As most BizWeb Gazette subscribers know, I've been a big fan of ezines for quite a while. Not only do I deliver the zine you're reading right now, I also rely on other ezines for a large percentage of my internet profits.
This tip will show you some of the "zine marketing" results I've had recently as well as explain how YOU can take advantage of this top-notch marketing method.
Newbie fact: For all of you who are new to this arena, the following two paragraphs explain what an "ezine" (short for Electronic magaZine) is:
For starters, there are two very distinct types of ezines on the internet. "Web ezines" and "Email ezines". A web zine is strictly web based and is not delivered via email like the one you are reading now. Although a web zine can be nice to look at, the marketing value is not as strong as the second type, an email ezine.
An email ezine (also know as an email newsletter) is delivered directly to a list of subscribers. Although not as fancy (usually text only) this type of ezine is an excellent marketing tool since it is delivered via email. Unlike the web-zine, no action is necessary on the recipients part, other than to read it. This makes email newsletters the most subtle and effective form of "push marketing" on the net!
Now, on with the "how to's" of ezine marketing..
There are basically three ways to utilize ezines to promote your business online:.
1. DELIVER YOUR OWN EZINE.
The very best way to utilize ezine marketing is to publish your own zine! Why would you want to do this?...
- Your customers/prospects won’t have to find you. They’ll constantly be "in touch" with your business. Your ezine can keep them abreast of new products and services as you make them available.
- You can generate income offering classified or sponsorship advertising if you wish. I started my gazette in 1996 with a handful of subscribers and free advertising. In just two years my subscriber list has grown to 15,000+ and the ad revenue it generates is now closing in on $1000 a week. Marketing value aside, ezine publishing generates income!
- It is the cheapest form of promotion you’ll ever find! Even if you publish a "no advertising" e-newsletter, the marketing value of your ezine is unmeasurable. Remember, unlike traditional newsletters, there are no printing or postage costs. Since your own cost is zero, you can offer free subscriptions, thus insuring a steady flow of new prospects.
If you are interested in starting your own ezine but don't know where to start, this URL contains an article with links to many of the resources I use...
http://216.0.21.175/contact.htm
2. SUBMIT ARTICLES TO EZINES.
The next best way to use the power of ezines is to get your URL into other ezines for free. I've been doing this for a few years now. Every month I release one article that I feel would fit in well with other ezines.
Anyone can use this same online marketing method. It's simple, you write a short article about your area of expertise and send it to ezine owners who publish related material. As a publisher myself, I'm always happy to receive submissions from authors.
Here's an example of how well this works. Over the last few weeks alone, I've seen my articles show up in 30 different ezines. (see below)
When you add the circulation size of these publications together, I reached close 100,000 internet marketers, and I do this on a regular basis. That's a lot of FREE exposure! If you're not using this online marketing method already, I suggest you start. Subscribe to these same ezines and submit articles to the editors!
Here's a list of the publications and where to sign up...
3. ADVERTISE IN EZINES.
The last way to market with ezines is to simply pay. Many email ezines offer low cost advertising. Not only are you able to reach your target audience, you reach them by the thousands. Of all the advertising methods available online, ezines are the most effective in my experience.
Advertising rates are generally determined by the number of subscribers that will see your ad. If you think the rates are high, compare them to traditional advertising rates found in major magazines. I think you’ll agree that ezines offer a much better deal. Does it really work though?...
Here are 3 examples of how well it's worked for us:
- A recent press release ad in the A.I.M. Ezine produced a surge in sales and over 100 new gazette subscribers.
http://www.inetexchange.com/inet-mailer.htm
- An ad in the "Joke-A-Day list" accounted for over $300 in sales and 100 new subscribers.
http://jokeaday.com
- My regular ad in Abbie Drew's DEMC ezine produces an average of $100 in sales every week. No wonder I've advertised in over 100 issues!
http://demc.com/
Have you tried ezine advertising yet? If not, check into these three and the long list of ezines above. You may be shocked to learn the effectiveness of zine advertising!
To find additional ezines on any subject imaginable, visit the following URL's...
http://www.meer.net/~johnl/e-zine-list/
http://www.zinerack.com/
I visit those two sites every month, in search of targeted ezines where I can advertise! I've got some beauties lined up and I'll be sure to report the results right here in a few weeks. (Including Dr. Ralph Wilson's new advertising section in his "Web Marketing Today." This long-time net marketing zine is sure to deliver lots of action!)
Til then, happy ezine marketing!
Click Here to Email Bob Smith