Welcome to the Working Solo Minute, the 60-second newsletter designed specifically for solo entrepreneurs. To unsubscribe or change subscriber options, see the bottom of this issue.

You can view this newsletter (as well as earlier issues) on the Web at:
http://www.workingsolo.com/minute032.html

How to Write a Weekly Newsletter (Part 2)

Last week I shared my system of writing my weekly newsletter. In this issue, we'll look at the production and distribution logistics.

Because I feel comfortable with HTML coding and Web layout, I write my newsletter in my Web design program, Adobe's Dreamweaver. Since the issue will ultimately post to the Working Solo Web site, I save time by crafting the issue in its final Web page format. Here are some things to streamline the process from text to email to Web:

1. Use a template.
One of the attractions in using AWeber as my email newsletter service is that they have a great support team that provides ongoing Webinars and tools to maximize your mailings. They've created several dozen templates to give you a jump-start on the design process, letting you save significant amounts of time. I selected one of their basic templates, then personalized it for the Working Solo Minute. Each week, I start writing the newsletter with a "Save As" command in my Dreamweaver file, building on the template. (You can also compose right in an AWeber template on their site.) Straightforward, quick, and easy.

2. Copy the code.
Once I have finalized the issue in Dreamweaver (after many, many browser previews), I copy the HTML code to into my AWeber account. Again, I use a copy shortcut: I duplicate the last issue sent, then paste the new issue code over it. (Remember, this all works so well because I started with an AWeber newsletter template to create my Web page.) Here's where I can set the time when I want the mailings to take place (date and time), as well as personalize any subject lines or messages. AWeber also enables you to do split mailings (testing slightly different messages with separate groups), but that's one of many options I haven't explored yet.

3. Test, test, test.
Once I'm done posting the newsletter in my AWeber account, I send sample issues to my own email address. Here's my last chance to tweak any phrases, clarify ideas, or catch typos. Then the issue gets placed in the queue until the AWeber servers send the issue out to the thousands of Working Solo Minute readers at the appropriate day and time.

4. Send and post to the Web.
On Wednesday mornings, the AWeber servers work their magic, and the Working Solo Minute appears in inboxes around the globe. After posting the new issue to the Web and updating the archive directory page that lists all the back issues, I get to enjoy the best part -- reading the emails from soloists around the world who have comments or feedback on that week's topic. It's always a treat to connect with readers and to hear news and ideas about their own solo work adventures.

There are many ways to do a weekly email newsletter, and I know that I haven't come close to exploring the full potential of this medium. I hope my experience has provided both clarification and inspiration for you to create your own newsletter or email campaign. Here's to making the connection!

-- Terri Lonier
Founder, WorkingSolo.com

Next Issue:
How I Choose Clients