Newsletter Ideas

A big THANKS to Frank Kremer for these creative ideas and tips regarding creating a newsletter. Frank & Becky's web site: YWAMers - Frank and Becky Kremer

*fold a regular sized paper in an unusual way

*turn it on its side or use it upside down

*cut it into a different shape - a triangle or a square

*use an unusual size

*find unusual materials to write on - kraft, toilet paper, napkins, fabric, transparent

mailing

*look for unusual bags and materials that can be used for an envelope (clear, sandwich bag...)

*check your postal service for restrictions and stick within them to save money

*make the newsletter a self mailer by folding and sealing it

*make your own envelopes from magazines or nice paper (any shape you want)

added value

**look out for light and inexpensive things you can send with your mailing:

*candy, balloons, styrofoam airplanes, tea bags...

*include a magnet or pictures

*maybe a postcard from where you are or a little volume of poems by a fellow student or local artist

*a map where you indicate where you live, shop, socialize...

*a CD-Rom

**maybe the mailing could be used for something else: print instructions on it for a paper airplane

add colour

*print it colour or an ink-jet or laser printer

*have copies made from your digital pictures

*use coloured paper

*print letterhead commercially in colour and then just print the up to date information on it in black

[+] do's...

*invest time, energy and resources to get it right - attractive and readable

*get creative or ask someone for help

*edit and a day later edit again (keep a dictionary at hand)

*use recurring features, themes, editorials, bigger picture, diary - think ahead

*use pictures and visuals (black and white for copied newsletters)

*avoid copying, but print them all - make them personal

*write about people and their stories

*keep files size down when sending by e-mail (choose the right resolution) - PDF?

[-]...and don'ts

*don't send a dull newsletter - be enthusiastic and have someone proof read it for you

*don't just fill space with words

*don't use lots of little clipart to fill every blank space, one bigger one that fits with the story is a lot more effective