Shake up your format

Developing content for your newsletter should be fun. With the following ideas, you'll have an entire tool chest at your disposal next time you sit down to work on your newsletter.

How to's:
You're an expert at something - that's why you're in business. Come up with a list of questions that your clients are always asking and write a few short articles with step-by-step directions to make things easier for them. Don't worry about giving away your secrets. This could be just the draw that a new client is looking for. For example, an accountant could do a short how-to article about organizing your receipts; a counselor could do an article on how to handle a stressful situation; or maybe a business coach could write a quick how-to article on getting prepared for a networking event. Here's how:

1. Decide on a topic
2. Come up with a snappy title to draw your reader in
3. Define the problem so your readers can relate
4. Explain the great results that they can get with your solution if they follow you steps
5. Define your steps

Tip them off
Tips are some of the quickest articles to write, plus they make great fillers.

1. Start by introducing the topic of the collection of tips
2. Tell them what to do
3. Follow each tip with a reason for that tip and why it's the better way to do something
4. Move onto the next tip , repeat steps 2 and 3 until done

Send them on a 'Myth' adventure
There are lots of myths out there, such as: 'You can't fight City Hall' or 'Only big businesses can survive on the Internet'. Introduce your myth and use your knowledge and experience on how accomplish the task. Maybe you're a small business marketing guru that knows how to help the little guys succeed on the Internet. Use lots of examples and really talk up your part in overcoming the accepted myth.

Get the interview
Find out who the 'perceived' expert is on a subject that's related to your industry and do an interview with them. A CPA working with start-up businesses might interview an expert on doing business plans, for example. It's doesn't have to be a bid deal. Just contact them and ask for about fifteen minutes. They'll be flattered. Have a list of relevant questions to ask and take notes. Be sure to send them a copy of the write up before you publish your article so they can correct anything. Keep it light, relevant, and above all else, short - about 500 words.