Consistently sending a newsletter is a quick way to make every online community member feel engaged even if they haven't logged in for months. It is a tactful way to re-engage community members without forcing them to log in. We have seen online community traffic soar as much as 100% on the day the newsletter goes out. Gentle touches are critical to keeping a community vibrant over time.
Don't create content for a newsletter, simply re-use and highlight what is already going on in your community. Here are some ideas on what you could include in your newsletter.
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Poll or Question of the Week: encourages engagement
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Member Spotlight: offers exposure to a member and provides a personal feel
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Groups or Discussions: promote a group or discussion that some members might not know about
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Featured Blog Post: offers exposure to a blogger, makes it personal, encourages engagement
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Community Update: effective way to integrate with other social or traditional marketing channels