We know what you might be thinking: Does my business really need an email newsletter? The internet is full of newsletter content ideas— what would I even put in it? 

Well, you’d be surprised: while email marketing may not be as trendy as social media or as frequently cited as website SEO, this tried-and-true method provides one of the best returns on investment for businesses. And a monthly newsletter offers consistent outreach that generates engagement and trust without making customers feel like they’re being bombarded by constant emails. 

The goal is to build a relationship with your readers over time. We like to think of this picture painted by Ariel Investments President, Mellody Hobson: “I call it dripping: You don’t want to be like a faucet full-on; you want to drip just enough that they don’t forget about you.” She’s referring to sending handwritten notes; but hey, in today’s world of ten-second videos and endless image scrolls, receiving a well thought-out email can feel as personal as opening a physical card. 

The key to a successful email newsletter—and the hardest part—is making sure that your subscribers feel that you’re providing valuable, relevant content. So, what newsletter content should you be including? 

Consider these newsletter content ideas for structuring engaging monthly email newsletters year-round:

 

1. Turn your blogs into newsletter content ideas

Cross-promotion is the name of the game! Let your subscribers know that you’ve just published a blog post, and include an excerpt to offer direct value and spark interest. Blog posts offer instant value to your business by leading subscribers directly back to your website in a natural way. 

Here are some specific ideas:

     -Keep things fresh and timely by structuring your blog/newsletter around holidays or seasons.

     -Share your expertise in a top ten-list of useful tips.

     -Provide a how-to overview of a skill relevant to your business.

     -Offer your opinion on a related topic and ask subscribers to weigh in. Polls and surveys provide a fun, low-commitment way for people to engage with your brand.

 

2. Relevant News Stories and Studies

 By subscribing, your audience has already indicated their interest in your products or services—interest that likely expands beyond your specific brand. If you design jewelry, and a celebrity has just been photographed wearing a necklace similar to your design, that might be of interest to potential customers. If you’re a holistic psychologist, and the American Psychological Association has just published a groundbreaking study, your audience will likely want to know about it. 

Here are some more specific ideas:

     -Recommend podcasts.

     -Provide free resources, like a downloadable e-book or digital guide.

     -Offer a recap of current social media posts or recent news.

     -Link to or embed an interesting tweet.

     -Share an interview with an expert in your field.

 

3. Testimonials

Nothing offers sales value quite like social proof. Email newsletters provide an authentic, conversational way to share the positive feedback your business has received and to express how much it means to you. Email gives you the time and space to generate real conversations with subscribers and to share the feedback that highlights the best parts of your brand.

Here are some specific ideas:

     -Create a social media competition that offers an incentive for testimonials. 

     -Include case studies from your work.

     -Encourage subscribers to follow you on social media.

     -Run a referral promotion.

     -Ask customers to share their testimonials or stories.

     -Ask a question for subscribers to answer via reply or comments.

 

4. Updates About Your Products/Services

This is, after all, why customers subscribe in the first place. Make sure you’re including information about your business—whether it’s announcing new products, providing discounts, or promoting events. If there’s anything that customers should know about, it needs to be in the newsletter!

Here are some specific newsletter content ideas:

     -Send invitations to webinars, charity events, or other engagements.

     -Promote upcoming trade shows.

     -Tell the story of how your business originated.

     –Highlight an employee or partner of the week.

     -Share a personal note from you.

     -Answer frequently asked questions about your products.  

     -Reveal behind-the-scenes photos.

     -Try structuring your content around a theme—an idea, a color, a texture.
      This is especially effective for product-oriented newsletters.

With some planning, writing your monthly email newsletter can transform from an insurmountable time-suck and creativity-drain into a simple task that brings measurable valuable. But if structuring a year’s worth of newsletter content ideas still sounds like a chore, consider outsourcing your email newsletter to a VA. We’ll provide consistent, relevant content so you can dedicate yourself to the work that matters most: running your business.