About Your Service
Which newsletter service do you use?
I use TrafficWave.
How long have you been using this service?
Since May 2012
Are you a convert from another service and, if so, why?
Yes. I used to use Aweber, but as my lists grew, so did the fees. I have thousands of subscribers on multiple lists and was able to save over $100/month by switching over to TrafficWave. I can have unlimited lists and unlimited subscribers for one monthly fee of $17.95.
How did you choose it (ie: what criteria were important to you?)
Obviously, the cost was a big one for me since we are on a tight budget. I also wanted the ability to send broadcast e-mails as well as autoresponder messages.
What do you like best about it? The worst?
I love the ability to have unlimited lists and unlimited subscribers as well as one fixed fee.
However, their support is not the best. They only have e-mail support but do have a lot of online tutorials as well as forums. However, Aweber’s support is phenomenal. They have phone support and are willing to help you work through any issues.
What, if anything, is the cost?
$17.95/month
About Your Newsletters
How often do you send a newsletter (or how many have you sent so far)?
It just depends. I have multiple lists and some I send 2-3 messages per week and some may only receive one message per month.
What is the purpose of your newsletter?
I use my newsletters to connect with my readers and customers. This is a way to build trust with them and also let them know about special promotions and offers that I’m running.
How easy (or difficult!) do you find creating your newsletters? Why?
I find that it gets easier with practice. At first, I didn’t know what to write, but now it comes much quicker.
What do you always try to include in each letter?
My e-mails are usually different each time. I’m not as structured as many tend to be with their newsletters.
About Your Subscription Base
How do your subscribers find your email sign up?
It is on my website, usually on the right hand column, as well as a dedicated page on my site. I also usually have a signup form on my Facebook page as well.
Do you offer an incentive for new subscribers?
Yes, I almost always offer some type of free gift for subscribers. It is the reason I have been able to build my lists over the years to thousands.
Are your subscribers the same people who are your Facebook fans, or who follow your blog or Twitter?
I think some of them are the same. But, I don’t really have a way to track that right now.
About You
Shelley Hitz has been writing and publishing books since 2008. She is also the author of the website Find Your True Beauty that reaches thousands of girls each month around the world. Her openness and vulnerability as she shares her own story of hope and healing will inspire and encourage you.
Shelley has been ministering to teens since 1998 alongside her husband, CJ. They currently travel and speak to teens and adults around the country. Shelley’s main passion is to share God’s truth and the freedom in Christ she has found with others. She does this through her books, websites and speaking engagements. You can find more about Shelley at her website. Sign up for notifications of free Christian books and download a free PDF How to Find Free Christian Books Online.
She also runs a website for authors at Self Publishing Coach. Sign up to receive her free book templates and PDF 200+ Free Book Marketing and Author Tools.
Interested in seeing reviews of other newsletter services? They’re all here in the newsletter category. Valerie Comer uses and enjoys YMLP. You can sign up for her newsletter here.
