I've subscribed to great newsletters over the past few weeks and lately I look back on the reasons why I decided to subscribe to them in the first place. There has to be some secret formula for writing catchy newsletters, correct? Let's see what made me decide to want to receive these newsletters:

Was it the attractive layout? Yes.

Was it the snappy content?Yes

Was it the people behind the company? Yes.

So you see, these are the same reasons why we love some blogs and websites. Creating catchy newsletters uses the same basic rules as creating great blog posts and effective web copies, but I think there are 2 things that make newsletters different: well planned subject lines and powerful introductory one liners.

In blogs and websites, you have the option to go to another post or page to read something else if you don't like what you see. On the other hand, in the case of newsletters in inboxes, the subject line is very powerful. It will dictate whether or not a newsletter will be viewed.

From time to time we need to be reminded of the basics. So whether you're just thinking to launch a newsletter or planning to give your current one a makeover, here are some ideas to guide you in creating catchy newsletters:

Tip #1- Pique your readers' interest with a catchy subject line.

Make your recipient stop, pause and notice. Email newsletters, just like any other email, get stuck in the inbox unless it's viewed and read. Thus, the first tip is to create a catchy subject line that will captivate the recipient's attention.

Tip #2 - K.I. S.S.

Now that you have grabbed their attention, your next goal is to give them a reason to stay and read some more. Keep your newsletter straight to the point and simple. (KISS) Be brief and straight to the point. Communicate your message immediately. Draw up an impressive introduction sentence or paragraph.

Tip #3 - Adjust writing style to your readers.

The only way for you to connect with your readers is to get to know them - their demographics, their profiles, their interests and other preferences. Match the tone of your writing style to what you think will communicate well with your subscribers.

Tip #4 - Lay it out in bullets.

All text, in paragraph form, is not ideal in email newsletters. Your readers could be missing certain ideas because they could just be dragged while reading your lengthy and continuous articles. Pique their interest over and over again by highlighting or emphasizing essential points or naming the basic points.

Tip #5 - Tell readers what to do next.

Would you prefer that they share or forward your newsletter or direct them to your website? Email newsletters are not social letters. As a matter of fact it's a news source that could be shared to other people through forwarding. Ensure that the information that you share is of value and therefore definitely good enough to be worth spreading.

Remember, people nowadays subscribe to a lot of newsletters, not just one or two. So make sure yours gets opened. With these ideas, creating catchy newsletters shouldn't be too tricky. Good luck and happy newsletter writing!