What To Know About Your Newsletter Blueprint
Whether it’s your first time purchasing the DIY or you’re a regular, I just want to personally thank you for purchasing The DIY! As a former travel advisor, I know how tricky it can be to create content, and I hope this newsletter outline helps you remain consistent with your monthly email campaigns.
If you’re anything like me, you like to keep things simple – so that’s what I aimed to do with this newsletter blueprint. Everything you need is right here – from the done-for-you copy to the clickable Canva template links – neatly divided out under each section header
New Update for Flodesk Users!
Simply click THIS LINK to import your COMPLETELY DONE FOR YOU newsletter right into your Flodesk account �� For more info, please watch this quick Loom tutorial. The rest of your DIY resources can be found in this document as usual! If you’re not in Flodesk but curious, you can click the link above to kickstart a 30 day free trial and snag 50% off your subscription!
If you are on any other email marketing platform, you will follow the instructions below: You’ve received a PDF file and a DOCX file in a zipped folder I recommend downloading and opening both Depending on your computer and platform you’re working with, one may be easier to copy and paste from. This content was created for you to purchase, implement, and send within the month of its availability. Some content may be time-specific (ex: a holiday themed intro or travel industry news), and may need to be adjusted slightly if you decide to send it at a later date. I hope that this foundational blueprint allows you to easily create the newsletters that your audience has been waiting for!
Kaytee, CEO & Founder
Moxie and Fourth
Get There Quickly
1. Your 4 Sections of Completed Copy
2 Additional Prompts for Customizing Your Newsletter
3. Header Graphic Templates
4. Additional Resources
Below, you’ll find your 4 completed sections of copy (introduction, featured destination, travel tip, and travel news) Feel free to tweak as you see fit, or go right ahead and copy, paste, and send! Use the Canva headers that match these sections to define the aesthetic structure of your newsletter.
Introduction
Hello friend!
If you've been on Netflix, you've probably scrolled right past (or watched) 'Inventing Anna.' Aside from its elitist high jinks, the show also highlighted an often overlooked destination: Morocco. Scenes set in the opulent La Mamounia, a luxury hotel in Marrakech, suddenly put Morocco on everyone's travel radar with its dramatic landscapes, brightly colored and ornate buildings, and bustling souks.
This edition of the newsletter focuses on this North African country, rich with culture, luxury experiences, and diverse landscapes Hit reply and share your thoughts has Morocco ever piqued your interest?
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Featured Destination: Morocco
Destination Overview
Morocco is a captivating blend of old and new, often referred to as the "Gateway to Africa." Nestled in North Africa, the landscape ranges from the bustling markets of Marrakech to the serene Atlas Mountains and the vast Sahara Desert. The country's imperial cities like Marrakech, Fes, and Essaouira are alive with history, featuring UNESCO-listed medinas, royal palaces, and vibrant souks that invite wandering and discovery
For the adventurous, Morocco offers a variety of natural settings: the snowy peaks of the Atlas Mountains for hikers and skiers, and the sweeping dunes of the Sahara for unforgettable camel treks and nights in Berber camps. Along the coast, towns like Agadir and Tangier boast beautiful beaches and lively water sports, complemented by fresh seafood from nearby fishing villages.
Morocco's festivals, like the vibrant Gnaoua World Music Festival and the enchanting Rose Festival, showcase its unique cultural heritage. The luxurious riads and traditional hammams further enrich the visitor experience, offering a taste of Moroccan opulence and relaxation
When To Visit
Deciding when to visit Morocco involves considering the climate, tourist crowds, and special events. Morocco's weather varies significantly across different regions but generally follows two main seasonal patterns: the cooler, wetter season from November to March, and the hot, dry season from April to October. The country also hosts numerous festivals and cultural events throughout the year, influencing the best times to visit
● High Season (October to April): This is generally the best time to visit Morocco, as the weather is cooler and more comfortable for exploring the cities and the Sahara. The popular cities like Marrakech and Fes are bustling with tourists, especially during major holidays like Christmas and New Year Spring also marks the time for the Fes Festival of World Sacred Music, offering unique cultural experiences through music and performances.
● Shoulder Season (May and September): These months offer a sweet spot with milder weather and fewer tourists, making it ideal for visiting both the coastal and inland areas. The temperatures are pleasant, perfect for enjoying the beaches or hiking in the Atlas Mountains Ramadan typically falls around this time, which can be a culturally enriching experience, though travelers should be aware of altered business hours and service availability.
● Low Season (June to August): Characterized by the hot summer months, especially inland where temperatures can soar However, coastal regions like Essaouira remain cooler and less crowded, making it a good time for beach activities and water sports. Prices are generally lower, and with fewer tourists, there's more opportunity to delve deeper into the local lifestyle and enjoy the hospitality
Itinerary Highlights
● MEDINA OF MARRAKECH: Dive into the heart of Marrakech by visiting its ancient medina, a bustling labyrinth of souks selling spices and crafts and UNESCO World Heritage Site Don't miss the lively atmosphere of Djemaa el-Fna square at night, where food stalls, performers, and artisans gather. Stay in a traditional riad to experience the tranquility of Moroccan architecture right in the city's vibrant center
● SAHARA ADVENTURE: Embark on a memorable camel trek from Merzouga or M'Hamid into the Sahara Desert. Spend a night in a Berber camp under the stars, enjoy local music, and savor traditional cuisine. The serene sunrises and sunsets over the sweeping sand dunes provides a profound connection to nature and an insight into the nomadic lifestyles of the Sahara's indigenous inhabitants.
