Judy's EZ Ezine Template Help File
The boxes with the headings are sometimes called "fields." Some call them Edit or Input boxes. It's a way to enter information. Just copy something you have already written and paste it in each box. Or type directly in the field, creating as you go, and edit later.
If you have any questions about the meaning of the lingo on these pages, go to Net Lingo or Webopedia. And for more publishing tips, go to this page.
QUOTE OF THE MONTH - You can have a lot of fun choosing quotations. Here's a link to a site crammed with all kinds of quotations: Quoteland.
EDITORIAL - This is where you chat with your subscribers. Don't be afraid to be personal. Let them know that you're a human being. Talk with them, not at them. Discuss free offers, software or site discoveries, industry trends, and ask questions.
If you have quite a bit to say, break it into smaller paragraphs. Big paragraphs intimidate readers and they tend to ignore them and move on.
FEATURE ARTICLE - This could be something you've put together, or it could be a guest article. It could be an interview. Whatever you choose, let it be original, and fresh.
If you ask someone to write an article, and it's lengthy, break it into two or three parts rather than publishing it all at once. Or you might say you prefer an article be no more than 200 words. Be flexible, find bright, colorful writers (or subjects) and go for it!
TIPS - You can have fun with this area. You could have tips relating to your product, service, and industry. Or you can have random trivia-like tips of a general nature. You can solicit tips from your subscribers.
Whatever you put in this area, keep it enjoyable and fairly brief. Make subscribers wait breathlessly for the next issue!
SUBSCRIBER FEEDBACK - Because you want this to be an interactive publication, use at least two comments from your readers. Sometimes it's good to publish criticisms, if they seem valuable.
Doing so lets subscribers know you're open to criticism, and that you're one of those people who thinks outside the box! Be sure to get permission to publish, and if they okay it, find out if they're willing for you to publish their email address and URL.
Sometimes they just want you to publish their first name and the initial of their last name (Jane D.) Many people fear being spammed, so pay close attention here!
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS - Fantastic area. You can use actual questions from visitors or prospects, or make up your own, based on frequently asked questions.
This section is excellent for nailing down an important point that people don't seem to grasp. And it's also the right place to respond to subscriber questions. Most subscribers love seeing their name in print. But remember what I said at the end of the previous tip: always get subscribers' specific permission!
ADVERTISEMENTS - Ah, a sensitive area. Perhaps you're so new that you don't feel comfortable asking anyone to pay to advertise. This shouldn't stop you from popping in an endorsement of a product or service that you feel is of value to your subscribers. It's nobody's business but yours.
And you can always trade ads with a colleague. If you do this, try to keep your message brief and to the point. You'll find a fabulous tutorial on headings at arconics.com. Use those same principles to write advertising copy.
Be very picky with copy you accept. Proof it carefully, because most people have difficult writing their own copy. (That's why copyeditors were invented!)
WEBSITE ADDRESS - Type your entire address (URL).
URL TO YOUR EZINE PAGE - If you have a sign-up/subscribe page, type in that URL. If you don't have one yet, leave the field blank.
SUBSCRIBER FEEDBACK EMAIL ADDRESS - If you have a domain that allows you to create additional email addresses, you could use "feedback@yourdomain.com"
SUBSCRIBE EMAIL - Type in the URL of the page where people can go to subscribe to the ezine. If you don't have one yet, leave the field blank.
UNSUBSCRIBE INFORMATION - If you have a link you can provide for the purpose of unsubscribing, place it in this field. It can be on your website or it can be your email address. Always provide this link.
SIGNATURE FILE To learn more about sig files (also known as sig lines and tag lines), click here.