I try to be a minimalist when it comes to extras - as fun as they can be, I'd rather use my time to sew. But recently I have started to wonder if there is value to newsletters and I opened up this question in my Instagram stories: What do you value in a newsletter?
There were lots of answers. Some people hate them, some people like tutorials, sales, news, tips, inspiration, and some people just want to be directed to blog posts they may have missed.
It turns out that some people hate them, but some people love them and I want to be able to connect with those people too. For the next couple months I am going I am going to try sending out regular newsletters (1 or 2 per month) and try to make them more than a re-telling of what you see here and I am hoping to put a focus on the creative process. Most (if not all) of that information will be available here as well, but I want to make sure it is accessible to people who don't read blogs regularly. Blogs used to be the gold standard for sharing information, but times change so quickly!
After the first question, I had a follow up: Which newsletters are your favorite? This question also got lots of responses and I wanted to share those with you. Most of these were recommended by multiple people.
- The Scrap Basket
- Diary of a Quilter
- Gnome Angel
- Village Bound Quilts
- While She Naps
- The Geeky Bobbin
- Andrea Tsang Jackson
- Suzy Quilts
- Southern Charm Quilts
Do you have a favorite newsletter? What makes it your favorite?
If you would like to check my (hopefully) awesome newsletter, you can subscribe below ;)
If you would like to check my (hopefully) awesome newsletter, you can subscribe below ;)
I am a blog reader. I usually do not do Instagram (snapshots of blog and I like to read) or newsletters (which are usually a repeat of blog and/or Instagram) That of course is just my opinion. I like the idea of referring back to tutorials we may have missed on the blog etc. I like taking the time to enjoy what you have to say. I know it is a lot of work. Thank you!
ReplyDeleteI definitely understand where you are coming from. I am not a newsletter reader either, but I do enjoy Instagram. I know newsletter aren't everyone's favorite, but I am hoping that they will help me reach people that aren't blog readers!
DeleteI like Stitched in Color's newsletter. She only does hers once or twice a month? but it is packed with interesting things. :)
ReplyDeleteI agree with Lee too. I am a blog reader but I have to say I LOVE your insta stories too. Tute's are great too. I have your Violet pattern and can't wait to start it! Maybe today is the day!!! Thanks!
Rachel is wonderful, I will have to check hers out. I am glad to hear you enjoy my Insta stories, I am never quite sure how they are received. Have fun with your Violet pattern, I would love to see a photo when you are finished.
DeleteI like newsletters that contain news that is relevant to the industry - like the While She Naps newsletters. She always has links to other sites/articles/trending topics. I think the newsletters that have links to recent blog posts, but also have new content, are the best.
ReplyDeleteThat is a good point - I hadn't seen Abby's newsletter until recently and it is very thorough and informative.
DeleteStitched in Color because it is relevant and not over loading
ReplyDeleteI do not read any other news letters. I just do not have time, I am sewing or caring for my 95 year old daddy or 4 grand daughters, cleaning making dinner for hubby -- and sitting on the couch with him blabbing about everything
You are a busy woman! I agree, it can be hard to fit everything in.
DeleteInteresting question - I found myself wondering what the difference is between a blog and a newsletter, so....google!
ReplyDelete"A blog is a tool you use to meet new people, whereas a newsletter is a tool you use to make a deeper connection with people you already know. Perfect! This really helped me understand the difference not only between the two tools, but also the difference in the two audiences.Jan 17, 2016" -MackCollier - This was the first thing that popped up, and the second thing went into a lot more detail, but also said WHERE you see the information is also a main difference.
For me, having whatever it is show up in my email inbox pretty much guarantees I will see it, and at the very least, skim it. Blogs? Well... I just don't know. They seem redundant to me. Instagram seems to be mainly photos? I don't spend much time there since I'm already on media overload between email, Facebook, podcasts, newspapers, and real books!! I want to sew - a LOT - and I do my best to prioritize what's MOST satisfying to me. So many things are good, and choosing "best" is sometimes a struggle! Maybe we need a newsletter talking about the difference - hehee! I do read content on your website, and recently finished the piecing for a twin-sized Tessa - now on to trimming, etc - very well-done pattern - many thanks, Erica!
Thanks so much for the shout out, Erica! (As proof of how infrequently I interact with blogs, I have no idea if my website or logo will show up below. Ha!)
ReplyDelete