Summary
Starting and growing your own newsletter is like creating your own media company. Learn how to write a newsletter your audience wants to read. Increase open rate, get advertisers, and build your personal brand with a newsletter.
Newsletters are a great way to connect with your audience, share valuable content, and build a loyal following. If you're thinking about starting a newsletter, or if you already have one but want to take it to the next level, this article is for you. Here's how to build and grow a successful newsletter business:
How to Start Your Newsletter
Choose a niche
The first step to starting a newsletter is to choose a topic that you're passionate about and that your audience will be interested in. It could be a specific industry, a hobby, or a cause that you care about.
Determine your audience
Who are you writing for? What are their interests, goals, and challenges? Understanding your audience will help you create content that resonates with them and keeps them coming back for more.
Decide on a format
Will your newsletter be weekly, monthly, or something else? Will it be text-based or include images and videos? Consider what will work best for your audience and your schedule.
Choose a name
Your newsletter's name should be catchy and memorable, and it should give your readers an idea of what your newsletter is about.
Set up a mailing list
You'll need a way to collect email addresses and send your newsletters to your subscribers. There are several tools available to help you with this, such as Substack, ConvertKit, Beehiiv, and Mailchimp.
How to Grow Your Newsletter
Consistently deliver high-quality content
To keep your subscribers engaged and coming back for more, it's important to consistently deliver valuable and interesting content. This could be in the form of articles, videos, infographics, or any other format that your audience will enjoy.
Promote your newsletter
Don't be afraid to promote your newsletter to your social media followers, on your blog, or through other channels. You can also consider running paid ads to reach a wider audience.
Offer exclusive content
Consider offering exclusive content or perks to your newsletter subscribers, such as discounts, early access to new products, or behind-the-scenes glimpses. This will make your newsletter more valuable and encourage people to sign up.
Engage with your audience
Encourage your readers to interact with you and with each other by including calls to action, asking for feedback, and responding to comments.
How to Make Money with Your Newsletter
Sell products or services
If you have a product or service that your audience would be interested in, consider promoting it through your newsletter. This could be a book, a course, a coaching program, or anything else that you offer.
Affiliate marketing
If you don't have your own products or services to sell, you can earn money by promoting other people's products through affiliate marketing. This means that you receive a commission whenever someone makes a purchase through a special link in your newsletter.
Sponsored content
You can also make money by including sponsored content in your newsletter. This could be in the form of ads, sponsored articles, or sponsored emails. Just make sure to disclose to your readers that the content is sponsored.
Shaan Puri's Writing Tips
One of Shaan’s most recent newsletter projects, Milk Road, went from launch to acquisition within 1 year. Here are some of his writing tips from his Power Writing course:
Create a curiosity gap
Start your article with a question or a hook that leaves your readers wanting to know more. This will keep them engaged and make them want to keep reading.
Copy other people
It's okay to look at what other successful writers are doing and borrow ideas from them. Just make sure to put your own spin on things and add your own unique perspective.
Write like you talk
Don't worry about being too formal or using big words. Write in a conversational tone that is easy for your readers to understand.
Forget what you learned in school
Don't worry about following all the rules of grammar and punctuation. Just focus on writing in a way that is clear and engaging for your readers.
Write like a boss
Take charge and be confident in your writing. Your readers will respect and listen to you if you write with authority and conviction.
Trigger emotions
Whether you're trying to make your readers laugh, cry, or think, it's important to connect with them on an emotional level. This will help your writing stand out and be more memorable.
Practice
The more you write, the better you'll get. So don't be afraid to just start writing and see where it takes you. The more you practice, the more confident and proficient you'll become.
Starting and growing a successful newsletter business requires careful planning and consistent effort. By choosing a niche, determining your audience, deciding on a format, and choosing a catchy name, you can set the foundation for your newsletter.
To grow your newsletter, focus on delivering high-quality content, promoting your newsletter, offering exclusive perks to subscribers, and engaging with your audience. You can also monetize your newsletter through the sale of products or services, affiliate marketing, and sponsored content. Finally, to improve your writing, follow Shaan Puri's writing tips. By following these steps, you can build and grow a successful newsletter business that connects with your audience and helps you achieve your goals.
Further reading
You might also like
How to Build a Growth Marketing Plan in 2023
Content Marketing Strategy in 2023
The 3 Marketing KPIs Every Marketer Should Know
