One of the common challenges of producing a regular corporate newsletter is trying to do everything yourself. The more stories, photos and other contributions you can get from others, the less work you’ll have to do. As an added bonus, a wider range of contributors makes for a more well-rounded corporate newsletter. Follow these tips to foster a regular influx of article contributions.
1. Provide article guidelines and deadlines to contributors
The task of providing an article is often assigned to a busy employee who lacks time and/or expertise. In addition, many potential contributors avoid submitting material because it appears like a large commitment.
Make it easy on them (and you) by breaking down your article needs into easy, one-time assignments. Communicate specific guidelines, the most important of which are 1) the article’s focus, and 2) the length requirement.
2. Request accompanying photos/images/art up front
To avoid chasing down these support materials, ask for them up front. Also be sure to request photo captions.
3. Build in plenty of time
Give your contributors plenty of time to complete their articles. Last minute requests for content often results in poorly written pieces and aggravation that may dissuade the individual from submitting content for the corporate newsletter in the future.
4. Include a Contributions Request box in every issue
One client discovered the power of gaining useful content with a Contributions Request box when she left it out of a couple corporate newsletters due to space restrictions. While pulling together a subsequent issue, she commented that it was like pulling teeth to get content – the first time she had ever encountered that problem. Suffice it to say, she now finds room for this box in every issue.
5. Recognize and praise contributors
Always give contributors plenty of recognition; the simplest way to do that is with an Acknowledgement Box in the corporate newsletter. Provide extra copies of the newsletter to share with family and friends. Don’t forget to pass along any positive comments about their story.
6. Make it easy to contribute with questionnaires
Employees often have useful ideas/information to share, but neither the time nor writing skills to contribute a full-blown article. The easy way to get around that problem is to utilize a questionnaire that he or she can fill out with the pertinent facts. Those facts can then be quickly turned into a proper article in the corporate newsletter. Even the busiest employee can find time to fill out a questionnaire. If you’d like a sample questionnaire, please email info@thenewsletterexperts.com and put “Sample Questionnaire” in the subject line.
