Newsletters are all the rage, and if you’re not on board, you should get on with it! They are a great communication tool and help maintain good morale in the workplace. That said, with virtually everyone catching on to the trend, you want to ensure that your newsletter doesn’t end up in the dreaded SPAM folder, lumped in with the rest of the promo material.
One of the primary concerns when sending out company newsletters is scheduling and frequency, so before even getting started, make sure you’ve set out the calendar dates that you want to follow, and stick to them! If employees don’t know when to expect them, they are more like to ignore them or not take them seriously.
With the basics out of the way, this quick cheat sheet will serve to help you create a stand-out newsletter that is bound to keep readers engaged.
1. Visuals
The text is what matters, but you want to keep a newsletter visually pleasing. Something cramped up with text and little breathing room will look intimidating. Make sure you use a breezy layout with a fair amount of blank space and don’t be afraid to throw in an image either. Pictures and graphic elements not only attract attention but serve to make the content more memorable.
Once you’ve decided on a layout, keep it! You will use the same basic format and typography in the upcoming edition. In this way, once the second edition goes out, it is immediately identifiable.
2. Clear and Concise Copy Text
Clarity is key. The subject matter should be immediately distinguishable from the headline and lead in. The first paragraph of the text should serve as a summary of what the article is about. Do not use unnecessarily long headlines. They cause confusion.
A simple formula to use in your writing is K.I.S.S – Keep it simple, straightforward, and short. Refrain from long-winded articles, using big words that may be confusing, and try to get to the point as quickly as possible. The content should be easy to digest and simple to read.
3. Continuity
Remember what we said about scheduling? Once you’ve got the basics and an engaged readership, make sure you keep it that way. You want to have them looking forward to the next instalment. Put in a teaser or give an overview of what to expect in the upcoming issue, together with an indication of when it can be expected.
Now go blow them away! Good luck and happy writing.
