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If you read this blog from its homepage, then you might notice something new there in the sidebar. I’m starting up a CraftyPod email newsletter!
I’ve had a lot of requests to offer email updates of my blog posts. This newsletter will include blog highlights, but I actually wanted to make it a bit more interesting…
My plan is to put newsletters out monthly (or thereabouts). They’ll include cool things like:
- Free downloadable PDF projects, exclusive to newsletter subscribers
- Subscriber-only giveaways
- Sneak peeks into upcoming podcasts and projects
- Subscriber-only coupons
- Guest recipes and crafts from my Mom! (I haven’t actually asked her yet, but now that I’ve blogged about it, I’m sure she’ll say yes.)
- Roundups of very useful websites and ideas for promoting your crafty business
- And yes, blog highlights!
… In short, a similar mishmash of crafty goodness to what you get here on the blog, but different. And don’t worry – I won’t spam you, or share your email address, or do anything else nefarious.
If you want to sign up, just fill out the wee form at left. (Or, click out of your feed reader for a second.)
Newsletters will commence as soon as I have a fair number of people signed up. Happy Weekend!
Gee, lots of extra Free. (?!) Given all the discussion, why do you believe you need a blog beyond your blog (as opposed to just blogging more often)? What is the value of the exclusivity (subscriber-only) options – for you? for readers? I'm really curious about this.
I'm actually surprised you don't already have a newsletter…haha! Sign up for it, thanks!
This is a great question, Marianne. I'll do my best to answer thoroughly.
First, it's important to understand that I'm not really proposing to to a “blog beyond the blog” with this project. I already blog pretty frequently here, and the newsletter will encompass the best of the blog content, along with a few new extras and behind-the-scenes peeks. I used to run a weekly email newsletter of original content, so I know this monthly format is very manageable.
Interestingly, people who read this blog do it in lots of different ways. Some get new posts instantaneously through feed readers like Google Reader. Others have the blog bookmarked and check back from time to time. Many in this second group have requested an email newsletter, and I think it's a great way to help them to keep up on CraftyPod. The handy thing about a newsletter is that it comes to you instead of you having to remember to check the blog. I'm looking forward to the newsletter as a way to have more conversation with these folks.
You also asked why the exclusivity of a newsletter would benefit me. Well, it's true that I love sharing useful Free stuff with crafters. I also have a business – and honestly, if the business isn't doing well, then I can't afford to continue putting out Free.
A newsletter is a nice, high-value way to remind people from time to time that I have ebooks and online classes they might be interested in. I certainly don't intend to bombard anyone with marketing messages, but I hope that the deeper connection a newsletter community can cultivate will encourage some people to check out my business stuff.
I hope this answers your question!
Heh! I've had a LOT of requests over the past year. Sadly, though, I have not yet cracked the 24-hour day barrier. :-)
What?!#@* Recipe's and craft tutorials? No you haven't asked me yet! But if this is your official request the answer is officially YES! OF COURSE!
Heh heh – I was sure hoping you'd find that funny. :-)
Made my day!
:-) You're the nicest woman ever!
Yay! I tried to sign-up when you first posted but this but I'm not sure it went thru… I wasn't at home and for reasons beyond my control had a shaky internet connection. I'm signing up again (or maybe for the first time?)
I saw your sign-up come through last night, Meg, so all is well!
Thanks for signing up!
Thanks, Diane.
Sure! And welcome back from Audit-Land! :-)
Thanks, Diane.
Sure! And welcome back from Audit-Land! :-)