The Ultimate Guide To Crafting a Table of Contents in Your Newsletter

Most people don't like searching for relevant nuggets in a large body of content. (Those who do are called researchers, not newsletter subscribers.) A well-crafted table of contents acts as a guide, directing readers to the material that interests them.

Take advantage of these best practices for designing a newsletter table of contents that boosts readability and enhances engagement.

Understanding the Role of a Table of Contents in Newsletters

One simple yet powerful tool to keep your newsletter audience engaged is the table of contents (TOC). Here's why you should consider adding a TOC to your publication.

Legal and Ethical Considerations

You should always adhere to legal and ethical guidelines in your publication. A table of contents provides transparency. Readers use this overview to preview an email and confirm that the newsletter — and this particular issue — interests them.

This approach respects their time and preferences, fostering trust and assuring them of your compliance with regulations like the CAN-SPAM Act and the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).

The Importance of User Experience

User experience (UX) is at the heart of effective newsletter design. A well-structured TOC enhances UX by making it easy for readers to jump to the most relevant sections.

This keeps them engaged but also increases the likelihood they'll read through the headings and absorb your key points or call to action (CTA).

Design Considerations for Your Newsletter's Table of Contents

Captivating content requires an equally awesome newsletter design. Think about the following best practices as you craft your TOC.

Accessibility Considerations

Email accessibility should always trump the latest trend or whim. A clear and easy-to-navigate TOC helps all readers — including those with disabilities — to enjoy your content.

Use large, legible fonts and descriptive text for links. Foreground and label the table of contents in a newsletter at the top of your issue. It can go before or after a short intro to the issue.

Customization and Branding Tips

Consistency builds recognition. Your design should reflect your brand’s identity. Customize the TOC to align with your brand colors, fonts, and overall style.

Integrating Interactive Elements

Interactive newsletter content is the secret to higher click-through rates and time spent with your email. Add clickable links to different sections to encourage people to engage with the text.

How To Organize Content Effectively in Your Table of Contents

A well-organized table of contents in a newsletter makes it a joy to read. Help your audience find what they’re looking for quickly with clear categorization.

Categorization Strategies for Clarity

These strategies for categorizing your content integrate your TOC into a strong email newsletter format.

Group by Themes

Identify key sections by topic or theme. For instance, if your newsletter covers marketing tips, industry news, and case studies, create sections for each. This way, readers can jump to the section that interests them the most.

Prioritize Important Content

Place the most important or popular content at the top of your TOC. This ensures that readers see the key highlights first, making it easier for them to dive into the meat of your newsletter right away.

Use Descriptive Titles

Writing section titles requires similar best practices to writing clear, compelling email subject lines. They should be descriptive and easy to understand.

Avoid vague terms, and use titles that clearly explain what the reader will find in that section. For example, instead of "News," you might use "Latest Marketing Trends."

Include Subcategories

For longer newsletters, break down sections into subcategories. This adds another layer of clarity and makes navigation even smoother.

Best Practices for Updating Your Table of Contents in Each Issue

Keep your newsletter fresh by constantly tweaking and improving its structure. Updating your table of contents with each issue enhances readability and assures subscribers that you give each issue the same loving attention.

Adapting to Content Evolution

As your content evolves, so will your TOC.

In each issue, you should:

• Reflect current topics

• Update section titles

• Add new sections when needed

Think of your TOC as a tool for your content, not a straitjacket.

Utilizing Analytics for Improvement

Pay attention to analytics that can help you refine your TOC for better engagement.

Monitor Reader Behavior

Track which links your readers click the most. If a section consistently performs well, consider placing it higher in your TOC. On the other hand, if regular features underperform, they might need reworking or repositioning.

Test Different Formats

Experiment with the layout and format of your TOC. Maybe a bulleted list works better than a numbered one. Or you could introduce icons for visual appeal. Use beehiiv's A/B testing to find the most effective presentation.

Gather Feedback

Ask your readers for feedback on your TOC. Simple surveys or direct questions can provide valuable insights into usability and relevance.

Get Organized With a Newsletter TOC

A well-crafted table of contents in a newsletter can transform how the audience interacts with your emails. Organize your publication to create a seamless reading experience and demonstrate your respect for subscriber time and interest.

beehiiv makes it easy to customize your newsletter template and incorporate an interactive table of contents. Sign up for an always free plan or experiment with even more advanced features with a trial of our Scale plan.

Why Trust Me

I'm a digital marketer and writer who specializes in email marketing, particularly all things newsletter-related. I regularly publish bylined articles on relevant trends and best practices.

Newsletter Table of Contents FAQs:

What Is the Table of Contents in an Email?

A table of contents (TOC) in an email is a navigational tool that lists the main sections or topics covered. It allows readers to jump to the parts that interest them.

How Do You Format Newsletter Content?

Formatting your newsletter content is all about clarity and readability, and a strong TOC helps. Use it to direct readers to different sections of your newsletter. Each section should have a clear headline and easy-to-skim, short paragraphs.

How To Write a Table of Contents?

Here’s a quick overview of how to write a table of contents for your newsletter:

1. Identify the different sections of your newsletter

2. Give them clear and descriptive titles

3. Order them strategically, placing your most important content at the top

4. Create the table of contents and add links to each section

5. Update regularly