304 Words 1.30 minute Read

Who Reads your News?  

Newsletters are trending in popularity in workplaces and journalism because they bring order and efficiency to business topics.

Usually, a newsletter should have a one or two-word name for its title. It should be punchy but clear, and capture its purpose and spirit.  

TIP: Be specific with content

The reader will lose interest if it doesn’t catch their attention and is too long.

Key Points for Success with Newsletters

The first item in the newsletter should be ONE BIG THING, as indicated in your headline. Then, follow it through with tight, forceful highlights.

A big mistake with newsletters is to obsess about the font, text size and layout. Write in order of importance ensuring each item is relevant. This increases the chances of the newsletter being read.

• Always tell the story and cut waffle.  
• Check the total word length and say how long is needed to read the content.
• Knowing the time being asked for sets the reader’s mind at ease.

TIP: Set Expectations

State how many items will follow.

Usually, 5 items maximum is ideal; anything longer is a book so be brutal and trim it down if needed.  Anything longer than 1,200 words total is too long, trim it so the reader won’t lose interest.

• Under 1,000 words overall is best.  
• Choose a cool, copyright-cleared picture, that’s relevant to the item you’re writing.
• Keep each item to 200 words, at max.

This shows respect to the reader’s time as they easily skim 200 words.

You can also add easy links to reports, stories or websites to allow the readers to go deeper into the story if they want to.

TIP: Make it Personal

End the newsletter with something funny or personal.

Also, simple graphs and pictures gives emphasis to your point.