What You Need to Know about Mailing Lists
Part Three
In the previous two instalments we looked at the importance of the Arkade mailing lists in building up your fanbase. We also discussed some ideas for the content of your mails, as well as giving you some tips for getting people to sign up.
Now it's time to have a look at style.
It's strange that artists who enjoy getting up on stage and baring their souls in front of hundreds of strangers often panic at the thought of committing words to paper, or in this case, screen.
There are some simple tips you can follow to improve your writing style - tips which are equally effective whether you're writing a mailing post, a bio for your band or a full press-kit.
- Focus. Keep things short and to the point. Long paragraphs are the enemy, especially when people are reading from a screen. If you can cut words out then do so.
- Write like you talk. There's no point in trying to sound like Ernest Hemingway. Especially now he's dead. Be yourself.
- Check grammar and spelling. You don't have to be a slave to the dictionary, and yes, everybody makes mistakes, but good grammar means your fans will be less likely to scratch their heads wondering what the hell you are trying to say.
- Keep the format simple. Use bullet points if you have a lot of things to say. And try to keep the email text only without using bold or italics. That makes it quicker to download and easier to read across different formats.
Want an example? Well, since you've all been good little boys and girls, here's a sample mailing:-
Hello fans,
***Royal Albert Hall Gig***
Because you demanded it, The Spangle Da Das will be playing a gig at the Royal Albert Hall on the 16th February. Doors open at 7.30 pm. Tickets cost £10. See you there! The support act has yet to be confirmed, but it's possible that either U2 or the Rolling Stones will be doing the honours.
***Competition Winner***
Mr Reginald Kaye, Herts, has won the caption competition and will be the proud owner of a song written especially for him! His caption read, "After you Vicar…" Congratulations Mr Kaye, the Spangle Da Das are looking forward to working your name into a song title. Big thanks to all who participated!
***New Songs on Arkade***
Check out our Arkade webpage for three new songs! Yes, that's right three! The Spangle Da Das have been very busy in the studio lately. According to Tony, lead singer, the new tracks, "…represent a whole new direction for the band - these new tunes sound like nothing else on the planet!" Is he right? Find out now by going to www.arkade.com/spangledadas
That's all for this week fans. C U Soon.
***
There you go, see? It's so easy even a drummer could do it!
Well, I hope you've enjoyed this three part series and found it useful. A big mailing list is the foundation of your fanbase. Remember, if you mail them, they will come!