Say Goodbye to Boring Newsletters
Can we be honest with each other for a moment?
Do you enjoy reading through your church’s weekly newsletter?
No, you don’t?!
Then we have some sad, sobering news to share with you…
Your churchgoers probably don’t enjoy reading your emails either.
Crafting the weekly newsletter can feel like a chore. It’s important to keep your church informed, but sometimes it feels like you’re writing the same old boring announcements week after week.
And you know what?
We can't blame your people for not reading them.
But we’re here with some great news.
What if you can transform your newsletters from snooze-fests to must-reads? What if you can make your people actually look forward to opening your emails each week?
We encourage you to experiment with some of the strategies below, and see if you don’t get better open rates and more engagement in your newsletters!
Our dream for you after these few tips: Your open rates go up, people respond to your call-to-actions, and best of all, your members feel more connected to your church community!
Make Your Weekly Newsletter Copy More Engaging
It's time to breathe new life into your weekly updates and make them something your members actually want to read. Here are three questions to ask yourself before creating your content:
1. Would I enjoy reading what I’m writing?
One of the most effective ways to capture your people’s attention is by making your copy more engaging. Instead of simply announcing events, try to draw your people in with exciting language. Use descriptive words, tell stories, and make your readers feel like they're part of something special.
Original: Join us for our annual church picnic next Saturday at noon.
Rewritten: What could be better than eating food? Eating food cooked by Pastor Mike at our annual church picnic! Join your church family next Saturday at noon for a delicious BBQ and life-size board games. No need to bring anything except your appetite and Connect-4 skills… seriously, someone has to beat Pastor Bennett this year!
2. Am I sharing the benefits of what we’re promoting?
When writing about upcoming events or programs, focus on the benefits for your people. What will they gain by participating? How will it enrich their lives or deepen their faith? By emphasizing the value, you're more likely to encourage engagement.
Original: We have launched our all-church group study with the new sermon series, All In. It's not too late to join. The group study will be on "The Blessed Life" by Pastor Robert Morris. We are offering a small group during Wednesday night Ministries at 6:30pm in Room 12. Books are available for purchase in the Sanctuary.
Rewritten: And turned it into this: We’re saving YOU a seat in our small group this week! As Pastor Mike leads a new sermon series called “All In,” we’re digging into the book "The Blessed Life" by Robert Morris and finding out how we can go all into trusting God with our finances. ⚠️ If you’re not ready for your views on money and trusting God to be challenged and strengthened, this book study isn’t for you! ⚠️ Head to room 12 this Wednesday at 6:30pm. See you there!
3. Am I confusing people on what action to take?
When writing your newsletter, make sure each section has a clear call to action. Don't overwhelm your readers with multiple requests or confuse them about what to do next. Keep it simple and provide a low-barrier, easy-to-follow call to action that will encourage engagement.
Original: Sign up for the church retreat, volunteer for the kids' ministry, the activities crew, or the cooking team, and don't forget to bring a Bible for the giveaway drive.
Rewritten: Joining us for the family retreat next month? It’s okay if tents aren’t your thing, we have dorms, too! You’ll leave this weekend with a clear vision to lead your family, reignite love with your spouse, and create joyous memories with your kiddos. Find more details and sign up today at squadchurch.com/retreat.
Craft Stronger Subject Lines
Let’s focus on the first thing your readers will see: your subject line. A compelling subject line can mean the difference between your email being opened or sent straight to the trash. Here are three tips to help you create subject lines that will have your congregation eagerly clicking into your emails.
1. Keep It Short
To make sure your subject line gets read, keep it concise. Aim for 9 words or less, so your message doesn't get cut off on mobile devices. Short, punchy subject lines are more likely to catch your readers' eyes and entice them to open your email.
Original: Join us for our annual church picnic next Saturday at noon!
Rewritten: All you can eat BBQ? Count us in.
2. Make It Enticing
Your subject line should pique your readers' curiosity and make them want to learn more. Use intriguing phrases, ask questions, or hint at the benefits they'll receive by opening your email. Make your subject line stand out in a crowded inbox by using emojis, personalization, or urgent language.
Original: New small group study about the book of James starting next week
Rewritten: Wanna know the one secret to living boldly?
3. Highlight the Most Important Information
Make sure your subject line conveys the most crucial information about your email's content. Whether it's an upcoming event, a deadline, or a special announcement, your subject line should give your readers a clear idea of what to expect when they open your message. This will help them prioritize your email and help make sure they don't miss out on important news.
Original: Church updates for the week
Rewritten: Only 2 more Men’s Retreat spots left!
Remember, your goal is not just to inform, but to inspire and connect with your community. With a little creativity and effort, you can create newsletters that truly make an impact. By trying out these tips, your emails can go from boring announcements to engaging news that your church will actually want to read!
Need help designing fresh visuals to go with your next newsletter or announcement?
TheSquad’s got you covered. With custom graphics, video, and strategy-backed content, we’ll help your church look incredible across every platform.
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