Newsletters
A newsletter is a publication which is regularly distributed and generally has one main topic that would appear to be interesting to the subscribers of such newsletters. Newspaper and leaflets could also be considered as a kind of newsletter in its broader sense. With the advent of the internet, distribution of newsletters using email is steadily gaining in popularity over its printed version.
Newsletters are published by different social organizations like clubs, churches, societies, and associations as well as being used for business purpose especially by companies. The purpose of these newsletters is to provide information of interest to their members, customers or employees, as the case may be, after a regular interval of time.
Effective newsletters are those that appear on time, are attractive and easy to read. To publish newsletters on time would require careful editing and a format to enable its preparation even at the last minute.
A few tips are given here to help you in publishing an effective newsletter.
Consistency
The success of a newsletter depends on its consistency. Publishing a shorter newsletter with greater frequency will have greater effectiveness. It is better produce a single page two sided newsletter each month rather publishing a four page one bi monthly or eight page newsletter quarterly. The shorter newsletter would enable you to mail it more frequently and to more people.
A distinctive title
The success of a newsletter depends a lot on the distinctive, benefit oriented title given to the newsletter. The effect would farther increase by providing stylized treatment to the title which would appear on the front page of each issue.
The newsletter’s title should serve as an icon, or visual symbol, signaling the content of the newsletter. A title using a few short words would be more effective than one containing several long words. Instead of using a long title it could be split into two parts consisting of a short keyword printed in larger font size supported by a longer subtitle printed in smaller font which amplifies the meaning of the keyword.
Right margin and column layout
By proper use white spaces in the design of the newsletter, it could be made more attractive and easier to read. White spaces could be provided by using generous margins. Sufficient space could also provide at the top and bottom of each page.
Leaving some columns blank could be considered. If newsletter is having a three-column layout, then text may be omitted from the first column and photos, pull-quotes and short topics could placed there.
Using all these ideas, you will be able to make the newsletter as a very powerful tool in your marketing efforts.
