7. Identify the audience Who currently reads the newsletter? Are there other people who should be reading it? A newsletter intended for all employees, but currently read only by management needs a new format and content. Newsletters already reaching their target audience may only need some minor adjustments.
8. Clarify the purpose of the newsletter Every newsletter has a purpose, although sometimes it's been forgotten over the years. Is the newsletter to share news of the organization's activities? Promote company morale and loyalty? Inspire volunteer activity? Solicit funds or donations?
9. Look at the layout of the newsletter Does the current layout encourage recipients to read it? Are the font styles and sizes easy to read? Are the headings and illustrations attractive? If there is an index, is it easy to use? If there is no index, would it help to add one?
10. Read over the last two or three copies of the newsletter Does the current layout encourage recipients to read it? Are the font styles and sizes easy to read? Are the headings and illustrations attractive? If there is an index, is it easy to use? If there is no index, would it help to add one?
11. Take a fresh look Think about how you can best correct the problems and convey the information you need to share. Fresh voices First person accounts Contests and challenges Humorous stories Improve visual appeal Include a calendar Consider an e-mail version Include related news articles Ask for reader input
12. The Success Mantra Make sure you provide valuable and fresh new content to your subscribers. You don't want to publish outdated old boring material to your list. Keep your readers interest first. Make sure you are satisfying their needs and not yours.
