Newsletters: Who, me?

Newsletters serve a vital purpose in many organizations. A formal plan is important in identifying your target readers and their needs, and guiding you through choices regarding format and style. Several factors should be considered in planning and managing content, such as creating an editorial calendar, identifying sources for story ideas, and determining the final approval process. Effective distribution will encompass the readers' needs and your creativity. A valuable tool in assessing the newsletter's success is reader feedback. As a marketing tool, the return on your investment can be measured. Above all, a newsletter keeps you motivated to keep learning.