Tuesday February 18, 2025
Why does your community need a condo newsletter?
As a member of your condo corporation’s board of directors, you’re full of ideas about how to improve your community, from events and enhancements to creating new experiences. But how do you keep residents informed and involved? Your answer: a condo newsletter.For condo corporation boards in Alberta, a newsletter can be especially valuable for keeping residents up to date with local regulations, seasonal maintenance reminders, and property management updates. A condo newsletter is more than just a communication tool — it’s a way to build community spirit and encourage resident participation.
What is a condo newsletter?
A condo newsletter is a regular publication designed to keep residents informed and engaged with their community. Whether it’s sharing upcoming events, policy updates, maintenance schedules, or fun resident features, a well-crafted newsletter can help board members and residents stay connected.But creating a newsletter that people actually read takes careful thought and planning. A successful newsletter should be informative, entertaining, and cost-effective. Bringing these elements together is no small task.
To help you get started, we’ve put together a few key tips.
How to create a condo newsletter: A comprehensive guide
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Know your audience
The first step to any effective communication is to know your audience. Before you start designing your newsletter, reach out to residents and ask them what kind of information they’d like to see. You may be surprised — beyond important updates, residents may enjoy lighthearted content like word search puzzles, resident spotlights, or contests.
If your condo community has partnered with a professional property management company like FirstService Residential, they can help you survey residents and determine the most valuable content to include.
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Choose your format
How will your newsletter be distributed? Will it be printed, emailed, or posted on a community website? Print newsletters can feel more personal but come with printing and postage costs. Digital newsletters are cost-effective and easier to update but require opt-in compliance and digital accessibility considerations. A mix of both can be the best option, making sure that all residents, regardless of preference, stay informed.
FirstService Residential offers digital communication tools that make it easier than ever for board members to keep residents informed. With FirstService Residential Connect™, board members and residents can access important community information, receive updates, and manage their accounts seamlessly.
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Set a publishing schedule
Most condo newsletters are published monthly, bimonthly, or quarterly. Your ideal frequency depends on how much information you need to share and your available budget. The key is consistency — residents should know when to expect the newsletter, whether it’s every first Monday of the month or once per season. Keep in mind that publishing too frequently can lead to information overload. Finding the right balance helps residents stay engaged without feeling overwhelmed.
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Make it work within your budget
Your newsletter’s format and frequency will largely be determined by your budget. If you choose a print format, get estimates from printers, consider paper quality, and factor in postage costs. If you go digital, explore the costs of email design templates, content management platforms, or website hosting.
Don’t forget that time is also a resource — volunteers or board members will need to dedicate time to content creation, proofreading, and distribution.
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Stay compliant with email regulations
Canada’s Anti-Spam Legislation (CASL) sets strict guidelines for email communications. Residents must opt in to receive electronic newsletters, and every issue must include an easy way to unsubscribe. Always check with a legal advisor or an experienced community management company to confirm compliance.
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Assemble your content team
A successful condo newsletter is a team effort. Form a newsletter committee and seek out residents with writing, graphic design, and proofreading skills. A well-edited, visually appealing newsletter reflects well on your condo corporation and keeps residents engaged.
If your Alberta condo is managed by FirstService Residential, your property management team can assist with content planning and making sure your newsletter aligns with community goals.
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Encourage participation from residents
Your newsletter should be a two-way conversation, not just a broadcast. Include interactive elements like polls, resident Q&As, or community spotlights. Encouraging resident participation makes the newsletter feel more engaging and relevant. Residents are more likely to read a newsletter when they see their neighbours featured in it. Showcasing personal stories, achievements, and even pet spotlights can make it a must-read!
How to keep your condo newsletter engaging
A well-written newsletter is only effective if residents read it. Here are more ways to keep your condo newsletter engaging:- Use compelling headlines that grab attention.
- Keep articles concise and easy to read.
- Incorporate high-quality images to make the layout more appealing.
- Include quotes or testimonials from board members or residents.
- Rotate featured sections to keep the content fresh.
Condo newsletter ideas
If you’re not sure what to include, here are some great content ideas:- Upcoming events: Community gatherings, board meetings, or seasonal maintenance updates.
- Resident spotlights: Introduce neighbours, highlight achievements, or share success stories, but always get their permission before featuring them in the newsletter.
- Safety and security tips: Seasonal safety reminders or emergency preparedness guidelines.
- Property updates: Planned renovations, policy changes, or local regulation updates, especially for Alberta condo communities.
- Board member insights: Updates from the board on decisions, initiatives, or long-term planning.
- Local attractions and activities: Highlight restaurants, parks, or cultural events happening near your condo community.
- Contests and giveaways: Engage residents with fun challenges like photo contests or trivia.
- Tips for condo living: Share advice on energy efficiency, noise reduction, and community engagement.
- A “Did You Know?” section: Highlight interesting facts about the community’s history or fun statistics.
How FirstService Residential can help
A successful condo newsletter takes effort, but with the right planning and resources, it can become a cornerstone of resident engagement. FirstService Residential, a leading condo management company in Alberta, offers the expertise and tools to help condo boards improve communication and community engagement.Contact us today to learn how we can help you keep your community informed and connected.