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HELP! How to Write a Good Newsletter?

by MuricanWriter
9 replies
I am curious to know how long your weekly newsletters are and what you include. Do you use elements such as:
  • Videos
  • Pictures
  • Color
  • Bullets and Numbering

Or do you just use plain text? I know a lot of people say that it doesn't really matter. Obviously because I don't know these people or anything about their work I don't know how successful text-only emails are.

So I guess I'm asking...What do you think the most crucial newsletter components are? And do you think media is necessary?
#good #newsletter #write
  • Profile picture of the author niphal
    Heya MuricanWriter - it really depends on the purpose for me.

    If I'm doing something that goes well with imagery, like say food, or fashion - then it would make sense to include images.

    If I'm doing something like code, or SEO or have heaps of links - then it would make sense to make it largely text with links.

    I used to do a short weekly email with a single article and include a really nice picture to go along with it. There's a single focus to the email. I also used to run a weekly newsletter that was a whole lot of links around the internet - and I'd include a single image for the lead article.

    I think mixing things up over time is also a positive, to help your readers scan, and not necessarily expect the email to be predictable.
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    • Profile picture of the author MuricanWriter
      Originally Posted by niphal View Post

      Heya MuricanWriter - it really depends on the purpose for me.

      If I'm doing something that goes well with imagery, like say food, or fashion - then it would make sense to include images.

      If I'm doing something like code, or SEO or have heaps of links - then it would make sense to make it largely text with links.

      I used to do a short weekly email with a single article and include a really nice picture to go along with it. There's a single focus to the email. I also used to run a weekly newsletter that was a whole lot of links around the internet - and I'd include a single image for the lead article.

      I think mixing things up over time is also a positive, to help your readers scan, and not necessarily expect the email to be predictable.

      That makes a lot of sense. I noticed that a lot of people actually use the same sort of format/template. I have one guy that I've been subscribed to for over 4+ years who always uses the same format and black and white instead of color. I never completely read his emails (if I read them at all). This may have something to do with predictability like you said in your post.

      So how often would you recommend changing things up? Monthly? Every other week? I really appreciate your feedback.
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      • Profile picture of the author niphal
        So how often would you recommend changing things up? Monthly? Every other week? I really appreciate your feedback.
        Just because of natural rhythms I'd probably do mine on a monthly basis. Or maybe it's just a single article that changes for each newsletter.

        Anyway there's lots of ways you can go about adjusting and keeping things interesting. You might even go 3 newsletters in a week every quarter or something like that. As long as your natural style and method is consistent, then you'll have opportunity to do something new.

        First things first - start with consistency. Use the different types and styles as a way to test engagement.
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  • Profile picture of the author gingerninjas
    You'll need to provide a bit more context to get the clearest answer to your question.

    If I am using Mail Chimp, I always ensure I have a professionally branded template created including logo and to suit the target audience.

    I usually only send monthly emails and I ensure they have the following:

    - Personalisation
    - A welcome with information that catches and engages the audience
    - Around 3 stories or updates with images
    - Video if this is absolutely necessary and make sure they are properly imbedded or open in a new windo
    - Social media links
    - Colour should be added to suit the brand

    I think it's more important about the content and keeping with the brand and style guide. If you already have a list you could test what people like to ensure that what you're doing is well received by the audience.
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    • Profile picture of the author MuricanWriter
      Originally Posted by gingerninjas View Post

      You'll need to provide a bit more context to get the clearest answer to your question.

      If I am using Mail Chimp, I always ensure I have a professionally branded template created including logo and to suit the target audience.

      I usually only send monthly emails and I ensure they have the following:

      - Personalisation
      - A welcome with information that catches and engages the audience
      - Around 3 stories or updates with images
      - Video if this is absolutely necessary and make sure they are properly imbedded or open in a new windo
      - Social media links
      - Colour should be added to suit the brand

      I think it's more important about the content and keeping with the brand and style guide. If you already have a list you could test what people like to ensure that what you're doing is well received by the audience.
      Hey Ginger!

      I probably should have mentioned that I do use mail chimp as it's easy to manage and whatnot. I asked the question because I write a lot and I guess I wanted to know how much content and posts and things should be mentioned per email and how to effectively get readers interested enough to click on the media in the email.

      Your response was extremely helpful. I really appreciate it. I have to admit I do have the tendency to talk a lot. I'm learning that being chatty isn't exactly good for keeping attention.

      Murican
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  • Profile picture of the author Wordsmith11
    It all depends on the content and relevance if my content is more related to food then il likely include the photos in it, videos can also be included for movies and shows. Color is an attractive strategy to grab attention but too much of it can become harmful and annoying hence try to keep it subtle
    Bullets make the article easier to read and grasp important points
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    • Profile picture of the author MuricanWriter
      Originally Posted by Wordsmith11 View Post

      It all depends on the content and relevance if my content is more related to food then il likely include the photos in it, videos can also be included for movies and shows. Color is an attractive strategy to grab attention but too much of it can become harmful and annoying hence try to keep it subtle
      Bullets make the article easier to read and grasp important points
      Hi Wordsmith,

      Out of curiosity, how many colors would you use per email? Thanks for the feedback.
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  • Profile picture of the author SkittlezContentMarketing
    So far my newsletter has been exactly that--a newsletter with regular updates on what's going on in my blog and business. I update once a month and if there's been a lot of recent news I will use bullets and/or numbering for the announcements but otherwise I just use plain text with my banner. Sometimes there are images that go with whatever I'm announcing as well and I will use these, but most of the time I don't bother.

    I think whether or not media is required depends a lot on your business and your goals for the newsletter. When I worked for a non-profit that ran summer camps we made sure to include photos from our ongoing camps every week but since my business is a freelance writing business instead of something focused on physical experiences and/or products I don't usually bother.
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  • Profile picture of the author Mahi Sheikh
    hello , newsletter is the best way to promote your business . There are many platform for designing . you can use one of them . picture , video and text . i think you can use all of this to make a proper newsletter .

    i think it will help you to make a newsletter
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