9 Sure-Fire Ways To Increase Your E-zine's Readership

1 You Have Won!

Hold an ongoing prize drawing in your e-zine. The prizes should
be something of interest or value to your subscribers. Most
people who enter will continually read each issue for the
results.

2 100% Original

Give your subscribers content they can't read anywhere else.
I'm not saying all your content has to be 100% original, but a
portion of your e-zine should have original information. People
will usually read information they haven't read before.

3 Was I Right?

Give your subscribers a quiz or a series of trivia questions.
Publish the correct answers in your following issue. The people
who participate will want to see if they were right.

4 Read All About It!

Supply news stories related to your e-zine's topic. People want
current and up-to-date news. If you can be their first source,
they will become loyal readers.

5 The Polls Are In!

Hold an interactive poll in your e-zine. Ask subscribers a poll
question. Have them e-mail their vote or opinion. People love
to give their 2 cents worth. They would also like to read the
results in your next issue.

6 Become A Jester :)

Give your subscribers a little humor now and then. Don't be so
serious, tell them a joke. If they associate your e-zine with
being happy they will want to read every issue.

7 The Information Free-way

People love to get free stuff. Tell readers were to get free
stuff online or offline. It could be software, services, sample
products, e-books etc. The freebies should be related to your
e-zine's topic. Keep the freebies coming and your subscribers
will keep reading!

8 Mini-Yahoo

Tell your subscribers about Web sites related to your e-zine's
topic. The web sites should be interesting and helpful. Become
your readers miniature "Yahoo", you know how many readers
they get.

9 In Our Next Issue...

Get your subscribers excited about your next issue. Tell them
about upcoming articles, prize drawings, freebies etc. If they
know what's in store for them, they won't want to miss reading
your next issue.

6 Ways To Keep Your Online Customers

1. Stay In Touch

Stay in contact with customers on a regular basis. Offer
them a free e-zine subscription. Ask customers if they want
to be updated by e-mail when you make changes to your
Web site. After every sale follow-up with the customer to
see if they are satisfied with their purchase.


2. Friendly Web Site

Make it easy for your customers to navigate on your Web
site. Have a "FAQ" page on your Web site to explain
anything that might confuse your customers. Ask them to fill
out an electronic survey to find out how make your Web
site more customer friendly.


3. Easy And Free Communication

Make it easy and for your customers to contact you. Offer
as many contact methods as possible. Allow customers
contact you by e-mail. Hyperlink your e-mail address so
customers won't have to type it. Offer toll free numbers for
phone and fax contacts.


4. Teach Your Employees

Make sure employees know and use your customer service
policy. Give your employees bonuses or incentives to practice
excellent customer service. Tell employees to be flexible with
each individual customer, each one has different concerns,
needs and wants.


5. Impress Your Customer

Give your customers more than they expect. Send thank
you gifts to lifetime customers. E-mail them online greeting
cards on holidays or birthdays. Award bonuses or discounts
to customers who make a big purchase.


6. Be Nice

Always be polite to your customers. Use the words Please,
Thank You, and Your Welcome. Be polite to your customers
even if they are being irate with you. Always apologize to
your customers should you make a mistake. Admit your
mistakes quickly and make it up to them in a big way.

Get More Traffic

1. Give Away An Electronic Information Product

The product could be a simple report posted on your Web
site or autoresponder to a downloadable e-book. The
information product should relate to your target audience. Just
place your advertisement somewhere on the product. Allow
other people to give away the information product to attract
even more customers.


2. Offer Free Consulting Via E-mail

Allow potential customers to ask you specific questions
relating to the subject of your business. Giving away free advice
can show your prospects your expertise and give you instant
credibility. Another benefit is when you e-mail them back the
free advice or information include your signature file to get free
advertising.


3. Hold A Free Chat Room Seminar

People go to seminars to learn about a particular subject.
With chat rooms you don't need to fear public speaking or
spend money to rent out a seminar room. You can use your
own chat room or hold the seminar in someone elses.
Holding a chat room seminar is an incredible way to get free
publicity. Just send a press release to the media announcing
your free seminar.


4. Start A Free-To-Join Club

Having people join your club is a creative way to attract
new customers. People want to belong to something, why
not your online club. The club should be related to your
product or service. You could give away a free e-mail
newsletter for club members only. Have a members only
message board, e-mail discussion group or chat room. Post
your advertisements on all the club information.


5. Provide Your Product Or Service For Almost Free

Tell potential customers you'll accept barter deals for your
products or services. You may not be getting money but they
will become your customers. If they are satisfied they might
pay money the next time they make a purchase. Barter for
things to improve your business or your own personal life.