5 Tips for Creating Great E-Newsletter Content
by Ashley High

Your boss just reminded you that it is about time to write another e-newsletter to your supporters. You have replied to all your emails, re-organized your bookshelf for the third time, and have memorized all 4689 pages of the 2003 The Foundation Directory you discovered on your bookshelf, so there is no way you can put off writing that newsletter any longer. You have delayed because you were hoping for a brilliant idea to come to you, but alas, you cannot think of a single thing to write in your e-newsletter. Here are some newsletter ideas that will create great content.

 

1) Success Stories

Let your donors know what your organization has accomplished with their money. Even better, give them credit for the success and make sure they realize how important they are to your organization. While you should not brag, let them know your work is important.

 

2) Go Behind the Scenes

Let donors have the insider perspective. However, do not go so far as to be boring.

 

3) Upcoming Events!!!

Let donors what will be happening in a few days and create a sense of urgency. If your big event is not for several more months, create intermediate milestones such as “super saver deadlines” or “100^th person to register.”

 

4) Take Action

Give your supporters opportunities to support your mission by donating or volunteering. Let them know what the impact of their action will be.

 

5) Action Alerts

Emails and e-newsletters are a great way to ask people to petition for a cause. Ask donors to complete an online petition, email a Congress member, or donate to a specific campaign. However, remember to provide clear and easy instructions on how to accomplish that action.

 

In short, in order to write great e-newsletters, tell stories, create excitement, and give donors opportunities to help out.

Information taken from: Kivi Leroux Miller. “Articles that Work in Nonprofit E-Newsletters.” Network for Good <www.fundraising123.org>.

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