Readings: "Do Open" by David Hieatt
Discover the art of impactful newsletters with actionable strategies for brand loyalty, authentic engagement, and community building, as outlined in 'Do Open'.
Indie makers, SaaS creators, and digital marketing entrepreneurs always seek ways to engage their audiences and stand out in the crowded digital marketplace.
David Hieatt's book "Do Open: How a simple email newsletter can transform your business (and it can)" (published by Do Books) is a valuable resource for these groups as it provides actionable insights on creating an email newsletter that doesn't just clutter inboxes, Instead of being an interruption, the content becomes an essential part of the readers' week by respecting their time.
The book delves into the art and science of crafting a newsletter with maximum impact and relevance.
Key Takeaways for Indie Makers, SaaS Creators, and Digital Marketing Entrepreneurs
1. Time and Consistency
Consistent timing of newsletters is crucial for building brand loyalty and retention. Choose a specific time for dispatch to establish a habit with your audience; this way, your content can stand out in their schedules.
2. Strategy and Engagement
The book discusses the importance of being captivating, sharing your perspective, and not just promoting your products or services.
A great newsletter works by you sharing how you think about the world, and not just what you have to sell in this world. Remember, it’s not all about you.
(Hieatt, David)
3. Design as an Escape
Designing newsletters as an escape from a "frantic, frenetic world" can help SaaS creators create communications that feel like a breath of fresh air to their users inundated with features and offers.
4. Community Building
Building a fiercely loyal community with a strong point of view can benefit creators. This resonates with today's audience, who seek authenticity and passion over bland corporatism.
5. Growth Through Originality
The need for original content that drives organic growth is emphasized in a digital age with high content saturation.
People don’t share average. People don’t share what they have already seen. Nor do they share the meh, the so-so, the lame. They share useful, inspiring and, yes, the slightly dumb at times.
(Hieatt, David)
6. Voice Matters
"Do Open" emphasizes the importance of being authentic and emotionally connected. It advises against over-polishing messages, which can make them lose their essence.
7. Understanding Your Audience
The book emphasizes the importance of understanding the needs and passions of your audience. It urges creators to develop their products based on intuition rather than just market research. This approach can benefit entrepreneurs seeking to innovate and cater to specialized markets.
Conclusion
We now consume in micro moments.
(Hieatt, David)
In conclusion, "Do Open" is more than just a guide to email marketing; it's a manifesto for establishing meaningful connections in the digital era. Its principles are especially relevant to indie makers, SaaS creators, and digital marketing entrepreneurs who aim to create newsletters that inform, inspire, engage, and foster a community around their brands.
By following Hieatt's ideas, you can convert your email newsletter from a mere communication tool into a critical element of your business growth and audience engagement strategy.