In keeping with my attempts to be daring this year, I’m daring to start over with my subscriber list.
Let me explain.
I’ve been blogging since December 2007 – almost 8 years. During this time I’ve attempted in a variety of ways to grow my subscriber list. I’ve tried the Feedburner updates, Aweber and Postmatic (both paid) and MailChimp. While my subscriber list went to about 400 at one time, I realized that the percentage of those actually reading my blog via the e-mail updates was very low. I’ve looked at the reasons for this and think that these might include (and I say this without meaning to offend any one):
- I no longer write posts that appeal to those who signed up.
- Too many posts.
- Non-bloggers who signed up, but are too polite to unsubscribe.
- Bloggers who used to be a part of my circle, but aren’t anymore.
- Bloggers and others who’ve found more efficient ways to subscribe to my posts – via Feedly, Bloglovin’ etc.
How did I come to this conclusion? Because I’ve been every one of these reader types at some point.
For a few weeks I tried a weekly newsletter, but I must confess that I got lazy about it. Now, I’m recommitting myself to one – but with a difference.
I’m daring to start over
I’ve come to the conclusion that it’s time for me to kill the list and start over from 0 subscribers. Yes, I’m daring to start over.
I’m also moving out from only blog post updates. If you’re a subscriber, you should get more than other readers, shouldn’t you? (Thanks for the nudge and the inspiration, Elena of Living With Batman).
Going forward, all subscribers will receive a weekly letter – every Sunday.
If you sign up for this letter you’ll receive a lot more than just blog updates – there’ll be news, views and links, book suggestions, recipes, discounts, challenges and exclusive subscriber giveaways (and takeaways!) – printables, e-books, etc.
You’re welcome to tell me what you would like less of and what you would like included in this letter. I promise you won’t be disappointed! (There’s always the ‘unsubscribe’ button, if you are. I promise I won’t be offended.)
Want to sign up for my weekly letter today? Fill in the form below today. (Once you’ve subscribed look out for a confirmation email from ‘Tiny Letter’.)
It is rather easy to subscribe via Bloglovin’ – as they send out daily updates and make it simple to click over and read. I’ve also noticed that my open rate is quite dismal – but then, people come from everywhere to read – social media sharing, etc.
All the best to you! I am sure your newsletters will be fabulous!
Vidya Sury recently posted..Then and Now
Yes, I use Bloglovin’ too – or else my email box would be flooded with all the subscriptions I have. And I agree that people come here from all over, which is precisely why giving email subscribers something special makes sense to me.
Thanks for the vote of confidence.
Corinne Rodrigues recently posted..A Grateful Journey: The Power Of One Mother’s Story
Woohoo! I’m so excited for you! Good luck and keep me updated. Thank you so much for the mention!
Elena Peters recently posted..25 Incredibly Useful Tasks To Grow Your Blog Audience
Thanks, Elena. I’m learning so much from you! Looking forward to your newsletter too.
Corinne Rodrigues recently posted..A Grateful Journey: The Power Of One Mother’s Story
I subscribed – wanted you to know that Hotmail put the “confirm subscription request” in my junkmail folder. What happens to me and subscription email? I sometimes read them on my phone on my work lunch breaks, but more often, I am just so overwhelmed with emails that I end up not reading them. I think the idea of “value added” is a good one. Good luck in starting from zero.
Alana recently posted..Local Saturday – Drain Flies and Sunsets
Thanks, Alana. I appreciate that you subscribed. I must figure out how to work around getting those confirmations out of junk mail. Thanks for letting me know.
The same thing happens to me – so many emails with blog updates I intend to read and not enough time to do that.
Corinne Rodrigues recently posted..A Grateful Journey: The Power Of One Mother’s Story
I am happy to sign up. I am very busy with my business this time of year and if I do not subscribe I do not get around to read my favorite blogs, so thanks for making it easy for me!
Haralee recently posted..Hillary really wants my Donation of $1.00
Corinne, it is not easy to start over and this is a great idea. Congrats on blogging for so many years. I’ve only been at this for a year and it can be time consuming! I tweeted and stumbled this!
Terri Webster Schrandt recently posted..Weekend Coffee Share In Which I Give Thanks
I subscribed cos I love to read what you write. Yours is a bold step and I can understand a part of what you are going through. I also feel that people just like or share but do not really read. At the same time, I tell myself that I need to keep going for that one reader (may be) who regularly reads 🙂
Parul recently posted..Inside Out – Lessons of life
I guess I am actually in the same boat. Even though I see a few 100 subscribers via email in the list, I dont see anyone of them ever commenting. Don’t know whether I have the guts to start from zero or perhaps accept the fact that I am at zero already.
As for the Sunday newsletter, that would actually be a pretty good idea, I think.
