Six Smart Ways to Create Your Community Newsletter
Newsletters have always been a reliable form of communication with your membership. However, a newsletter will only serve its purpose if it is engaging enough to tempt recipients into reading it.
Here we share six smart ways to create a newsletter that perks your membership interest.
#1 - Make it useful
Select content that's relevant to their immediate needs and interests. Since not everyone can attend the HOA meetings, homeowners will appreciate the transparency of including updates from board meetings. Topics like rule reminders, current projects, and community happenings are always appreciated. Remember, a newsletter is only good if the readers can connect to its message.
#2 - Be consistent and test the frequency
Select content that's relevant to their immediate needs and interests. Since not everyone can attend the HOA meetings, homeowners will appreciate the transparency of including updates from board meetings. Topics like rule reminders, current projects, and community happenings are always appreciated. Remember, a newsletter is only good if the readers can connect to its message.
"A newsletter is a report detailing the activities of the community. Keep it short, sweet and to the point."
#3 - Keep it short, simple, and actionable
Residents have busy lives. A long list of rules and grievances can quickly deter them from reading the newsletter. To engage homeowners your newsletter must be short, simple, and actionable. Stray away from lengthy, wordy articles, and set a positive and encouraging tone. Remind the membership about important dates (i.e., event sign-ups, upcoming deadlines, etc.)
#4 - Use clever and relevant headlines
The only way that a newsletter (or any message) will have an audience is when it speaks to them. Your residents are more likely to open a newsletter if the subject line/headline is clever and relevant.
#5 - Focus on the format
Use the same community logo and font to encourage unity and familiarity, but include differences in color, size, and thickness to provide contrast and catch the attention. Including a few photos and graphics can also help to make the newsletter more visually appealing.
#6 - Go Digital
With so many people working from home these days, residents are relying on their inboxes to bring them news, information, and entertainment more than ever before. Consequently, email newsletters are seeing a surge in popularity. Also, consider making it available on the community website.
Associations should never overlook the importance of providing members with a regular newsletter that enhances the sense of community and helps homeowners make the most of their membership.
Not sure what to include in your newsletter? Here are a few ideas to get you started:
Inform them of major decisions, community issues, and relevant changes to the association, such as upcoming construction and special projects.
Include a calendar featuring upcoming events in the neighborhood, including social events, parties, and scheduled maintenance.
Local news that affects members can be included in the newsletter to keep everyone informed and connected.
Add gentle reminders of rules or regulations. Including it in the newsletter is an easy, non-confrontational way to get the word out without singling out individuals unnecessarily.
Homeowners may appreciate and benefit from practical seasonal tips such as landscape maintenance in the winter or saving energy in the summer.
Highlight volunteer work and recognize community members for their contributions. It is a great way to personalize the content and encourage all members to contribute to the greater good of the community.