How Long Should an Email Newsletter Be?

Introduction.

Writing an email newsletter might seem straightforward, but when you get into the details, one question often comes up: how long should it be?

Too short, and it might not deliver value. Too long, and it risks being ignored. Getting the balance right can make a big difference in how your audience engages with your content.

An email newsletter is more than just an update—it’s a way to connect with readers, build trust, and even drive action.

But people’s attention spans are limited, especially in their crowded inboxes. Understanding the ideal length can help your newsletter stand out and get results.

In this post, I’ll walk through the factors that affect newsletter length, give practical tips, and explore examples of what works.

By the end, you’ll have a clearer idea of how to create newsletters that your audience will read—and love.

What Affects the Ideal Length of an Email Newsletter?

There isn’t a one-size-fits-all answer because it depends on your audience, your goals, and your content. Here are the key things to consider:

1. Your Audience

Think about your readers. Are they busy professionals looking for quick updates? Or are they deeply interested in your subject and eager to dive into details? Understanding their preferences will help you decide how much information to include.

2. Purpose of the Newsletter

Is your goal to inform, educate, or promote? For example:

If you’re sharing news, a concise format works best.
For educational content, a bit more detail might be needed.
If you’re promoting a product, aim for engaging but to-the-point messaging.

3. Format

The way you present content also matters:

Short bullet points are great for summaries.
A longer narrative works well for storytelling or educational content.
Including links to more detailed content (like blog posts) can keep the email short while providing extra value.

4. Devices

Most people read emails on their phones. In fact, 46% of all email opens happen on mobile devices (Campaign Monitor, 2023).

A newsletter that feels “just right” on a desktop might feel overwhelming on a smaller screen. Keep this in mind when deciding on length.

How Long is Too Long (or Too Short)?

Let’s break it down by word count:

Under 200 Words:

Best for quick updates or announcements.
Works well for audiences who prefer brief, actionable content.
Example: A retail brand sharing a sale announcement with a link to shop.

200–400 Words:

Great for sharing one focused story, tip, or insight.
Gives enough room for some context without losing attention.
Example: A wellness coach sharing a weekly health tip.

400–700 Words:

Ideal for in-depth newsletters like industry updates or personal storytelling.
Requires strong formatting (headings, bullet points) to stay readable.
Example: A nonprofit sharing a story about their impact alongside a donation request.

700+ Words:

Suitable for audiences who expect detailed content (like an expert’s analysis).
Risky for general readers—attention spans drop significantly after 600 words.
Example: A tech company sharing a product update with tutorials and FAQs.

How Do I Decide the Right Length for My Newsletter?

1. Focus on One Clear Goal

What’s the main thing you want your audience to do? Whether it’s clicking a link, replying, or just reading through, make every word work toward that goal.

2. Structure It Well

Even a longer email feels short if it’s easy to skim. Use:

Clear headings.
Bullet points or numbered lists.
Short paragraphs (2–3 sentences max).

3. Test and Adjust

Track metrics like open rates and click-through rates to see how your audience responds. If you notice a drop-off in engagement, it might be time to shorten things.

Examples of Successful Email Newsletters

Morning Brew: Around 300–500 words, broken into quick news snippets with links to learn more.
Hustle: Often 400–700 words, with a mix of engaging stories and headlines.
The Skimm: Short paragraphs (100–200 words per section) with clear calls to action.

These newsletters are successful because they respect their readers’ time and balance content with readability.

FAQs

1. Can my newsletter be too short?

Yes, if it doesn’t provide enough value or leaves the reader confused. Even short emails should have a clear purpose and useful content.

2. How often should I send newsletters?

Frequency matters as much as length. Weekly newsletters are common, but it depends on your audience. Just make sure each one has something meaningful to share.

3. Is it okay to include long-form content?

Yes, but break it up with headings, visuals, and links. If your audience appreciates detail, they’ll stick with you—just don’t make every email a novel.

Conclusion

Getting the length of your email newsletter just right isn’t an exact science, but the key is to think about your audience and what they’ll find valuable.

By keeping things clear, concise, and engaging, you’ll build trust and keep people coming back for more.

What do you think works best for your audience—short and sweet updates or detailed deep dives? Let’s talk!