Shannon and I are big fans of "neighborhoods." Neighborhoods unite generations in a way no other institution can. This year we have created neighborhood newsletters with the purpose of featuring new families and events.
Here are the top 5 ways to make your neighborhood newsletter successful:
1. Decide on frequency and delivery method.
While some neighborhoods might prefer an email edition we both felt that a physical mailing would draw more attention.
Shannon has committed to 1/month and I've decided on 1/quarter.
2. Rally the troops.
You can't come up with the material on your own, you'd spend way too much time composing the "perfect" issue. Here
are a few places you can look for materials:
Local Newspaper and Community Flyers for events.
Neighbors who you want to feature - have them provide a pic and a blurb about themselves.
Highlight or begin a neighborhood event - we have an annual garage sale and picnic - encourage involvement.
Offer to plug/highlight local businesses.
3. Provide something to make it last.
You want the newsletter to hang on their fridge for a while. Include a calendar, a crossword or a call to action. Create a
list of neighborhood babysitters, dog walkers and lawn mowers. Everyone needs a list of "Mom's Little Helpers."
4. Make it pretty and simple.
Divide your newsletter into sections and keep them consistent. You don't have to be a photoshop expert to make
something beautiful. Add icons and digital elements that will make your newsletter unique. Etsy.com is a wonderful
place to purchase "digital scrapbooking" elements that look great. Many costing $2-3.
5. Edit, edit, edit.
While undoubtedly you will find a typo or two, keep the newsletter as polished as possible. Not the best at catching your
mistakes? Enlist a friend to proof-read. We have at least 2 pairs of eyes looking at ours...every time it goes out.
Below are two examples of our newsletters. Get inspired, be creative and bring your neighborhood together this summer!
- Angie
Here are the top 5 ways to make your neighborhood newsletter successful:
1. Decide on frequency and delivery method.
While some neighborhoods might prefer an email edition we both felt that a physical mailing would draw more attention.
Shannon has committed to 1/month and I've decided on 1/quarter.
2. Rally the troops.
You can't come up with the material on your own, you'd spend way too much time composing the "perfect" issue. Here
are a few places you can look for materials:
Local Newspaper and Community Flyers for events.
Neighbors who you want to feature - have them provide a pic and a blurb about themselves.
Highlight or begin a neighborhood event - we have an annual garage sale and picnic - encourage involvement.
Offer to plug/highlight local businesses.
3. Provide something to make it last.
You want the newsletter to hang on their fridge for a while. Include a calendar, a crossword or a call to action. Create a
list of neighborhood babysitters, dog walkers and lawn mowers. Everyone needs a list of "Mom's Little Helpers."
4. Make it pretty and simple.
Divide your newsletter into sections and keep them consistent. You don't have to be a photoshop expert to make
something beautiful. Add icons and digital elements that will make your newsletter unique. Etsy.com is a wonderful
place to purchase "digital scrapbooking" elements that look great. Many costing $2-3.
5. Edit, edit, edit.
While undoubtedly you will find a typo or two, keep the newsletter as polished as possible. Not the best at catching your
mistakes? Enlist a friend to proof-read. We have at least 2 pairs of eyes looking at ours...every time it goes out.
Below are two examples of our newsletters. Get inspired, be creative and bring your neighborhood together this summer!
- Angie