpose and goal of your ezine or newsletter. This is what it takes for you to decide how you want to benefit also.

By taking the time to plan and rollover ideas of what it is you want your readers to take away after reading your ezine or newsletter. And also what you want them to give back, i.e. email address.

Publishing an ezine or newsletter has what I call a two way function; yours and your subscriber’s; a function for you and a function for your readers. The niche of your ezine or newsletter will be the determining factor of what that function will be for both you and your readers.

A Resource Tool

Is your ezine or newsletter a resource tool for your readers? If not, consider making it a resource tool that your readers can‘t live without. Make it a resource that is helpful. The content can either educate, instruct or bring awareness. It is even nicer if it inspires and electrify your reads with excitement and anticipation. You are the only one who knows what kind of resources are available for your niche. And you are the only one who can determine how to make yours outshine all the others in your niche.

Giving your readers important information besides just "come visit my website" or “buy this” will encourage them to keep coming back. And when they do come back they will be sure to bring their friends, family or co-workers on board too. Remember, word of mouth is still the most valuable tool. And if your readers find your ezine or newsletter informative they will seek you out to know more.

A Marketing Tool

Why not use your ezine or newsletter as a marketing tool, also? Ezines and newsletters are not just for alerting readers about updates, new content, or articles. If your ezine or newsletter is geared towards a product or service then you may find it necessary to do some marketing. This is where your ezine or newsletter can become a marketing tool, also.

Just remember when marketing in your ezine or newsletter the content still remains the primary concern. Market your product or service in a way that is not intimidating to your readers or overwhelming. So if you do marketing in your ezine or newsletter be sure to offer as much information as possible. This way your readers will be able to make educated decisions of whether to buy or not.

So in conclusion, be sure to balance out your content by making it resourceful for your readers. Help your readers out by making sure your content add value to their quality of life. Use your content to promote and market by giving explanations of how your product or service will be beneficial to them. Keep your marketing simple and relevant to the content in your ezine or newsletter.

Remember, it will take balance in order to make your ezine or newsletter a resource and marketing tool at the same time. With the right combination though, your readers will come to you again and again for help, advice and information. Why? Because they value what you have to say and offer them.