If you're thinking about starting a real estate newsletter to promote your business, keep reading for a breakdown of different types of newsletters and tips that can help you write a better one.

Traditional Mail-Out Newsletters

A traditional mail-out newsletter is one that is printed and actually mailed through the postal service to clients and potential clients. For layout and printing, opt for a home desktop publishing program and have the newsletters either photocopied or printed on glossy paper. If you're not a designer, hire a professional to create a simple template for you that you can use again and again and still get a professional look.

The benefit of the traditional mail-out newsletter is that you're actually getting a physical product into people's hands, and it's a little harder to delete than an email. The drawback is, of course, cost.

Business Networking Newsletters

Business networking newsletters are communications targeted toward your networking, industry and referral contacts. Mention business successes, successful lead exchanges and reciprocal referral programs.

E-Newsletters and E-mail Newsletters

An e-mail newsletter is typically a quick, cheap and simple way to get a newsletter out fast. However, you shouldn't just start mailing your newsletter out to unsuspecting potential clients who will resent the intrusion.

Instead, focus on attracting interest to your newsletter through your website or blog, always asking the subscriber's permission (opt-in option) to send them a weekly real estate newsletter. Otherwise, you could be perceived as spamming.

Tips for a Great Newsletter

The key to a great newsletter is providing content that gives your readers a reason to keep on reading. Remember, a newsletter is a sales tool, but that doesn't mean it should be written like a sales pitch.

Instead, focus on providing content that's of value to your readers. So, if it's targeted toward homeowners, then include articles about how to stage a home, prep it for an open house, evaluate its value based on recent sale prices in the area and so on. If you're stuck for content, ask other agents to submit guest articles.

By providing information and articles that are interesting and useful, you'll help to ensure your readers will actually place value on and look forward to your newsletter.