Weekly Wonder: Creating a CUG Newsletter - Keeping Members Updated and Engaged

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Hello CUG Members!

Welcome to this week’s edition of Weekly Wonder! Today, we’re exploring how to create an engaging and effective newsletter for your Company User Group. A well-designed newsletter is a strategic communication tool – it helps keep your members informed, fosters a sense of connection, and drives ongoing engagement. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to refine your current approach, these best practices will set you up for success.

Define Your Purpose

Begin by identifying the primary goal of your newsletter. Is it to promote upcoming events, highlight community achievements, share the latest Atlassian product updates, or a combination of these? A clear objective will guide your content strategy and ensure your message resonates with your audience.

Plan Your Content Strategically

Create a well-rounded content mix that keeps your readers informed and engaged. Consider incorporating the following:

• Updates & Announcements: Keep your members in the loop with the latest Atlassian product updates, upcoming CUG meetups, and broader community news.

• Member Spotlights: Recognize standout individuals with a “Member of the Month” feature or short interviews. This encourages participation and celebrates contributions.

• Tips & Tricks: Share quick productivity hacks, tutorials, or lesser-known Atlassian tool features members can immediately put to use.

• Success Stories or Case Studies: Highlight how members are solving real-world challenges with Atlassian tools. Include metrics or member quotes to boost impact.

• Event Recaps & Recordings: Provide summaries and links to recent events for members who couldn’t attend.

• Opportunities & Collaborations: Share open roles, upcoming speaking opportunities, or calls for content contributions.

Leverage Atlassian Tools

Use Atlassian’s ecosystem to streamline content creation and collaboration:

• Confluence: Draft and co-edit articles, organize your newsletter archive, and use templates to maintain consistency.

• Trello: Set up a board with lists such as “Ideas,” “In Progress,” “Ready to Publish,” and “Archived.” Add due dates, checklists, and labels to stay on track.

• Jira: Manage workflows by assigning content tasks, setting timelines, and collaborating with contributors efficiently.

Design for Readability

Keep your layout clean and easy to navigate. Use headings, bullet points, and visuals to break up long sections of text. Prioritize clarity and simplicity to make your content more inviting and accessible.

Invite Feedback

Don’t guess – ask! Use tools like Google Forms or Typeform to collect feedback on what readers enjoy and what they’d like more of. It’s a simple but effective way to continuously improve and show your community that their voices matter.

Be Consistent

Whether you send your newsletter monthly or quarterly, pick a cadence and stick to it. Consistency builds trust and gives your members something to look forward to regularly.

With thoughtful planning, clear purpose, and consistent delivery, your CUG newsletter can become a cornerstone of your community’s experience. It’s more than a summary – it’s a reflection of your group’s energy, achievements, and future direction.

What’s one new idea you’ll try in your next newsletter? Let us know – we’d love to hear from you!