Electronic newsletter

A newsletter is a regularly distributed publication that is generally about one main topic of interest to its subscribers. Newspapers and leaflets are types of newsletters. For example, newsletters are distributed at schools to inform parents about things that happen in that school.

Newsletters are published by clubs, churches, societies, associations, and businesses—especially companies—to provide information of interest to members, customers, or employees. Google's definition of a newsletter is, "a bulletin issued periodically to the members of a society, business, or organization." A newsletter may be considered "grey literature". Newsletters delivered electronically via email (e-newsletters) have gained rapid acceptance for the same reasons email in general has gained popularity over printed correspondence.

Some newsletters are created as money-making ventures and sold directly to subscribers. Sending newsletters to customers and prospects is a common marketing strategy, which can have benefits and drawbacks. Public organizations emit newsletters in order to improve or maintain their reputation in the society. General attributes of newsletters include news and upcoming events of the related organization, as well as contact information.

In email marketing web bugs are frequently used as a way of determining which recipients opened the newsletter.

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Wikipedia