In this digital age, there have never been so many ways for a municipality to communicate with its community. From social media platforms to traditional media, communication opportunities are bigger than ever before. But this limitless possibility has also increased competition for attention. This is where direct communication can fill the gaps.
Email lists or e-subscribers offer a more direct form of communication than press releases or social media posts. While press and social media can reach more people, e-subscriber lists have a better chance of directly reaching your intended audience. This direct form of outreach is especially useful for specific and targeted messaging like crisis communications, where making sure the right people get the right information is essential.
Building a robust e-subscriber list takes time and compelling content. Regular outreach efforts can grow your list and build trust in your community.
At Capital Strategic Solutions, we have the communications know-how to not only increase your outreach, but to deliver informative content to your subscribers. Our team of municipal experts know how to adapt messaging to different platforms, and how to convey complex information in a clear and effective way.
Building your e-subscriber list can be done in a few different ways. Our team recommends consistency and persistence. Promoting your email list on multiple platforms, like social media, bill inserts, or even sign-up sheets at booths and events can bring your community into the information loop. Every department should have a stake in your e-subscriber list, because a robust email list is an asset for every department. Cross-departmental collaboration is essential for effective communication.
The second necessity is good content. Getting people to sign up is one thing; keeping them engaged is another. It’s easy to think of newsletters and email announcements as a catch all and overload them with text-heavy content. But in reality, this kind of thinking is more likely to disengage your audience. Clear and concise information is key for newsletters and email blasts. While it’s essential to link back to the full text of the information, readers’ interest is easily lost in a long scroll.
Email blasts and newsletters should align with your brand, and tease information, giving viewers the opportunity to choose what they’d like to read. Consistent sharing on either a weekly or monthly basis trains your audience to expect updates. This builds trust and reliability in your department as a source.
Learn more about our communication services, and check out our training courses and coaching sessions that can give you the confidence and insights to jump start your outreach.
About Capital Strategic Solutions
CSS is a certified woman-owned, disadvantaged business enterprise of municipal experts delivering creative, cost-effective solutions that maximize success and minimize risk. With deep local government expertise, we craft tailored strategies to meet each community’s unique needs.
Our capabilities span public administration, municipal finance, human resources, policy development, emergency management, public safety, public works, water operations, interim municipal services, public relations, community engagement, project management, grant writing, and onsite support. We partner with clients to define clear goals, overcome challenges, and implement human-centered plans that drive performance and transform communities.