Q. What sort of writers do you employ?
A. As professional business writers we’re always mindful of the fact that the newsletter must capture the interest of the publication’s target audience. That’s why we only employ writers with newspaper, magazine, public relations or direct marketing experience. We also select for an understanding of business and marketing.
Q. What happens if I’m not happy with a story?
A. As a matter of principal we always send a PDF with the proposed publication content for the client to check before it goes to print. You are the expert on your subject and it is your publication so you have to be totally happy with it. We are happy to make changes.
It is important to note that the publication will not be printed until you are pleased with it and have given the go-ahead to print.
Q. How do I go about getting the content for the newsletter?
A. After meeting with you to discuss the publication we will suggest ideas. You will find that as time goes on it actually becomes easier rather than more difficult.
Q. Why don’t we just produce a newsletter in-house?
A. Some people do this with varying levels of success. One of the great advantages of outsourcing the production of the newsletter rather than producing it in-house is that we tend to look at the publication from the point of view of what people would want to read while you will look at it from the point of view – what you want to tell people.
The task in creating a good newsletter is to work the copy so that it provides people with an interesting publication while at the same time getting your message across.
You will also find us helpful in coming up with ideas. Writing and designing a publication takes time and resources. If you were to farm the design out and then use a printing company you would most likely find that we can write, design and print for a lower price than you’re likely to pay because we design in-house and we have strong print buying power.
Q. What do I do if our staff haven’t the time to package and mail the newsletters?
A. We can be your mailing house as well as producing the publication for you. We have machinery in house for printing envelopes to Australia Post requirement and for printing the addresses straight onto the envelopes. All you have to do is send your mailing list in an Excel spreadsheet format and we do the rest. |
We will also package your newsletter and handle posting. Through the use of bar coding, we obtain postage rates well below standard post prices. These discounts are passed onto you.
Q. Newsletters have been around for years – what’s better about them now than previously?
A. In the past, companies tended to produce newsletters without giving much thought to content. They made the big mistake of just talking about themselves: their successes; their new staff; why people bought from them; the fact that the receptionist had a baby last week; the store manager was getting married soon and so on. In short, the focus was on themselves – not on what clients want to read.
Who are the most boring people in the world? Those people who talk about themselves of course!
So the take home message is:
- If you want your newsletter to be welcomed by your clients and prospects – the articles must be about what interests them - useful information on your topic of expertise. That way you promote yourself by positioning yourself as the expert giving advice, free tips and client success stories.
- It must not be just another sales solicitation.
Q. Can I attach my newsletter to my website?
A. You certainly can. When your publication is completed we will send you a ‘final PDF’ that you can attach to your website. There is no additional charge for this. You can also email it to various clients who prefer to receive their newsletter via email.
Q. Is there any copyright placed on the articles you write?
A. We do not withhold copyright which means that you can use the articles we write for any other purpose you wish – as press releases, in brochures, for putting on your website – whatever. We consider your further use of the material as a means of you getting extra mileage for what you’ve paid us for.
Q. Does Media Support Services do other work other than newsletters?
A. Whilst we have specialised in newsletter production we also produce brochures, corporate profiles and other promotional material for clients. We can also write the text for websites. |
