In our video series,

Advertising for Success

, we’ve been talking about marketing within your social networks. Our challenge began at the beginning of this year, and you’ve done so much to expand your online presence. This week, we’re getting back to the basics. 

Are you sending out a newsletter?

You should be. It's such an easy way to touch base and make sure you stay in the front of their minds.

Your newsletter can provide great value by informing your customers with interesting content that resonates with them. Make sure that you are shining through in your words, and adding your own personal flair. People buy from you because they like you, trust you, and are loyal to you. They are fans of you and your business. This is a consistent way to remind them of that.

I invite you to watch this week’s video to hear more about it.

We need to build and keep relationships, and to do that we need to be reaching out in more ways than just social media. Make sure you remember the market that existed before Facebook. Send birthday cards, keep making phone calls, and of course if you don’t already have one, start a newsletter today. 

It’s the easiest way to stay in touch, and it’s just one more ability you’re giving people to share your name. Make it personal and meaningful. Just begin, and stay connected. Put your name in the front of their minds. Stay connected to them, do it for them, and always be promoting them. 

Make it fun. Add in a recipe. a joke. and maybe add a link to a YouTube video. Make people smile. Promote your community. Give a shout out to your local dry cleaners, the new restaurant that just opened in town, or your favorite coffee shop. Showcase a person who lives in your community who does something that’s good for your neighborhood. 

Be a force for good in your community. get people interested because it’s about them. After all, it’s for them. What’s happening in your community? What events are the schools in your area putting on? Talk about the fundraiser for the local theater company. Is there a food bank that needs volunteers nearby? Tell them. Not to solicit business, just to stay connected and be a friendly advocate for your area.

You'll find Ali Reda's newsletter in the link below.

Notice that he has a theme for the season, and it's NOT about selling cars. It's just about connecting and helping people. Ali is basically saying, "Hi friends, Here are all the good ideas I have about how to make this next month more fun for the whole family. Want to try some of them?" Paired up with the funny video, testimonials, and quote of the month, it offers so many ways to make people smile. That's what you want to do. Let them see you.

Take a look at Auto Training Academy's Newsletter Strategy for tips on getting started.

Start your newsletter today, or update it now! Is there something awesome in your newsletter that we’ve left out? In the comments below, tell us about YOUR great ideas for newsletter content. What information can you add that will benefit your community?