Email newsletters are a great way to stay connected with your audience and keep them updated on the latest news, products, and promotions. However, with so many emails flooding our inboxes every day, it can be difficult to stand out and get your subscribers to actually open and engage with your newsletter.
To help you create newsletters that people actually want to read, we’ve put together a list of 10 unique ideas to inspire you. From incorporating interactive elements to personalizing your content, these tips will help you make your newsletters more engaging and increase the chances of them being read. So, let’s dive in!
What is Email Newsletter
Email newsletters are regularly distributed email messages that provide updates, news, and information to subscribers. They can be used for a variety of purposes, including keeping in touch with customers, promoting products or services, sharing company news, and building brand awareness.
Email newsletters typically include text, images, and links, and are sent to a list of subscribers who have opted-in to receive them. They can be delivered daily, weekly, monthly, or on any other schedule that the sender decides. The goal of an email newsletter is to provide valuable and relevant information to subscribers, while also promoting a business or brand.
Email Newsletter Dimensions
Email newsletters are typically sent in the form of HTML emails and have certain dimensions that should be taken into consideration for optimal viewing and delivery. Some of the key dimensions to keep in mind when designing email newsletters include:
- Width: The width of your email should be no wider than 600-700 pixels to ensure it fits within the average email client viewport.
- Image size: Large images can slow down the loading time of your newsletter, so keep image sizes under 100KB.
- Alt text: Alt text is used to describe images for email clients that block images. It’s important to use descriptive alt text for accessibility and to ensure your message is still conveyed if images are blocked.
- Button size: Make sure buttons are large enough to be easily clicked on a mobile device, usually 44×44 pixels or larger.
- Font size: Use a font size of at least 14 pixels to ensure your text is legible on both desktop and mobile devices.
- Line height: Use a line height of at least 1.5 to make your text more readable and easier on the eyes.
- By keeping these dimensions in mind, you can ensure your email newsletters look great and are easily readable on any device.
10 Ways to Create a Successful Email Newsletter
1. Personalize the content
Use the subscriber’s name and other personal information to make the newsletter feel more individualized. For example, you can start the newsletter with a greeting like “Hello [Name], here’s your monthly update.” This simple personalization makes the subscriber feel like the newsletter was created just for them.
2. Keep it short and sweet
People are busy, so keep your newsletters brief and to the point. Consider highlighting just a few key pieces of information or updates rather than overwhelming subscribers with too much content. For example, you can create a newsletter that focuses on just one or two key pieces of news and includes links to read more.
3. Use visuals
Adding images, videos, and graphics can make your newsletter more engaging and visually appealing. For example, you can include product images, infographics, or a video tour to showcase your products or services.
4. Incorporate interactive elements
Try including quizzes, surveys, or polls to encourage subscribers to interact with your newsletter. For example, you can create a quiz related to your industry or products and ask subscribers to take it. This not only adds a fun element to your newsletter but also helps you gather valuable data on your audience.
5. Make it mobile-friendly
Many people read their emails on their mobile devices, so ensure that your newsletters are optimized for viewing on small screens. For example, you can use a responsive email design that adjusts to different screen sizes and ensures that your newsletter is easy to read and navigate on any device.
6. Provide value
Offer exclusive discounts, tips, or insights to make your newsletter more valuable to subscribers. For example, you can provide a discount code or a free trial offer to subscribers who engage with your newsletter.
7. Use a clear and catchy subject line
A subject line that accurately reflects the content of your newsletter and piques the reader’s interest will help ensure it’s opened. For example, instead of using a generic subject line like “February Newsletter,” you can try something like “Exclusive Discounts and Insights: February Newsletter.”
8. Make it easy to unsubscribe
Giving subscribers the option to unsubscribe makes it easier for them to opt-out if they no longer want to receive your newsletters. This helps maintain a clean and engaged email list and reduces the likelihood of your newsletters being marked as spam.
9. Experiment with different formats
Try using different formats, such as a digest, a curated list, or a full-length article, to see what resonates with your audience. For example, you can create a newsletter that curates the best industry news from the month and provides brief summaries and links for subscribers to explore.
10. Test and measure
Regularly test different elements of your newsletters, such as subject lines, visuals, and content, to see what works best and make improvements accordingly. For example, you can run A/B tests to compare different subject lines and see which one has the highest open rate. Continuously testing and measuring helps you refine your newsletter strategy and ensure you’re delivering the best possible experience to your subscribers.
Two Most Successful Email Newsletter Examples
- The Skimm: The Skimm is a daily email newsletter that provides a concise, conversational rundown of the top news stories of the day. It’s written in a relatable tone and is designed to be read in just a few minutes. The Skimm has built a loyal following of over 7 million subscribers and has been praised for making the news more accessible and approachable.
- Buzzfeed Tasty: Buzzfeed Tasty is an email newsletter that features recipes, cooking tips, and food-related content. Each email includes visually appealing images of delicious food and easy-to-follow recipes. Buzzfeed Tasty has been a huge success and has become one of the most popular food-related email newsletters on the internet, with millions of subscribers. Its success can be attributed to its engaging visuals, simple and approachable recipes, and the convenience of receiving new recipe ideas straight to your inbox.
Example of Email Newsletter
Here is a template for a successful email newsletter
Subject Line: New Year, New You: Get Fit with our Workout Plan
Dear [Subscriber Name],
Happy New Year! We hope you’re feeling refreshed and ready to take on the new year with some health and fitness goals.
To help you get started, we’ve put together a workout plan that you can do from the comfort of your own home. It includes a mix of cardio, strength training, and yoga exercises to help you achieve a balanced and full-body workout.
To make things even easier, we’ve created a printable PDF that you can download and use as your guide. Plus, we’ll be sending you a series of follow-up emails with tips, tricks, and motivation to keep you on track.
So why not make this year the year you get fit and feel great? Download our workout plan now and let’s get started!
Download Workout Plan
Best, [Your Name]
P.S. Don’t forget to share your progress with us by tagging us on Instagram. We can’t wait to see the amazing transformations you’ll make!
In conclusion, creating an email newsletter that people actually want to read requires a combination of strategy, creativity, and attention to detail. By personalizing content, keeping it brief and engaging, incorporating interactive elements, making it mobile-friendly, and providing value, you can build a newsletter that subscribers look forward to receiving.
Additionally, experimenting with different formats, using clear and catchy subject lines, making it easy to unsubscribe, and continually testing and measuring your results will help you refine your newsletter strategy and deliver the best possible experience to your subscribers. By following these unique ways to create email newsletters, you’ll be well on your way to building a successful and engaged email list.