● EXPERIENCE ESSAOUIRA: Essaouira offers a perfect mix of history and seaside relaxation. Famous for its strong winds, it's an ideal spot for wind and kite surfing. Wander through the town's fortified walls and vibrant fishing port, and enjoy fresh seafood If you visit during the
Gnaoua World Music Festival, you'll also experience a lively celebration of local music and culture
Inspire your audience to reach out with your inquiry link button here!
Travel Tips
Before you finalize your airline ticket purchase, there are a few crucial details to consider for a smooth travel experience Whether you're having us handle your airfare or managing your own bookings, keeping these guidelines in mind will help avoid common pitfalls.
● Match Up Your Name: Whatever your legal documentation states is what should be on your airline ticket purchase No nicknames or shortened names allowed!
● Book Direct: If you’re not having your travel advisor book for you, you should book your airfare directly with the airline for the most transparent pricing, best flight options, and most efficient customer service should you need to cancel or make changes.
● Honeymooners: If you’re departing for your honeymoon soon after swapping vows, it’s best to book your airfare under your maiden name and handle the name changing details after your trip.
Travel Industry News
Airlines Required to Refund Passengers for Canceled, Delayed Flights
Good news for airline travelers: the Department of Transportation announced it is rolling out new rules that will require airlines to automatically give cash refunds to passengers for canceled and significantly delayed flights.
Hyperlink for your “Read More” button: HERE
There are a handful of additional prompts to choose from below, though it’s not recommended to include all of these in addition to the 4 sections from above! Ideally you’ll cap your newsletter at a max of 4 to 5 sections –maybe 6 if they’re really short! If your newsletter is too long, your audience will check out, so rotate through these each month and share only what’s relevant.
● Agency Updates: If you’re going to be out of office, have an update to your booking window, plan on changing up some fees, or anything else, you can use this section to share any pertinent business updates your audience should be aware of!
● Client Testimonials: Sharing a short 2-3 sentence blurb singing your praises, a photo (if you have permission to share) and the destination your client visited can be an impactful way to gain the trust of your audience and turn them into fans.
● Recent Travels OR Upcoming Travels: Whether you just returned from somewhere or you’re about to head out, these two sections are versatile ways to highlight your itinerary. Share what you’re most excited about or what you enjoyed the most Keep this short - just hit the highlights! If you are going to post or already highlighted the trip on your social media, this is a great place to link your platform so that your audience can head there for additional wanderlust
● Blog Highlight: If you pour into your blog, don’t let it just sit on your website gathering dust! Share the title and a short excerpt in your newsletter, then link a button to the post
● Social Post Highlight: Did you have a post that went viral? Did you craft something you’re super proud of and want to share to a wider audience? Highlight that grid post here in your newsletter! Drop the image into a layout then link directly to the post
● Team Highlight: Use this section to show off a team member! Drop their name into the Canva header graphic and share a short bio, how they found their way to the travel industry, and their specialty or niche.
● Hotel Spotlight: Use this header to create a section in your newsletter that highlights a property! This can be a hotel you recently visited, booked, or even one that matches the featured destination Have a personalized booking link? That would make a great call to action button!
Click the link below to access your Canva Header Templates. The titles of each header line up with the completed copy and prompts Just copy these templates into your own Canva account, apply your branding, and load into your Flodesk newsletter design. Don’t forget to change the size of your headers to “3” before downloading them! This will keep your headers from appearing “fuzzy” in your completed newsletter. See a screenshot below!
Grab Your Header Templates HERE
Sizing your templates up prior to downloading: select PNG as the file type, then slide the size bar all the way over to at least 3x the regular size.
You’ve made it! Your completed copy is in, you’ve added your additional sections, and now it’s time for the final touches Below is your list of additional resources to round out your newsletter blueprint experience
● Build It Together: Watch this walkthrough video HERE to build the 4 main sections out together! If you choose to add the additional sections, you’ll follow the same steps in this video to do so The content will change each month, but the principles in this video will always apply, so you can come back to it over and over again for a refresher as needed!
● Social Prompts to Grow Your List: You can apply these to grid posts or stories – whichever you please! These are just guidelines, so feel free to adapt them to your current social media strategy and brand tone
○ 01. Share the Featured Destination: Post a carousel that pulls from the featured destination section. Share this carousel to your stories and use Instagram stickers to engage your audience. One example is to ask your audience if they’ve been to the destination or thought about it
○ 02. Share the travel tip and ask your audience to share their favorite travel tip in return You can do this in your grid and ask for your audience to comment, or in stories with a “Question Box” sticker – then share the responses!
○ 03. Pique your social audience’s curiosity about your newsletter by showing a scrolling sneak peek of your completed draft in your stories, along with a link sticker to subscribe Use your Canva grid post to highlight your newsletter as well For more on how to build out an opt-in form, be sure to watch the Loom library tutorials!
● Canva Social Graphics: Click HERE to access your three grid graphic templates for sharing your newsletter content on social media Don’t forget to apply your brand elements and swap out the copy before sharing! Review the Loom library for best practices on using your templates.
● Loom Library: For a mini library of Flodesk and Canva tutorials, CLICK HERE. For additional Flodesk resources, please utilize the Flodesk Insiders Facebook group or the robust Flodesk tutorials provided under the “Resources” tab on the login page
● Imagery: You can use Unsplash or Pexels to find royalty-free photos that are in alignment with your brand!
● Subject Line Suggestions: These are just a few suggestions to get the wheels turning. You can also opt to name your newsletter for consistency each month – whatever feels right to you!
○ 01. Subject Line: �� The Magic of Morocco
■ Preview Text: Have you considered this overlooked destination?
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02. Subject Line: From the Sahara to the Souks
■ Preview Text: Explore Morocco
03. Subject Line: Your Guide To Morocco
■ Preview Text: The Gateway to Africa