What makes a great newsletter?

Tuesday, April 06, 2010 at 8:30 am by Erin | 2 Comment(s)

We all want to improve on our organization’s newsletter, but how? Here are 10 tips to help you create a great newsletter – online or print.

A great newsletter …

is real and timely
has a good design
involves some personal or emotional interest
is a quick read
has engaging headlines
uses sub-headings and pull quotes
has a caption for every photo
tells your readers what the purpose of your newsletter is
includes a statement explaining how your newsletter will benefit your readers
has been edited, proofread, edited and proofread, edited and proofread (you get the picture!)

Whether you’re creating a print or e-newsletter these 10 tips will come in handy. Only 25% of people read the content in a newsletter so make efficient use of engaging headlines, sub-headings, photo captions and pull quotes. If you haven’t tried sending an e-newsletter in the past maybe it’s your time! E-newsletters can help save your organization a lot of money in print and mailing costs.

And remember, it’s okay to revise and improve on your newsletter each month…so try out some of our tips and let us know if you have any tips or tricks of your own!

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Reader Comments

Sunday, April 11, 2010 at 8:42 pm by Anthea

All of these tips seem obvious at first glance, but the truth is many of us responsible for creating online publications don't always observe these guidelines.

I'm going to work on tip #9 - explaining how my resources will benefit my users. We do a good job of producing content - but what's the point if no one immediately understands what they're supposed to DO with the content?

Monday, April 12, 2010 at 8:15 am by Erin

Thanks for the note Anthea!

When readers understand the benefit and purpose of your newsletter - the more likely it is that someone will take time out of their day to read the content you have provided and worked so hard to produce.