Nameless, Faceless Readers
If you were to visit my home, you couldn't miss the fact that there are books everywhere, from the basement to the attic.
There are also stacks and stacks of newsletters and papers.
I tend to toss most of my mail unless there are striking pictures. My husband takes time to review everything carefully. (There is a certain amount of tension here when the stacks start to grow, as you can imagine.)
We're a great illustration of how audiences vary in interest. This presents challenge for every writer: Knowing what your readers care about.
Surveys can be useful. Ask your readers what they care about, and what they want to see more of. Ask them where they go for the information they want. Do they rely on your website, or use an on-line source, or watch a TV program?
Another method is to try visualizing an individual reader, and everything about them, from physical appearance and food choices to family life, professional interests and work. As a friend of mine said, "nameless, faceless readers won't do."
With techniques like these you'll have a better sense of your target and more focus for your newsletter--which means your readers are more likely to pay attention to, and act on, what you have to say.
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