Transforming Newsletters into a Multifaceted Digital Publication
The Rowing Association, an organization dedicated to supporting Stanford Rowing teams and alumni, has worked with us since 2021 to produce their comprehensive newsletters. Initially, these newsletters were design-centric email communications highlighting team and alumni news. Over time, they evolved into a dynamic, multi-format publication celebrating the legacy and achievements of the Stanford Rowing community.
Problem
The original email-based newsletters were:
Constrained to a single format, which limited their reach and engagement potential.
Lacking a cohesive way to archive or revisit past editions.
Unable to provide insights into reach, readership, views, etc.
Objective
Modernize and expand the newsletter to:
Create a more engaging and versatile publication that resonates with alumni, athletes, and supporters.
Use multiple formats to increase accessibility and reach across various platforms.
Establish a digital anthology of Stanford Rowing’s past and present.
Strategy
Content Expansion:
Gathered and curated diverse stories, including:
Alumni updates and milestones.
Interviews with Olympians and standout athletes.
Reports from coaches summarizing each season’s achievements.
Insights into the current team’s training and aspirations.
Ensured the content reflected the rich history and vibrant community of Stanford Rowing.
Multi-Format Approach:
Digital Flipbook: Designed a visually engaging flipbook using Heyzine, providing an interactive reading experience.
Blog Publication: Created a dedicated blog section on TRA’s website to host articles and provide an accessible archive.
Social Media Mini-Series: Repurposed highlights into bite-sized posts for broader reach on Instagram.
Email Newsletter: Continued the email launch to provide direct updates to the subscriber base.
Design and Branding:
Ensured consistent branding across all formats to maintain the association’s identity.
Incorporated high-quality photography, infographics, and professional layouts to enhance visual appeal.
Results
Enhanced Engagement: The multi-format strategy attracted diverse audiences, increasing overall readership compared to the email-only approach.
Improved Accessibility: Alumni and supporters appreciated the ability to choose their preferred format, whether through the flipbook, blog, email, or social media.
Archival Value: The blog has become a living anthology, preserving the history and stories of Stanford Rowing for current and future generations.
Positive Feedback: Readers frequently praised the diverse content and modern presentation, noting that it fostered a stronger sense of community.
This case study showcases how transforming a simple email newsletter into a multifaceted digital publication can deepen audience engagement and extend a brand’s reach. For The Rowing Association, the evolution of their newsletters into a modern anthology has elevated their storytelling and strengthened the bonds within their community.