As an expert in a particular niche, you have visitors coming back to your site to get more information and updates on your area of specialty. A great way to capitalize upon this and to gain new visitors is to create a newsletter.

Use an opt-in sign up box on your website, and place it prominently in many places on your site. Once you have received a sign-up, make sure you automatically send an email to the address provided to confirm the subscription, and give the recipient an easy way to opt out if, for instance someone else provided their address and theyre not interested. Structuring the first issue is the hardest, but once you get the format set, it takes far less time and effort each time. Here are a few guidelines:

Dont use it as a blatant advertisement. Yes, you do promote the products and services of merchants or advertisers, but give them something of value, or theyll opt out immediately, and you wont see them back on your site again either.

Show people how to do something new, do something better, or make money. Tips are great and you can re-purpose them in other forms. Include case studies of others using your product, taking action related to the subject of your site.

Give updates of information they would not be likely to get elsewhere. Or give your viewpoint on how specific events are likely to affect your niche group.

Publish answers to questions youve received from visitors to your website. Website questions as a barometer of the interests and problems of your site visitors. Staying relevant means addressing them. Ask others to write articles for your newsletter. Many authorities will want the exposure.