There are many different formats for distributing your newsletter, both online and offline, and it largely depends on who your audience is and how you communicate with them. Below is an outline of the pros and cons of using some of the more common formats.
Format - Plain Text Email
Pros
• Easy to set up
• Easy to read
• Quick download time for your readers
Cons
• Limited to text only
• Some ISPs will not let you send out mass emails, even if you have willing subscribers
Format - HTML Email
Pros
• Can make the layout look more appealing with the use of colours and graphics
Cons
• Requires some knowledge of HTML to set up
• Some ISPs will not let you send out mass emails, even if you have willing subscribers
• File sizes can be quite big and take time to download for your readers
• Some people choose not to receive HTML emails
Format – PDF
Pros
• Can be sent either as an email attachment or as a link to your web page
• Allows for creativity
• Can contain as many pages as you want
Cons
• PDF files can be very big and so will take time to download whether sent via email or as a link to a page on your website
• Some ISPs will not let you send out mass emails, even if you have willing subscribers
• Will need a pdf printer driver to convert documents into pdf
Format – Online Newsletter Service
Pros
• Allows for full creativity but without having to have HTML knowledge
• Subscriber list is managed via the online service
• Can check on stats to see how many times your newsletter has been opened and which articles have been read
Cons
• Cost of using the online service
Format – Print
Pros
• Endless possibilities for design and layout
• The newsletter can be as big as you wish as there isn't an issue of downloading
Cons
• Costly to print - even if it's only a black and white version
• Postage costs
• Takes time to put together for mailing i.e. addressing envelopes, stuffing envelopes etc.
These are just a few of the options open to you when it comes to newsletter production and distribution.
