When discussing the possibility of creating a newsletter for one of my clients, he asked me, "How will a newsletter help me get sales?"

"Great question," I replied. Here's how:

A newsletter is a form of contact, just like a phone call, visit or direct mail postcard. Your business (or non-profit) and any messages you want to get across will be in front of your current and prospective clients each time you send out a newsletter. If you send out a newsletter several times a year, there is a good chance that you will reach your prospects at a time when they are ready to buy. Even if they're not ready to buy, they might be talking to a friend or business associate who needs your services ? so you might get a referral.

To maximize your sales or donor opportunities, keep a few points in mind:

1. Focus content on what is beneficial to the reader. Good newsletters include a combination of information aimed at educating readers, sales messages and client kudos.

2. Decide on an e-mail newsletter or a printed newsletter. Besides your budget and access to e-mail or address information, your business or organization provides clues to the best choice. If you are a non-profit that wants to include a donor form in each newsletter, printed newsletters will be best for you. If you are a Web-based business, it makes more sense to create an e-mail newsletter.

3. Spend time on the newsletter's design and copywriting. Your newsletter design is a branding and image opportunity for your company or organization. Correct grammar and spelling are also important. Mistakes detract from your message and image.

Spending time creating effective newsletters is well worth the time invested. Send out newsletters and watch your sales grow!

Margie Fisher is President of Margie Fisher Public Relations. Learn more about her Pay for Results Publicity Program? and her free biweekly PRactical P.R. newsletter at http://www.margiefisher.com