How to create a newsletter that your donors will actually read

Are you struggling to get your nonprofit newsletter read by your donors? With the abundance of online content vying for attention, it's important to create engaging and relevant newsletters.

Here are some tips to optimize your nonprofit newsletter and improve donor engagement.

Keep it Focused and Concise

Long newsletters are daunting, and your donors are busy people. Keep your newsletter concise by including only the most important information. Highlight key events, accomplishments, and initiatives to grab their attention. Stick to a clear and organized layout with plenty of white space to make it easy for donors to read.

According to the Nonprofit Communications Trends Report, nonprofits that send shorter and more frequent newsletters have a higher open rate than those that send longer and less frequent ones.

Use a Clear and Visually Appealing Layout:

The layout of your newsletter plays a crucial role in donor engagement. Use a clear font and an easy-to-read format to make it visually appealing. Use images and infographics to break up the text and add interest. Keep the branding consistent across all channels to help donors recognize your nonprofit.

Personalize the Content:

Donors want to feel appreciated and connected to your nonprofit. By segmenting your newsletter list and tailoring the content to different groups based on their interests and involvement with your organization, you can build a closer relationship with them. According to HubSpot, personalized emails have a higher click-through rate than generic ones.

Use a Compelling Subject Line:

The subject line is the first thing your donors see, so make it count. A good subject line should be attention-grabbing and clearly convey the value of the newsletter. Avoid using vague or spammy subject lines. Here are a few examples:

• "Join us for our upcoming charity auction"
• "See the impact of your donations"
• "Hear from our beneficiaries about how your support changes lives"

Include Calls to Action:

Encourage your donors to take action by including calls to action throughout the newsletter. Provide links to donate or share your newsletter on social media. Highlight volunteer opportunities, events, or ways they can get involved. Make it easy for them to take action and see the impact of their contributions.

Browse through some of our favorite partner examples.

Bring it all together...
By following these tips, you can create a newsletter that your donors will actually read and engage with. Don't forget to experiment with different formats, tone, and content to find what resonates best with your audience.

Remember that the ultimate goal is to build stronger relationships with your donors and show them the impact of their contributions.