So you've made the decision to go ahead with your e-newsletter. You've found a permission-based distribution solution and you can't wait to send out that first issue.

Not so fast. Before you even start writing, here are two things to consider that can have a major impact on whether your newsletter gets read or trashed.

How many e-newsletters do you have sitting in your inbox at the moment? If you’re like me, you’ve got at least three, and of those three, you probably have a favorite, a middle-of-the-road and a least favorite.

Without a doubt, the popularity of e-newsletters has exploded in recent years, becoming an integral part of the marketing process. At a fraction of the cost of traditional mail, they provide an excellent, cost-effective means for communicating with your customers and prospects.