Here are some tips to keep in mind as write your newsletters:

Use a strong subject line

In your newsletter, you compete with a variety of other emails that individuals receive. You must write your subject line in a way that grabs the attention of your readers so they will open the newsletter and read what you have to say.

Include a clear call to action

Your audience should not simply read about what you are doing, but act! When you use compelling wording and include links and bold key phrases, you give readers an immediate sense of what to do next.

Include hyperlinks

By including links in multiple parts of your email, you will assist your readers in finding relevant web pages. Include a link that redirects to your homepage or another relevant website in your newsletter’s banner. Since images, banners, and buttons are larger than links in the text, readers often click on these areas when reading emails on mobile devices or phones.

Keep it as brief as possible!

Your newsletter should include a brief summary of content that requires more length, directing readers to your website to read the full article. If your content requires more length, post it on your website. Also remember, the most important information should be placed at the top of the email, and not “below the scroll.”

Use bullets and lists to break up heavy text.

Use bullet points and lists whenever possible, and break up long sentences into short, easy-to-read paragraphs when relating longer information.

Include images

Make sure the images you select are clear and crisp, and not blurry, whenever possible. You can use photos of real children, families, and educators in your communities, as long as you have the appropriate photo releases, and it may also be helpful to subscribe to stock photo services, such as istockphoto.com or shutterstock.com, to enhance the professionalism and variety of your newsletters.

Maintain a flexible approach and track your performance

Consider sending your newsletter at different times during the day. Try sending it in the morning, at lunch, or in the early evening. Determine which days, and what time of the day result in higher open rates (the percentage of people who opened your email out of the entire list), and adjust your distribution strategy accordingly.