Newsletter Tips and Do's & Don'ts
Design Tips and Do's & Don'ts:
- Decide on a design and keep the same appearance and layout from issue to issue.
- Feature the name of your newsletter (letterhead) in large print across the top of the first page.
- Don't forget to include the name and address of your community in smaller font on the front page.
- For the most professional looking newsletter, use black ink on white, off-white, or cream colored paper. You can add color with graphics and pictures.
- Stick to just two or three font styles throughout the newsletter.
- Don't clutter your newsletter with too many graphics or clip art.
- Use clip art and graphics that are age appropriate.
- Put the most important features on the front page.
- Make the articles easy to read. Be clear in your writing. Don't try to write "fancy" - just stick to the basics.
- Keep your articles short or break them up with subheadings. Nobody likes to read a wall of words.
- If your newsletter is going to be distributed outside of your building, do not include articles that may not be of interest to the community at large - such as departmental communications (change in laundry schedule, reminders to sign-up for transportation, etc.).
Kinds of Articles
Include interesting, informative, human-interest articles, such as:
- Success stories of past activities and special events.
- Activity features about particular activity programs (such as your physical program, choral group, men's club, etc.).
- Upcoming activity highlights.
- Resident features (such as new residents or a resident of the month).
- Residents' writings (such as short stories, articles, poems, etc.).
- Associate features (such as employee of the month).
- Volunteer features.
- Tips for promoting wellness.
- Games and puzzles appropriate for the age group.
- Cartoons and humor.
- Birthday congratulations. Note: Avoid mentioning age or year of birth.
- Ask department managers to write regular monthly articles related to their professions. For example:
-Food for Thought (dietary)
- Nuts and Bolts (maintenance)
- Household Tips (housekeeping)
- For Your Health (nursing)
- Special Happening (marketing)
- Manager's Desk (administrator)
