Let’s be honest: sending regular emails to your list can feel overwhelming. Maybe you’re not sure what to say, you’re spending way too much time on each email, or you feel disheartened when only a tiny fraction of your audience actually opens them.
In this episode of the Heart-Centred Business Podcast, I’m sharing a newsletter structure that’s super simple, highly effective, and keeps things easy for you—without sacrificing value for your readers.
If you’ve struggled to show up consistently, wondered what to include in your emails, or worried about annoying your audience, this is the episode for you.
Let’s dive in!
Why Consistency and Trust Matter in Email Marketing
So many entrepreneurs I talk to avoid emailing their lists because they don’t want to be annoying, or they just aren’t sure what to include. Here’s the truth: your emails are an opportunity to build trust, show up predictably, and create connections.
Consistency is key. It lets your audience know what to expect, and the more they trust you, the higher your open rates and engagement will be. You want your audience to look forward to your emails—so they’re opening because they genuinely want to, not because you tricked them with a sneaky subject line.
Why Predictable Newsletters Work
Ever spent all morning trying to figure out what to write in your email? You’re not alone—I’ve been there! That’s why having a straightforward, repeatable structure is so powerful. When your readers know where to find helpful tidbits or their favourite section, you’re saving everyone time (yourself included!). Predictable = comfortable = trust-building.
I call these regular emails “newsletters,” but it doesn’t matter if you send them weekly, fortnightly, or even monthly. The main thing is that you send them out consistently and follow a structure that makes writing (and reading) them easy.
Permission to Only Send Valuable Emails
Here’s a promise I make in my own welcome email: I never take my place in someone’s inbox for granted. Sending habits—not just spending habits—matter! Each and every email I send, I ask: Is this actually going to help my reader? Is it genuinely valuable?
If the answer is no, I do not send it. Period. Your audience has offered you their time and attention; treat that with respect. I’d rather send fewer emails and keep that trust than bombard them with 16 sales messages in five days.
This approach works. My open rates are consistently above industry averages—and you can have that too, just by valuing your readers’ time.
Ditch the Tricks—Build Real Trust
You’ve probably seen tricks like putting “re:” in the subject line to fake a reply, or using clickbait titles totally unrelated to the content. That might get someone to open one email, but you’ll lose trust fast. I unsubscribe from those!
Instead, aim for subject lines that are interesting—but always honest. If your audience trusts you, they’ll open your emails just because your name is in their inbox.
The Magic Formula: My 3-Part Newsletter Structure
Here’s my go-to structure for every regular newsletter:
- Love Note
- Valuable Content
- Offer
Let’s break those down:
1. The Love Note
Start with a conversational, human-to-human introduction. Share something from behind the scenes—what you’re up to that week, something funny that happened, or just a little insight into your world. I even include a selfie (not a professional photo!) at the top of my email. Yes, sometimes it looks wonky on different devices, but it increases open rates and helps people feel more connected.
These love notes aren’t about product placement or sneaky sales tactics. They’re just you, being real. If you mention something in your business (like an upcoming webinar), make it easy with a hyperlink directly to the signup page—bold it or underline it so people see it. If you reference something your audience might not understand, like “progress artwork,” link to an explanation. Make it easy for people to take action or learn more if they want to.
2. Valuable Content
This section is where you highlight your most recent or relevant content—whether that’s a podcast episode, YouTube video, blog post, or even a popular social media live. But don’t just drop a link; give context! Let people know what it’s about, who it’s for, and why they should care.
For example: “This week’s podcast is all about launching online courses, perfect if you’ve got a course and want to make launching simpler.” If it’s not for everyone, say that! Your audience will appreciate being able to make an informed decision about whether to invest their time in your content. This is way more helpful than making every piece of content sound like a ‘must-watch’ for everyone.
Don’t be afraid to be specific. You don’t need to please everyone—help the right people find the right content.
3. Share an Offer
This is the section most people skip, especially if they’re nervous about sounding too “salesy.” But remember: your mailing list is your warmest audience. These people have given you their email address because they want to hear from you—maybe they even want to work with you. Don’t assume everyone is only there for freebies!
It doesn’t have to be a paid offer every single time—you can promote a free workshop, a resource, your upcoming webinar, a special offer, or even highlight your current services. But every newsletter should remind your readers how they can work with you, join something, or access your offers.
Be proud to include that section. Don’t make me chase you down on the Internet, wondering if you offer what I need. Put it right there in your newsletter and let your readers decide for themselves.
Send Fewer, Better Emails (And Keep Your Trust)
If you’re only ever sending free stuff and never mentioning how people can work with you, it might come across (even unintentionally) like you don’t believe anyone actually wants to buy. Give your readers the benefit of the doubt—they might be there because they’re deeply interested in what you do!
Every time you send a newsletter, use the same structure. It makes writing emails quick and easy, and it helps your list become more engaged and more likely to take you up on your offers.
Not Enough People on Your List? Here’s Your Next Step
If you’re thinking, “This sounds great, Tash, but I barely have any subscribers,” don’t worry! Even if you have just one person on your list, show up consistently using this structure.
And if you want to grow your audience, check out my free training called Grow Your Audience. It’s a four-stage approach specifically for mailing list growth—one of the only audience numbers I measure and focus on! You’ll learn the order of steps, spot mistakes (like doing stage 3 stuff before stage 1 or 2!), and get actionable tips to start growing right away.
Grab your free gift at tashcorbin.com/audience
(With a SPECIAL mention that the invitation within the training is real, it’s legit, it’s valid, and I want you to take it up!!!!)
