Things to Include in Your Print Newsletter

With so much marketing attention being paid to digital efforts these days, it’s easy to overlook that people still do read offline. From books to local papers and newsletters, print publications continue to be a source of information and entertainment. For example, while e-readers and platforms like Libby are popular, print books still outsell digital by a ratio of almost four to one.

If you are trying to build a community, whether it be for a religious community, a nonprofit agency, or another organization, a print newsletter might be a worthwhile investment.

Why Create a Print Newsletter?

There are a variety of benefits to publishing a newsletter for your members or potential members. It can help you:

• Stand out from other organizations: Since many agencies and businesses have shifted their focus to e-newsletters exclusively, you’ll have less competition for people’s attention. You can leave a stack at your local library, doctor’s office, or coffee shop without being one of many doing so.

• Avoid being part of the inbox clutter: From the grocery store to the online shop that sells skincare products, many organizations flood people’s inboxes with offers. By adding an offline version of your newsletter, you distinguish yourself from that clutter.

• Share more detailed information: Online visitors read differently than those who consume information offline. While there’s definitely value to creating a content-rich website, it’s important to know that people tend to skim online instead of reading every word. When you want them to pay attention to details, it makes sense to create a written publication.

• Stay top-of-mind: Another advantage to print is that it tends to have a longer “shelf” life and stick around longer. People might cut out a section they want to read again or post a list of dates to remember on their refrigerator. That helps keep your organization or business top-of-mind longer.

So, if you’ve decided to give a print newsletter a try, you might be wondering what type of content to include. We have some suggestions to help you get started.

Content Tips for a Print Newsletter

It’s best to balance routine information and columns with storytelling in your newsletter. A good way to achieve that is to incorporate scheduled events alongside more personal articles:

• List upcoming activities and special events
• Share team members’ titles and contact information
• Talk about volunteer opportunities (one-time and long-term)
• Include a letter from the executive director
• Write a volunteer spotlight story or two
• Always add photos/images to catch the eye
• Publish the organization’s address, phone number, and website
• Have team members contribute stories on a revolving basis

A few final tips to make sure your newsletter represents your business or organization in a professional manner:

• Utilize a professional editor. If you don’t have someone on staff, you can probably find a freelancer who will work with you for a reasonable hourly fee. You’ll want them to review the newsletter for spelling, grammar, and the overall voice and tone.

• Ask for input from those who are in your target audience. Make sure to ask them for open, honest feedback and any ideas for improvement. It’s one of the best ways to make sure the newsletter is valuable to readers.

• Don’t skimp on visual design. Just like you may need to hire a freelance editor to review your newsletter before publication, it may be necessary to enlist the services of a graphic designer. Not in the budget? No problem! Simply use a tool like WeCreate which provides beautiful designs already made for you to use.

If you need a helping hand getting your print newsletter up and running, LPi can be a solution. Read more about our print services for newsletters and more!

Updated on 05-25-2024