How to go about creating a title that captures the interest of all those people you want to engage in your work or your business? There are two things to think about: One, what makes a good title? Secondly, how on earth are you going to come up with the right title? Just because you know the right standards for the perfect title doesn\’t mean you know how to reach down into your creative self to find the material!

So, let\’s start with guidelines for length of newsletter names. The number of words in your title is going to vary greatly depending on what you want your newsletter to do and who your audience is. Are you selling a product or a service? In that case, think about a longer title, including perhaps a subtitle that clearly states what you have to offer. Here\’s an example:

Home Gardener\’s Guide to Healthy Plants: your free weekly source for keeping your plants healthy at home

Notice how this title is very specific. It tells us that the newsletter is a guide, as opposed to a catalogue or an events listing. It\’s not about gardening in general, but about home gardening, and not about plants in general but how to keep them healthy. So the reader should know right away if the subject is interesting.

I would recommend this kind of title for both hard copy and email newsletters, especially when you have a very particular audience in mind.

On the other hand, you may need a shorter title for a membership group, such as land conservation, or a parent-teacher organization, or a religious group. In this case, you are addressing a group who are already part of the organization. There is less need to draw them in, yet at the same time you want to set a tone that suits your group.

Two or three words might do the trick, even the name of the organization: Littleton Middle School PTO, for example, or Jefferson River Conservation. If you need light-heartedness, consider a phrase with an image. My church, for example, which is named for the three kings in the Christmas story, has a newsletter called Three Crowns.

With the length guidelines in mind, how are you going to go about creating your newsletter name? Here are some steps to take:

Working by yourself or, preferably, with one or two other people, start making lists of words that connect with your business or group. Write them up on a board, or write them on post-its. This is brainstorming, so it\’s important to let the ideas flow-no criticism! These words may or may not end up in your actual newsletter name.

Circle the four or five words or phrases with the strongest connection to what the group is all about.

Now, brainstorm some more. What kinds of title start to emerge from these words and phrases?

Finally, consider a contest. Invite your customers and readers to submit a title, or invited them to vote on your three choices. Offer a prize appropriate to your business or your mission. Remember that contests do more than help find newsletter names: they engage your readers.

Once you have your newsletter name, don\’t change it, at least not for the first couple of years. Consistency is an important part of conveying how reliable you are.

Author Bio: Learn more about Jane at http://worddrivecommunications.com/index.htm. Subscribe to Jane\’s free monthly e-newsletter at http://tinyurl.com/2enrdqx for practical tips on communicating effectively with customers, clients, employees and the public.

Category: Writing
Keywords: newsletter title,how to write a good newsletter title,good titles for newsletters