Learning a specific skill, exploring a topic, or a guide for delving deeper into a subject: The email courses are automated, undated programs sent at regular intervals: Anyone can sign up and join the editorial course at any time. Why not give it a try?
The use and promotion of a media outlet’s archives is a common—if not systematic—challenge for media organizations. The Pew Research Center has found a clever way to bring them to life through a series of mini-courses delivered by email. Want to learn more about immigration in the United States? Want to dig deeper into the latest U.S. census? You can sign up for free to receive five lessons, delivered directly to your inbox. Handy.
Are you moving to a new city? Leisure activities, climate, restaurants, schools, or economic opportunities—do you have a lot of questions? To answer the questions of newcomers to Tucson, Arizona, the local community news outlet #ThisIsTucson has launched a mini-guide in eight emails: “#HowToTucson.” It’s a great idea to borrow if you’re implementing a local strategy and want to become indispensable to your readers.
Did you not follow or understand anything about the COVID-19 vaccine? Or about 5G? Axios, a media outlet specializing in newsletters, has the solution to help you quickly and gradually understand these key topics. With “Get Smart,” Axios sends you 5 emails and 5 videos over 5 consecutive days: learning, yes, but just 5 minutes at a time.
In the summer of 2020, The Wall Street Journal took it a step further with “Money Challenge,” a course designed to teach the basics of personal finance. For six weeks, participants receive a weekly email with exercises, tips, and even homework assignments. No more excuses for racking up overdraft fees.
To go further
- Check out Robin Kwong’s Guide to Project Management, featuring the Wall Street Journal’s Money Challenge as a case study. We’ve translated and adapted this guide for a French-speaking audience.
- How do you design a newsletter? Check out our step-by-step guide to help you complete this project.
- Which newsletters are the most popular among the Médianes team? Here are our top 50 recommendations.
