Homeowners like to be informed of what is occurring in the community. A great way to share information is through a well-crafted newsletter. If your newsletter is too bland, too long, too negative, too much of almost anything, you risk losing readers. There is a fine balance that needs to be maintained in order to keep your audience’s attention and encourage engagement. As you’re drafting your next HOA newsletter, keep the following in mind:
- Make it timely so that homeowners are getting news that is relevant to them. Decide whether you should be distributing your newsletter on a quarterly basis or more frequently. Only producing a newsletter once or twice a year is probably not enough as important information may be overlooked and there can be a feeling of disconnect.
- Make it worthwhile by highlighting important changes, reminders, events, and tips. There should be some takeaway for readers so they don’t feel as though it was a waste of their time. Make each article count and keep it concise. Write in terms that are easily understood and avoid confusing industry jargon.
- Make it positive and show the good things that are happening in the community in addition to addressing concerns. No one wants to read a newsletter that only focuses on what is not going right or harps on them about policies and procedures. Create a balance that also shares helpful tips, ways to get involved, and upcoming events.
- Make it consistent both in format and delivery. Having a uniform style and theme will help people to become more familiar with the newsletter and not overlook it as junk mail. An attractive layout can also improve readability. Stick to a schedule of when it will be distributed so homeowners know when to expect the next issue.
- Make it accessible by sending via email, posting on the HOA website, and having copies in common areas. This can encourage more homeowners to read it and makes it easier to go back to for reference.
Having an engaging and informative newsletter is a great way to bring the community together and make sure everyone has the information they need. This can also be a way to get homeowners more involved by inviting them to contribute article ideas, pictures, and other content so the newsletter covers what is important to them in addition to news from the board.
