This article will provide some best practices for writing an eNewsletter. Please keep in mind that each government is different with different needs, these best practices are simply here to guide you into creating your very own, unique eNewsletter.
Best Practices
Be Brief
Create a summary of the article with a link to read the entire article on the appropriate area of your site
For example: "Title of the Hyperlinked Article - This is a small description of what you will find in the article when you click the link."
Keep the eNewsletter focused on a few important main articles at a time
Be Timely
Keep your eNewsletter up-to-date and punctual, citizens would like to know what is happening in a relevant timeframe
CivicSend allows your articles to be quick to write and punctual, which makes your eNewsletter available to be sent even weekly, if applicable
Utilize CivicSend's scheduling tool to send your eNewsletter on time and choose and set a delivery day and time that is consistent
Mondays and Fridays seem to be the least effective days to send out eNewsletters because of the weekend; to generate more traffic, try it on a Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday
Be Relevant
Know your audience
Include information that your audience would like to know, upcoming events, reminders, etc.
Be Engaging
Use the eNewsletter to survey for feedback, this will give an idea of what your associates would like to know about
Include graphics that are fun to look at for larger events
Be Prepared
Gather your information and make sure it is correct
Gather your URL(s) to use for the hyperlinks
Use the Civicsend features available to you
Use the previous eNewsletter as a template
Formatting is key to retaining consistency and saving time. Visit our article on how to copy a previous message.