Hello friends!
Welcome, welcome.
If you’re here, that’s exciting because it means that maybe you, too, are curious about growing your blog and/or newsletter… and the only way to do either is to learn about it. So, have a seat, and let’s learn!
If you’re like me, maybe you’ve heard about these authors having newsletters and thought…
I don’t have one of those… but maybe I’d like to.
If only I knew what it was.
Alas, I’m going to clear that up in one easy blog post!
BLOGS VS NEWSLETTERS
Let’s start with the elephant in the room: what’s the difference between a blog post and a newsletter?
BLOGS:
A blog is a space for you to create and share content via “posts” or “entries” with your audience. What content you share is up to you. Blogs can be written and uploaded on a whim or be scheduled to go out at specific times. You can create as many blog posts as you’d like.
For my blog posts, I have some that go out randomly (like this one) and others that are scheduled- (like my feature interviews, which are a bi-monthly segment that goes out on the first and third Wednesday of each month).
Blog entries can be subject-based and organized by categories in your blog. Or, if you only blog about one thing *or have no theme at all, but it’s just a general journal-style format* then you don’t need to worry about that.
For my blog posts, I have them organized by category on my blog homepage so that my readers can quickly find what they’re looking for. Some of my topics currently include: book recommendations, feature interviews, my writing journey, parents and educators, or, if you’re feeling like taking a random tour through everything I have to offer, I also have a category that says view all blog posts.
NEWSLETTERS:
Unlike a blog post, a newsletter is not something that everyone has access to or can visit- like a public blog post on your page. It’s a specifically curated letter between you and your subscribers. This adds a level of intimacy with your readers. And it’s a great place to express your gratitude!
Keep in mind that newsletters are meant to be brief- I mean VERY brief- so don’t go on and on (like I’m doing now). Simply say “thank you” and get outta there!
Speaking of brief, let’s talk specifics. How long should your newsletter be?
Your newsletter should be roughly 1-2 paragraphs (3 tops).
The purpose of your newsletter is to present your audience with a summarized recap of what you’ve already shared in your blog posts.
Which answers another question you might have had…
Which comes first, the blog post or the newsletter?
The answer is: THE BLOG POST!
Your newsletter is designed to whet the appetite of the reader and get them to CLICK that link and read your blog post (if they haven’t already.)
Here’s a rough sample of what your newsletter might look like:
You get the gist.
Last but not least, a newsletter is typically scheduled to go out on a specific day/time.
Some choose to have a bi-monthly newsletter to keep their readers informed regularly.
For my newsletter, I choose to share it ONCE a month.
I have it scheduled to go out on the LAST Friday of each month.
Which brings me to some exciting news!
Are you ready?
Here it is…
My first-ever author newsletter will be going out this coming Friday, January 26th, 2024!
GASP.
And I’m celebrating with gifts!
For everyone who joins the newsletter list before or by this coming Friday, January 26th, 12PM Central Time, I’ll be offering a special author opportunity: an in-depth picture book critique: fiction/600 words or less/non-rhyming.
Not an author?
Not a problem!
Substitute prizes are available!
HOORAY!
FAQS
Q: I’ve already subscribed to the newsletter. Will I be entered?
A: You’re already entered!
Q: I’m not sure if I’m subscribed to the newsletter or just the blog?
A: Here’s how to check…
Visit the blog homepage.
When the pop-up prompt box appears asking if you’d like to sign up for the newsletter, type your email into the box. If it tells you “you’re already subscribed,” then you’ll know for sure. And if it doesn’t, make sure to check your inbox and confirm your subscription so that you won’t miss out on the prize opportunity!
HOLD THE PHONE… I STILL HAVE QUESTIONS.
LIKE… FROM THE STANDPOINT OF THE BLOG READER VS. THE BLOG WRITER...
WHAT’S THE BENEFIT OF SUBSCRIBING THE NEWSLETTER IN ADDITION TO THE BLOG?
That’s a great question! If you’re a human being, chances are you have a busy schedule. Which means you might not have the time to read EVERY blog post.
The benefit of the newsletter is essentially that it’s a time saver.
How?
A newsletter allows you to quickly see what topics were discussed and which (if any) you’re most interested in checking out. And instead of having to manually scroll through blog articles to find the one you want, all you have to do is click the link in the newsletter to whichever article you’re interested in.
Example: let’s say you’re a freelance illustrator looking for tips from other illustrators on how to get your start in the kidlit world. But the first article during the month is about a traditionally published Middle-Grade author. Maybe that’s not something you’re looking to read. But the following article is about – guess what- a children’s book illustrator who got her start in kidlit through freelance illustrating- and she has tips! That’s your article! From the quick summary in that newsletter, you’re able to click the link and read more.
Pretty cool, right?
So, now that you know the differences between the two and how GREAT a newsletter is, why not subscribe today?!
p.s. Curious about ways to get started setting up your blog or newsletter? Let me know in the comments! OR maybe you have tips on how to get started… drop those links in the comments below to share the knowledge with fellow creators!