And so it begins
Why I transitioned my traditional blog into a newsletter website and why you might want to do the same thing.
For me, starting an online newsletter has been a natural shift in directions.
My initial stabs at online writing on a website I had immediate control over didn’t work out because I had no clear plan of action and no solid idea of what I was writing about or why anyone would be interested.
And let's be honest, on my site as it used to exist, my readership (what there was of it, which wasn’t much) was about as enthusiastic as a slow motion sloth on a Monday morning. It was time for a change.
Enter my shiny new newsletter.
What at first was going to be a weekly thing and that quickly turned into a twice weekly missive that goes straight to my subscriber’s inboxes.
A bold move, I know. And here we are.
A newsletter-based site offers a unique opportunity to build a more intimate connection with your audience.
It's like having a weekly coffee chat with your readers.
I get to handpick ideas and thoughts, and I get to edit and publish on my terms.
And because newsletters go straight to my subscriber’s inbox, my newsletter articles boast higher open rate than blog posts ever did. Running a newsletter is like having a captive audience, eager to hear what you have to say.
However, it’s not all laughs and giggles. Sometimes, staring at that blank email draft can be a daunting task. Writer's block is a real thing and I’ve experienced my fair share of imposter syndrome—both of which can and have hit me with ruthless efficiency.
Added to this, sometimes, email marketing platforms can be a labyrinth of settings and options. I’ve tried the major email platforms and had my fair share of ups and downs. With the system I’m using now, things are more settled (thank you, Substack).
However, and even with a newsletter, you can still face the dreaded "no opens, no clicks" scenario. Sometimes, publishing a newsletter can feel like you’re shouting into the void.
Hello? is this thing on?
But through it all I’ve learned that writing and publishing your own stuff is tremendously rewarding, bring with it a huge sense of accomplishment.
Each week, I’m putting a piece of myself out into the world. I’m sharing my thoughts, knowledge, and passion. And even if it's just a handful of people who read it, that's still a connection worth making.
So, if you're considering turning your blog into a newsletter, I say do it: go for it.
Yes, at times, it's a rollercoaster ride of emotions, but the rewards are worth it.
So, buckle up, and enjoy the ride.
Gary Bloomer | Shaking the Tree.