Are you confused with a blog vs newsletter? Are you unsure which is best for your small business? Then read on and find out the answers
What is the difference between a newsletter and a blog?
Newsletters for business
A newsletter is sent to a specified group of people that have subscribed to your mailing list. This group can also be segmented down according to their interests, location or any other criteria you set. This allows you to target specific people with tailored messages.
Newsletters can contain a range of content on different topics. A newsletter can be as short or as long as you want.
Once a newsletter is sent, the reader will not be able to see it again after they have opened it unless they save the original email.
Blogs for business
A blog is available for anyone in the world to read who visits your website. It helps position you as an expert in your field and if written in line with Search Engine Optimisation (SEO) best practices can help drive traffic to your website.
A blog usually focuses on one specific topic. A blog should contain at least 300 words but 1000 is recommended.
Blogs can be updated as and when you need to as they stay live on your website until you remove them.
When should I use a newsletter?
You should use a newsletter to keep in contact with your subscribers, provide valuable and relevant information and promote your products and services. This helps create a relationship with your subscribers and to keep you top of mind for when they are ready to buy.
Newsletters should be sent on a regular and consistent basis so your subscribers don’t forget who you are. This should be a minimum of once every quarter.
When should I use a blog?
A blog helps position you as the industry expert in your field. Regular blog writing can help drive valuable traffic to your website and if you add an opt-in can help gain new subscribers to your newsletter for tailored marketing.
Blogs should be written on a regular and consistent basis at least once per month.
What should I put in a newsletter?
Newsletters can include:
- Latest industry or company news
- Top tips
- Updates on new products and services
- Special offers and discounts
- Case studies
- Product reviews
- Link/s to blog posts
- Behind-the-scenes content
- Request for feedback/survey
- Recommendations on anything from useful resources to books, software etc
- Seasonal greetings
What should I put in a blog?
A blog should be written about a specific topic related to your business. It’s useful to listen to what your target audience is talking about and what questions they are asking and use this as your topic.
It should include:
- Introduction
- Main content
- Summary
I would suggest these three additional items at the end of each post.
- A call to action telling people what to do next.
- A comments box to encourage people to interact
- Social sharing buttons to help people share your content with others.
Blogs should be written in line with SEO best practices to help them be found by the search engines.
Which is better – a newsletter or a blog?
Both newsletters and blogs are a valuable part of any marketing campaign, and they should be used in conjunction with each other.
Your blog will help attract visitors to your website where they will see what you do and be directed to get in touch, buy or make a booking. It will also direct people to your newsletter for targeted marketing.
Your newsletter will build relationships where you can promote your offerings and direct people to your site to find out more about you and see what else you have on offer.
Now you know the difference between a blog vs a newsletter but are you still unsure how to proceed? If so, take a look at the resources below. Learn all about blogging for business with a step-by-step course or get your content written for you via The Small Business Kit hands-on services.
Valuable resources:
Blogging for Business Course
Access the Blogging for Business course with workbook and planner for just £27. It includes everything you need including how to come up with ideas on what to write, how to create an attention-grabbing headline, how to build your audience and how to write for the search engines (Top SEO tips)
ACCESS NOWCopywriting service
Get your blog written for you with The Small Business Kit’s hands-on service.
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