No Time for a Newsletter? Try This!

If you don't have the time to create an email newsletter, don't worry! You're in good company. Newsletters take alot of energy, especially if you're not used to writing articles. And try as you might, a busy agent like you just can't fit one more thing into an already jam packed schedule.

Here's a great alternative - create a "limited time" series of emails.

A short series of messages gets people interested and makes them look forward to your emails. People take notice of a limited time series - it builds anticipation and commands attention because people know it won't go on forever.

When choosing a topic or format for your email series, the sky's the limit. Here are two ideas to get you started:

• Singe Subject Series

  Use this approach to take readers through a complex issue, product, buying decision, etc. one step at a time. A five to eight email series allows you to explain each aspect of a new type of insurance, major policy change, or major industry trend. You'll quickly establish you as a "go-to" expert by carefully clarifying your subject over the course of several emails.

  For example, you could do a "5-Part Mini Course on How H.S.A.'s Can Save You Money".

• Storytelling Series

  This "teaser" series focuses on building anticipation - revealing just enough information to intrigue without giving away the whole story. People can't resist a call to action like "Check your email on Monday and find out what happened next."

  This method works best with strong case studies, customer success stories, major business changes, and the like. Remember, you want to tell people a story. Think of topics like "How a Quick Fix Saved Us $45,000 a Year," "The Inside Secret to Our 300% Yearly Growth," "Five Major Hiring Mistakes to Avoid" - keep it specific, timely and relevant.

Just remember - the whole idea of a limited time series is that it ends! So think about your subject and carefully outline what you're going to discuss in each email. Don't overload the first few and fizzle at the end - you want to keep people coming back for more.

In your last email, make sure to include a sign-up form or a link to your website so that readers can opt to continue the relationship. Try "Like what you read? Sign up here for our next email."

So, no time for a newsletter should be no problem for you. With a short term commitment, you can create a limited time series of emails that keeps people interested in you.