Newsletters are a way to engage readers with your blog's content. Newsletters provide you with the opportunity to keep your readers in the loop with new posts, announcements, and resources.
Pros
There is a benefit of having a direct line of communication with your most loyal readers.
Allows you to send your content to readers in a way they prefer (not always going to visit your site daily to check).
Most services have an auto daily RSS-fed newsletter option, so it's very hands-off and easy unless they chose to customize it themselves.
You can use a free plan when starting.
Newsletters can be configured to be automatically delivered on certain days. This allows you to set and forget.
The subscribers' list is managed through signups on your blog.
You can configure your posts to start sharing from the last newsletter sent. For example, if you send the newsletter once weekly, then it will include all of that week's posts.
Cons
Eventually, costs will increase depending on your service plan. You're inviting repeat users to your site (where they see ads, where they interact, etc) which may offset the cost for you.
Best Practices
We advise against newsletter sign-up popups due to our advertising.
We see the most success with posting newsletter signups at the end of posts or in the sidebar.
Okay, I want a newsletter on my blog! I need help installing it. What do I need to send to BoardingArea to have my newsletter installed?
You will need to start by choosing a newsletter service. There are many out there. Our recommendations are below.
Sign up for the newsletter service of your choice.
Decide where on your blog you would like your newsletter widget to appear. We see the most success with newsletter signups being placed at the bottom of posts.
Send us the API, add webmaster@boardingarea.com as an admin, or send us your login credentials for your newsletter service.
We will add the newsletter widget to your blog.