I’m so glad to hear that, Sonia! In a newsletter, you can also provide links to articles that others have written online, so you become more of a content curator than a creator. That helps, too.

I’m glad you’re seeing progress!

Sandy

A newsletter of curated articles in those subjects is the ticket for me, and publishing it on LinkedIn has brought visibility to my brand and reconnected me to old colleagues.

I include articles I have published as a guest blogger, as well as media mentions, without feeling the pressure to continuously produce original content.

The feedback has been very encouraging!

Hi Mili,

Think in terms of incentives. First, what free download/subscription gift can you offer your target audience that has value for them? What can you offer that they want? That’s the first incentive to provide their email address. Next, what can you provide on an ongoing basis via email that will be useful to them?

Sandy

Hi Joy!

It’s flattering that you wish to see my newsletter. I’m using MailChimp and the HTML is rather pretty, while the service is free and easy to use. My email content has changed as I’m currently working on a YA fantasy that has me absorbed 6 days out of 7. However, if you are still curious you can join at http://artofmili.ca/MiliFayArtFanClub

As a fiction author I do not have information that people need, but I do try to provide entertainment: time-lapse videos of digital painting, free artwork, coloring pages, and occasionally discoveries I make as I try to survive as an independent artist with no personal connections in the field. It would be so much easier if I came from a family of artists who have paved the way, but sadly I come from a family of engineers, economists, and doctors.

Naturally, I was raised to be modest, so marketing and promotion go against the grain. ? However, I am grateful to have stumbled upon Sandy’s blog. When I’m stymied I usually find some practical advice here.

Cheers!

Mili

Hi Sandy!

I’ve been enjoying your daily marketing tips when I stumbled upon this link, but I see I’ve already left a comment. I was in desperate need of advice, but I thought it may be fun to write an update.

I’m afraid a few of my members have abandoned ship so to speak. Back in 2015, I’ve been focusing so much on marketing that I realised I did not create anything new in a year! Now I’m creating, but as a creator my newsletter content has changed. Also, my first book was a picture book, while the books I’m working on are part of a YA fantasy series (different audience). I’ve been sending emails with my progress updates, artwork, and time-lapse videos. I occasionally write a HOOTs of Wisdom article, but I do not have as many tips, because I’m not making as many discoveries, fantasy fiction I find is mostly philosophical and internal. Therefore, I understand that the audience that stuck for the marketing tips and picture book info is leaving.

However, I have little luck attracting fantasy fans to my list who would enjoy my current work. Do you have any ideas how to improve my numbers? I was hoping to attract more people to my list by creating fan art of famous fantasy books, but so far all I got are a few more likes on Facebook and Twitter, but no one interested in the newsletter.

At this point, I’m not sure what I’m doing wrong…

Thanks in advance,

Mili

Sounds like you’re dealing with a lot of challenges right now, Mary. It will all be waiting for you later, when life seems easier.

Sandy