Roshan Radhakrishnan recently posted..Review: Jessica Jones – Why you need to be watching Marvel’s darkest show yet
Moving to a weekly newsletter is something I’ve given thought to as well, but have been rather nervous about taking the plunge, as it means that then I’ll have to commit to actually producing one every week (in addition to my usual blog posts). Scary! I think what you’re doing sounds very brave and smart, and I wish you all the best.
Laurel Regan recently posted..Today’s Gratitude List + November 2015 Gratitude Linkup
Oh, thats great. I subscribed-) And why not – starting over can be a fresh and lovely start of something new…All the best to you dear Corinne:-)
Eli recently posted..That’s what friends are for
Wow Corinne! I admire your enthusiasm and your passion for blogging. What does this mean for WRITE TRIBE and the links associated with it. Do they still exist ? Or does this just mean that you now have a new mail service tiny letter and that you have relaunched your newsletter ?
Looking forward to the new look newsletter !
Hi Corinne! I will wait and see how your new plan works. I personally never subscribe for “value added” reasons. I either prefer a blogger and their posts or not. Not sure why but that works for me. But regardless of that, I think it is wonderful that you continue to try new things after all these years. That’s something that I think all writers would benefit from. I think we all need to try different things and stay current as much as possible. ~Kathy
Kathy recently posted..Small Talk, Big Talk and Meaningful Conversation
i think this is a great idea Corinne. My subscribers list is actually a whole bunch of people from my google contacts and I don’t think many of them really read me if at all. I also get very lazy about emailing them. It’s more to do!
You are very ambitious to want and send all that info every week! I can’t wait to see it!
Hi , I have enjoyed reading & following your blog. Do stay in touch & weekly newsletter is indeed a great comitment to writing. Wish you all the best !
rgds
Priyanka
I have subscribed 😀 Good luck with starting over. I am sure I too will get to learn a thing or two 🙂
Rajlakshmi recently posted..“Hook Knee on the Shoulder” … Whatttt !!
I am the worst subscriber in the whole world – I don’t have a subscriber list because I would feel awful asking others to subscribe to me when I won’t return the favour. I hate getting too much stuff in my inbox and I am really OCD with keeping it clear so I just bookmark people and pop over and read regularly. Good on you for being brave enough to start again from scratch!
Leanne recently posted..4 new hats to wear while I’m a carer
Good for you Corinne. So great (and kind of scary) to do this. I am going to TRY to do the same thing. Elena is my professor now and I want to follow her sage advice. Hope this all works out for you because you are a wonderful writer with excellent content.
Cathy Chester recently posted..How I Faced My Fear on the Runway and Learned a Valuable Lesson
Hi Corrine,
Newsletters can’t lure persons like me because I discovered that they lose their interest after a while. Sorry, that may seem arrogant but I love to read good and meaningful content and and find my ways to read that whenever I get time.
Some of your posts are excellent and it is so with all the writers…all pieces can’t be masterpieces. You are an awesome person and your words reflect this wonderfully. May I say one more thing…too many posts also become overwhelming. Thanks for trying to make this blog more friendly and readable.
Balroop Singh recently posted..9 Ways To Knock Off Arrogance
I signed up! I love new beginnings. I’m looking forward to read about yours!
Carolann recently posted..How To Make The Best Homemade Chicken Soup Recipe
Starting over is always brave. The whole subscriber thing is making me crazy to be honest. I usually don’t subscribe to blogs because I check them regularly. However, I may make an exception in your case. Thanks for the inspiration.
Laurie Stone recently posted..9 Things that Bring Hope
Wow! That’s awesome, Corinne! I love this idea of a weekly newsletter. Looking forward to it. New beginnings are a bit scary initially but they propel us to newer experiences, learnings and achievements. Wishing you the very best! ♥
Shilpa Garg recently posted..Letting Go Amidst Chaos
Subscribed! I enjoy your thought provoking posts and the weekly newsletter sounds like an exciting idea to go that step further. Looking forward to a mix of inspiring thoughts, news, giveaways & takeaways and more! 🙂
All the best! Lv!
Aditi recently posted..#SaturdayWordplay 8 : Selcouth
What a wonderful step forward!! I recently decided to take the plunge and move my blog to wordpress. I’m still nervous about it. It’s a whole new world!
Fantastic well done x
Thanks for sharing your thoughts, starting something new is always a little scary, but if the end result makes the situation better for all involved, then it will have been worth it. Love the way you used the word dare here!
Sera recently posted..Vision board: the fun way to achieve your goals
Food for thought! I must admit to not paying close attention to the subscriber list and wouldn’t want to commit to writing a weekly newsletter.
Hope it brings you the results you’re looking for, Corinne.
Debbie D. recently posted..ALMOST CUT MY HAIR!