Marketing Newsletter rough draft

just had a second or two to look it over.

First. You need a better proof reader. No offense, but that is a rough rough draft. You should print it out and open google and search every word more than three letters long.

Second. I understand you are trying to target the non-surveyor, but the tone of your writing is too casual (my opinion). You shouldn't write as if you are having a conversation with someone at the gas station.

graphically, I think it looks great, and the idea is a good one.

Andy

Matt,

I basically agree with Andy. I "looks" great, but you are going to have to clear up some grammar and lots of spelling. Your tag line - "If surveying was easy, everybody would do it" doesn't need to be at the bottom of every page. Use it once and make a strong statement, like at the end of the newsletter.
You might also rethink the comic type pic that looks like the guy is shrugging his shoulders... It makes it look like he doesn't know what he's doing.

Great idea though, but I think you need to bring it up to a level that exudes your profession and professionalism, but does not talk over anybodies head. It might be a fine line, but it's one you need to try to find.

Carl

Great concept but change the title. You don't know what the general public knows or doesn't know about Land Surveying. Sure, you have an inkling but you should phrase it in a more Positive way, such as "What Land Surveyors Want Homeowners to Know!"

otherwise, besides the grammar and spelling, nice job. I'd keep it chatty if you like that attitude, or make it more professional and less warm, that's up to you. Chatty makes it feel like you're having a conversation instead of a lecture 😉

my 0.04' worth...

Great idea. Have you thought about a blog though, this is something I've been considering for some time. Might help keep expenses down and having a reader feedback section may also provide you with ideas for future newsletters. Definitely take your time and get the grammar and spelling correct. No matter how important the message, this is how the reader will form their opinion of you and your knowledge of the subject matter.

Did you cover to much? What about the remaining 11 months in the newsletters life, what are you going to cover to keep interest up? Maybe an annual thing would be better over time.
jud

Matt,
Great idea. Maybe it should be on a monthly posting of a facebook page or something, then it can go to your contact list.

email Wendell for ideas on this. This is exactly what he does.

Joe

Take out the silly graphics and perhaps you should add a map or two.

Pace yourself, perhaps less frequency may be a better goal - seasonal newsletter.

Or go for more and compile your information into a short book. A local landscaping firm has a very nice self published book through MyPublisher.com. The product is excellent and they are able to put it all over (Doctors and Dentists end up losing books and call for more). Of course, some finished landscaping work is far prettier than some surveying, but we get to see some interesting sights and sites.

Perhaps you should look to some other publications for reference. MALSCE.ORG should have copies of the brochures our society publishes to inform the public of what we do and why we charge so much.

Eventually you can add some commentary that really affects the real estate profession: get an article on the latest court decision that directly affects the development of land. Or describe why FEMA and those GIS firms in Texas do their thing relative to flood mapping and determination of need for flood insurance. To be honest, I don't care about the registration requirements but the explanation of fee structures and the location of control far from locus to determine local boundaries are some quasi-interesting topics.

Have fun with it.

Aside from Andy's comments and others, I would reccomend your name and contact info be more prominent, as its purpose is marketing, correct?

Maybe your company name in big bold letters with phone number and email address right below it in smaller font size at the top...

Matt,

I'll echo most comments already received. It's a great concept and you're on the right track, but maybe you should dial it back on the "personable-ness" of it.

Further, in my opinion, the same goes for the graphics, both the specifics and the overall look of it. Maybe a few less illustrations altogether, and certainly a few less of ye olde antique survey equipment. Also, you may think about washing out the graphics, meaning give them some transparency.

Further, I reccommend rethinking your two color theme. Great colors, cream and brown, but choose lighter versions of both. The heavy brown border on the cream ground is a little jarring. You can ease up on this by choosing a lighter shade, but also reducing its' width.

Stephen

I really like the concept.
I think the layout is well done.

I agree with several of the suggestions already posted. As others have stated spell and grammar check really well before putting it out to the public. I think that you might want to look at making it a very simple one page deal - especially if you intend to make it a regular publication.

One item I would change:
"Kentucky pastsed a law in June of 2011 requiring all applicants to have a 4 year degree in Land Surveying from an approved program."

If I am recalling correctly, the change to statute was passed well before June 2011. I believe the June date was when the optional routes to licensure lapsed. Also, the current requirement is a four year degree (not necessarily in land surveying) with a certain number of credit hours in land surveying.

In addition to what's mentioned above, I'd avoid the condescending tone of the overall article. The general feel is that your forced to explain surveying to a bunch of dummies so they'll appreciate you more. And, I really don't like the tag line, and I wouldn't use a guy who's ad says "If plumbing were easy, everyone would do it". You should focus more on what you can do for the client, and what sets you apart, but keep it shorter and more straight forward.

For example, if you could work in a simple passage like "One of the questions I'm often asked is why am I taking measurements to property corners several lots away. Locating block corners and additional survey monuments along neighboring property lines is the sign that a thorough and diligent survey is being performed. These additional corners are used to prove that the property has the proper geometric relationship to the neighboring properties, thereby minimizing the chances of a potential boundary dispute. "

You addressed, explained it, said why it benefits them, and promoted yourself as a diligent surveyor, all in 3 sentences.

In other words, instead of creating a whole section on this, just work it into the news letter in a more flowing fashion, but the overall piece should simply be an ad for business, promoting yourself and what sets you apart.