The Mini Golf Story:

• Garnet Carter created first Tom Thumb Golf course as temporary solution for delayed full golf course
• Added obstacles: logs, rocks, things to shoot around
• More popular than full-size course when it opened
• Franchised thousands of courses across the country
• Success: simple, affordable, easy to replicate

Why Mini Golf Worked:

• Took something big and intimidating (golf) and made it bite-sized and fun
• Broadened the audience significantly

The Mini Golf Treatment for Email Newsletters:

Keep it Small and Simple:

• Make content bite-sized and easy to skim
• Test: send to your phone to ensure mobile readability

Make Subject Line Sticky:

• Use ChatGPT or Grok to brainstorm 20-30 options
• Pick the one that grabs attention

Adjust Preheader Preview:

• Customize preview text next to subject line
• Use AI tools to create 10 versions under 150 characters

Use 3-2-1 Structure:

• 3 Quick Updates: casual topics or steps
• 2 Points: contrasts or comparisons
• 1 Big Thing: focus on single most important issue

Repeat Your Message:

• Approach same topic from different angles weekly
• Example: budget impact on taxpayers, small businesses, local towns

End with Fun:

• Compete with social media
• Include photos, cartoons, or light stories

Bottom Line: Turn heavy issues into bite-sized emails to create loyal readers.

For more tips on engaging email newsletters, refer to the accompanying one-page PDF.

Winning Edge gives you the tools you need to lead and influence in the political and policy arenas. Every other week, Winning Edge releases short (approximately 5-minute) spots—or “snacks”—focused on one of four areas: fundraising, media, policy, or persuasion.
For more, visit our website: www.thecommonwealthpartners.com.