Need
Help with Your Newsletter?
Tips for Increasing Creative Contributions
The more stories, artwork, and other contributions people provide for your newsletter, the less work for you. The following suggestions will help increase the amount of material in your "In Box."
Ask
and Ye Shall Receive
Publish open invitations for contributions or letters to the editor.
Also, request stories from anyone who has a vested interest in communicating
a message that will benefit your audience (including advertisers, vendors,
customers, and experts).
Report
on Reporting
Write stories on how to submit stories, letters, and artwork. Also,
include articles about the people who provide articles.
Exude
Enthusiasm
Get volunteers excited about the goals of your newsletter. Show them
previous issues and tell them about the positive changes or effects
the publication has had. Sell them on the success of your newsletter
because
people like to be involved with success.
Keep
Things Simple
Break down the jobs you need into easy, one-time assignments. After
all, many people avoid contributing to newsletters because it
seems like such
a big commitment. Provide precise instructions, including length
requirements, to prevent do-overs or misunderstandings that can
result from excessive
editing.
Pad
the Lead
Schedule your projects as far in advance as possible so you can
have a better feel for what help you'll need and when you'll
need it.
Last minute recruiting often leads to frustration and panic.
Pile
on the
Praise
Always give contributors plenty of recognition. If possible,
include their names in the publication. Give them extra copies
to share
with their family and friends. And be sure to pass along
any positive comments you hear regarding their stories.
Map
the
Course
If someone has valuable information to share, but not the
time to contribute stories, put together a brief questionnaire
that
will
elicit the most
important facts you need. Offer them a choice of filling
in and faxing back, responding by e-mail, or calling you
with
their
responses. Busy people often appreciate this kind of assistance.
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