SwapEzineAds.com | Article Directory

Should You Upgrade Your E-zine From Text to HTML?

A | B | C | D | E | F | G | H | I | J | K | L | M | N | O | P | R | S | T | U | V | W | Y

A few years ago, when I first started seeing HTML e-zines in my inbox, I admit I was jealous. They were attractive, attention getting, snazzy. They made my text e-zines look boring.

But my mind fought the idea of upgrading my own. "My readers appreciate my e-zine for its content," I told myself. "They don't need some slick design to get their attention. They just want my information, straight up. Publishing in HTML won't make a difference."

I was wrong.

Well, I was right that my readers receive my e-zine for its content. After all, that's why they subscribed - for my concise, how-to articles.

But I was mistaken that a better "presentation" wouldn't make a difference.

After much deliberation, I decided to give HTML a whirl. I had my e-zine professionally designed in HTML, featuring my logo, colors, and photo.

First off, let's all agree that it's ridiculously easy to publish in text. That's a good thing.

If you're just beginning your e-zine and are a bit overwhelmed, text is a great place to start. You can then focus on developing great content and publishing on a regular basis, without worrying about HTML design and coding snafus.

Article continues below...

Earn From Your Own Ready Made Newsletters With PLR Newsletters

High Quality Customizable Private Label Content In Hot Niches Ready To Plug In To Any Autoresponder With A Few Clicks Of Your Mouse. Easily Build Multiple Responsive Opt-in Lists, That Will Make You Money Month After Month!

Click Here to Find Out More!

Text also gives you complete freedom and flexibility - you can add new sections and delete others any time you feel like it, without having to redesign your entire e-zine.

But let's face it: There are hundreds of thousands of text e-zines out there that all look the same. I subscribe to 30+ text e-zines, and they all seem to lump together in my e-mail inbox.

The ones that catch my eye and make me read on - they're HTML.

>

"Okay, okay," you say. "I know HTML e-zines look great. But do they get better results?"

I'll let these statistics answer that question:

• HTML e-zines are read MORE OFTEN than plain text e-zines.



• HTML e-zines have a higher CLICK-THROUGH rate. (That is, people are more likely to click on any links you provide to your site or sales offers.)



• HTML e-zines reinforce your BRAND by carrying the same look as your Web site and other marketing materials with your logo, colors, etc.



• HTML e-zines allow you to TRACK your readership by showing how many people on your list actually open each e-zine you send.

It's also nice if you can offer your readers a choice in what they want to receive. Why? While I got dozens of compliments and thank-yous after switching to HTML, I also got a few people asking if they could still receive my e-zine in TEXT! Go figure... ;

(c) 2003 Alexandria K. Brown

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Alexandria K. Brown, "The E-zine Queen," is author of the award-winning manual, "Boost Business With Your Own E-zine." To learn more about her book and sign up for more FREE tips like these, visit her site at http://EzineQueenTutorial.com/

Printable View

Help others find this article at Del.icio.us, Digg, Netscape, Reddit, and Simpy.

Ezine, Newsletter, Website Owners - Reprint This Article (HTML & TEXT Versions)

Link To This Article:

Earn From Your Own Ready Made Newsletters With PLR Newsletters

High Quality Customizable Private Label Content In Hot Niches Ready To Plug In To Any Autoresponder With A Few Clicks Of Your Mouse. Easily Build Multiple Responsive Opt-in Lists, That Will Make You Money Month After Month!

Click Here to Find Out More!