Back at the beginning of 2013, I decided to tackle “the newsletter.” You know, that thing that every marketing expert and their brother insists that you have. My most popular content has always been information based, teaching people how to do something. Usually that something had to do with blogging, so I decided to relate it to Tips for Better Blogging.
Right from the start my heart wasn’t in it, and somewhere in March I hit a roadblock. There were a few contributing factors. I couldn’t figure out how to balance wanting exclusive content on the newsletter and feeling like my readers were missing out on my posts, but at the same time, the idea of emailing content that was already featured on my blog didn’t really appeal to me either because I personally don’t like receiving content that way. I was stuck, so I stopped emailing all together.
Something else started happening during this time. When I was creating content for my blog, I kept thinking about these nuggets that I learned from running my business. But I kept feeling like there wasn’t space for that kind of content on my blog. Or if there was space I couldn’t figure out where it was.
On top of that I didn’t feel experienced enough to talk about business. I don’t have a business degree. I’m still learning as I go. Who was I to give others advice?
It took a lot of emails from aspiring designers and discussions with other designer friends to realize that because my experience is unique it inherently has value. Read that sentence again, because it’s true for you too. Because don’t we all have unique experiences?
You know stuff. I know stuff. Other people want to know that stuff.
It’s really that simple. Don’t waste 6 months like I did trying to mentally carve out a space for yourself online. Just go share that stuff that you already know.
I’m not waiting any longer, you guys. Starting today, my newsletter is all about sharing the journey of my career as a web designer and a creative 20 something. I’m still working out the details (maybe I’ll even come up with a title for it, gasp!) but it’ll be about sharing insights and struggles and solutions as I come upon them myself. It won’t be about snappy titles with numbered steps. It’ll be about sharing my very real experience building a brand and career centered around creativity, all done through the internet.
I want you to join me. And I want you to help me shape this experience. I’ve already got a ton of ideas from that survey I had you guys take a few weeks ago, but if there’s anything that you want to know, I’d love for you to leave your questions or ideas in the comments.
And of course, I’d love for you to go sign up for the newsletter if you haven’t already!
You’ll also notice that I’ve added a subscribe box to my sidebar for those of you who do like to receive posts in their inbox. You can sign up there to subscribe to blog posts.
I’m struggling with this very idea right now! For the past few weeks I’ve been planning on launching my newsletter (with today being the day), but I’m stuck on what to write about. Like you I don’t just want to post the same stuff that’s on my blog, but then again when I come up with ideas, I want to post them on the blog for everyone to see. So frustrating.
I can’t wait to see what info you share via your newsletter. I have a feeling it’s going to be an awesome resource!
Way to go! I’m facing a similar issue with my newsletter right now.. hopefully this will inspire me to get back to it, too!
I love this post! I’m facing a similar struggle as I try to take my blog to the ‘next level’ (how cliche) and this let me know I’m A) not along and B) encouraged me to go ahead and start offering sponsorships and buying ad space and all that jazz that goes with it. Thank you! (And I totally signed up for your newsletter. :)
Just signed up! I’m so excited about it!
The ever-dreaded newsletter. I haven’t even begun to tackle this feat which I have planned for my blog’s new branding and it seems like I am where you were. I should take some time out next week to really churn out some good newsletter templates and ideas. Thanks for sharing!
Sounds awesome Kate – I think as bloggers and business owners it gets very confusing and time consuming to be trying to work out all the time what these avenues of connection are best used for – sounds like you’ve got a great idea! Sign me up ;)
I had no idea you and everyone else was having this problem too. Well you’ve obviously had your newsletter for a while now and I’m very curious to see what you come up with so I’m now subscribed :)
Thanks for being so honest about this stuff. I forget that I can be candid in my own blog sometimes too.