Engaging E-Newsletters

Eric H. DossDirector of Communications, Charleston Atlantic Presbytery

New to E-Newsletters? Mailchimp is the Answer

Caveats

• E-Newsletters aren’t a silver bullet• You’re only as good as your list• Communication has to be strategic and focused• Communication must be consistent

Legal Concerns

• CAN-SPAM Act: Not required for religious organizations, but…• Must ask to be added• Must honor unsubscribes

Why E-Newsletters?

• Cost• Reach• Rich Media• Highest response rates• Analytics: If you can’t measure it, it doesn’t exist!

Newsletter Strategy

• What is your goal?

• Must be consistent in:• Tone and voice• Content• Timing

• Newsletter is a spoke: Website is the hub

Best Practices

• Remember your goals• Draft your content• Create Good Content: Timely, Useful, Educational, Complete• Content has to be readable• Pay attention to your subject line• Images/Rich Media• Calls to Action: Don’t assume!

Best Practices: Part Two

• Consistent Schedule• Measure: A/B testing and Analytics• Link to your website and social media• Offer opportunities for engagement• Optimize delivery time• Use responsive design

BAD Newsletter Examples: What Do I Do?

BAD Newsletter Examples: HOLY FONTS BATMAN

Good Newsletters

Good Newsletters

Analytics Dashboard

Detailed Reports

Resources

• MailChimp-Free for 2000 contacts/12,000 emails per month• MadMimi- Free for 2500 contacts/12,500 emails per month• MailChimp Guide • CAN SPAM Compliance