Some say that monthly newsletters, even those of the email variety, are marketing dinosaurs. But that’s only true if people don’t want to read them. Check out these eight ideas for compelling content that your audience will look forward to each month!

1. Discounts and promotions. Tell your readers about group, educational, professional or other discounts available. Seriously, who doesn’t love a deal?

2. Testimonials and mini-case studies. What better way is there to play up your agency’s strengths than to allow others’ experiences to do the talking for you? Not only is the praise more meaningful when it comes from someone besides you, but it also keeps your agency’s focus on who really matters most: your clients. (And remember that these can be presented as podcasts or videos if your newsletter is electronic!)

3. Tips and information that make people say to themselves, “Wow, I didn’t know!” Tell them the top three ways to save money on their homeowner’s insurance, where to sign up for a driving class that can reduce their auto insurance costs -- or even a little-known but amazingly effective way to remove pet stains from carpet -- and they’ll love your for it!

4. Seasonally relevant material. You can remind readers of things they need to know and do to protect their property and loved ones during impending extreme-weather seasons, or caution them about firecracker safety as the 4th of July approaches. But don’t be afraid to be creative and have a little “seasonal” fun too. When Oscar or soccer season rolls around, why not “dish” about how much insurance celebrities and athletes like Julia Roberts and David Beckham carry on their certain respective famous body parts? People typically think of the insurance business as pretty dull. Prove them wrong now and then.

5. Soft features and/or employee spotlights. Readers love feeling that they know the people behind the company. Stories about your agent and her rescued Golden Retriever or  your newest employee who once auditioned for The Voice go a long way toward humanizing your company and brand. And don’t forget the power of pictures to help tell these stories. Once again, you could even provide links to short videos or podcasts if it’s an email newsletter!

6. Polls, trivia questions and quizzes. You can keep them industry-related, but again, have a little fun with them too. (For example, that “body part insurance” example from #4 could easily but put into a “Guess who insures his/her  for $” quiz format!)

7. Invitations to review your services. You might even provide direct links to Google+, Facebook or Yelp.

8. Information or buttons/links that make it easy for readers to go to your website or follow you on social media. Keeping everything connected is key!