How to Produce a Newsletter Your Members Will Love

Create an exciting newsletter that everyone wants to read.

You plan to create a newsletter for your organization. Alternatively, you may have volunteered to improve the present publication. If you are writing a business newsletter, the primary readers may include employees, present and potential clients, and advertisers. Club and church newsletters have a more exclusive membership. Some newsletters also serve as money-making ventures and are sold directly to subscribers. Use your research, marketing, writing and layout skills to produce an informative, well-designed newsletter that will draw more readers to it.

Instructions

1. Lead with a bold headline and provocative article. When the members of your organization pick up the newsletter, they decide within seconds whether to continue reading. If the first article captures their attention, they will take time to read the rest of the newsletter.

2. Feature a different member or employee in each publication. Include a color picture and short article. For ease and consistency, create a template of questions that can be used for each feature article. Ask about favorite vacation spots, books, movies and childhood memories. Readers will enjoy learning more about their colleagues and friends.

3. Create a section that highlights current events in the business and personal lives of the members or employees. Provide details about conferences, meetings, company picnics and the Christmas party. You could also include birth and wedding announcements, new home purchases, garage sales and special achievements.

4. Include a "frequently asked questions" section. Invite readers to email you their questions and concerns about the organization. Feature five to seven of the most-asked questions and their responses.

5. Invite readers to contribute articles, pictures, cartoons and jokes to the newsletter. Provide each contributor with a byline. To stimulate more participation, feature a few pictures in each edition and ask reader to vote for the "picture of the month."

References

• "Every Nonprofit's Guide to Publishing: Creating Newsletters, Magazines & Websites People Will Read"; Cheryl Woodard and Lucia Hwong; 2007
• University of Missouri: Designing Your Newsletter
• New Entrepreneur: Create the Perfect Business or Organization Newsletter