Our workshop - an overview What makes a newsletter work? The editorial group Content Copywriting...

Our workshop - an overview• What makes a newsletter work?• The editorial group• Content• Copywriting• Photography• Layout• Feedback• Looking forward

What makes a newsletter work?

What makes a newsletter work?• Ownership• Time• Planning• Strong content• Input from across the organisation• Careful selection of stories• Use of images• Strong design

What is the role of an editorial group?

The editorial group

• Eyes and ears of the community• Breaking through the jargon• Keeping it relevant• Having a voice

The editorial group – getting it right

• The magic number – what is it?• Independent co-ordination• Takes all kinds• …….fun

Playing your part

• Be an ambassador so people come to know you as their Keynotes contact.

• Attend editorial meetings to build a relationship with the group.

• Listen to what’s going on between meetings and keep a note of things that might be suitable.

• Get involved in group meetings- no suggestion is wrong.

• Encourage others to contribute or join.

Getting people on board

• Spreading the word• Social media• Making a difference• Great way to meet others• Good for CV

Knowing your aims

The creative process

Having a strategy

So who are your readers?

Gender Age Location Employment Family type

But what are they really like?

A clear message

Getting down to work

PART TWO:

Content:

• Balance of stories• Judge every story on its own merits• Mindset of the reader: John Jones at

no.52.• The pub test. • Bringing stories to life- human stories,

fact boxes, case studies.

What makes a story?

Your views?

• Information on policies• How you can be involved• Competitions• Tenant group and member news• Advertising (dates and events)• Progress reports• Details about other organisations• Useful tips eg energy-saving, debt advice

Regular features

• To develop an identity and become known by reader.

• Need to keep them fresh. • Eg recipe corner, day in the life, behind

the scenes, competitions.

Copywriting – your role• Plain English test.• Helping collate information.• Finding examples.• Judging whether a story is relevant.• Identifying any gaps.• Proof-reading.• Point of contact for the copywriter.

Images

• Photography v illustrations• Don’t forget your camera!• Spreading the word• Tips on the kind of images

Design checklist

• Does it work?• Is it clear?• Do you like the images?• Is the balance and ordering right?

Summary• Strong editorial group can make a real

difference.• Fine balance to strike between content,

design and images.• The group is the eyes and ears of the

publication. • Getting people on board is key. • Enjoy it!

Conclusion

• An editorial group is constantly evolving. • Important to keep an eye on what others

are doing.• Listen to what’s going on around you

between meetings. • Know your aims and you’re on the right

track.• Don’t be afraid to make suggestions.