Newsletters are the less popular and not-so-sexy siblings of blog posts. While blogs get all the attention, newsletters seem to fly under the radar. But they shouldn’t because they have low to no startup costs and high margins. So, if you enjoy writing, you should think about starting a newsletter side hustle.
From zero knowledge, I have managed to make it work and provide a growing income. It’s not my main income, but who knows, it could be one day.
This step-by-step guide focuses on the essentials: identifying and engaging your audience, creating compelling content, and unlocking revenue streams. With actionable tips, learn how to transform newsletters into a viable side income for beginners and seasoned writers alike.
Key Takeaways
- Email newsletters present a lucrative side hustle opportunity, with successful examples like Morning Brew demonstrating significant revenue potential through subscriber bases.
- Key steps to launching a successful newsletter include identifying a unique niche, producing high-quality, consistent, relevant content, and building a strong relationship with subscribers to eventually monetize through various strategies such as ads, sponsored content, and paid subscriptions.
- Scaling and optimizing a newsletter business for long-term growth requires strategic marketing, collaboration with influencers, utilizing paid ads, maintaining content quality, and continuous performance analysis.
Navigating the Newsletter Side Hustle Landscape
We’re a side hustle nation, but the relatively untapped world of email newsletters is teeming with opportunities for those willing to dive in. With an impressive ROI of $35-$40 for every dollar invested in email marketing – and 18% of organizations reporting an ROI of more than $70 – it’s clear why this platform is a great business model. Success stories like Morning Brew, which sold a majority stake for $75M thanks to its massive email subscriber base, showcase the remarkable potential revenue from newsletters.
Email feels pretty old-school today. However, email marketing is the most used marketing tactic by B2B businesses at 84%, ahead of social media, blogging and SEO. There has definitely been a shift toward newsletters as people increasingly recognize their value over other forms of content. This trend underscores the importance of crafting a presence in this digital landscape where free newsletters can serve as a stepping stone to monetize newsletters through a paid model.
Identifying Your Unique Angle
How can your voice stand out in a sea of email newsletters? It begins with defining a niche that resonates with your interests and expertise. By focusing on a specific audience and helping them achieve a goal, you position your weekly newsletter as a valuable resource.
For instance, if you can save people time or money (even better: Both!), you have something people will be happy to pay for. If you know where to look for deals or coupons, tricks or hacks, then you can be paid for relaying this information. Unlike social media channels, you don’t have to scan through hundreds of posts to find the information – it’s right there in your inbox.
Crafting Compelling Content
What is the secret sauce to a newsletter readers can’t wait to open? High-quality content consistently delivered is the cornerstone of any successful email newsletter. At Examine.com, for example, they distil new health research for their subscribers, saving them time and making their weekly newsletter an indispensable part of their healthy lives.
To grow your audience (and revenue), you can write complementary content on other platforms like blogs or YouTube scripts to attract an audience that could convert into dedicated email subscribers. Optimizing this content across platforms for search engines is a key step to increase visibility and encourage subscribers.
You can also use these platforms to interact with your audience to find out what they’re interested in so you can even more precisely target their needs.
Building and Nurturing Subscriber Relationships
The heart of your newsletter side project lies in the relationships you build with your subscribers. Building an email marketing list first is your lifeline, providing direct access to those who may become your first subscribers and, hopefully, your biggest supporters.
An expansive email list enables you to:
- Reach a wider audience
- Create a larger pool from which to cultivate paid subscribers
- Foster relationships that pave the way for exclusive and premium newsletter offerings
- Turn free subscribers into premium subscribers who look forward to every new edition
Establishing Your Newsletter Foundation
Before you can start reaping the benefits of your newsletter idea, you have to lay the groundwork. This includes not just the content you’ll create but also the technical aspects that will enable you to reach your audience effectively.
Setting Up Your Email List
First, you’ll want to build an email list. This will become your greatest asset over time because it will be a list of people (and their contact details) who want to follow you. That means a list of ‘warm’ leads who are more likely to buy from you because they already know and trust who you are. It’s also an asset that YOU own, which is why you set up an email list first rather than sending prospects directly to a Newsletter platform.
Growing this list can be achieved through either free or paid traffic options. Generating free traffic often involves creating content, like a blog or a YouTube channel, that’s not only relevant but also optimized for search engines to attract email subscribers naturally. Paid ads will get you more eyeballs, but at a cost.
Choosing the right email marketing company ensures you have the tools necessary (and at the right price) to scale your newsletter as it grows, whether you’re starting with a free version or aiming for a paid newsletter right from the start.
I use ConvertKit because it’s really easy to use and free for up to 10,000 subscribers to your list. Here are some other popular email marketing companies to consider:
- Mailchimp (I’ve used this, and it works really well)
- AWeber (this was my first ever
- Substack
- Constant Contact
Each platform has its own features and pricing plans, so be sure to research and choose the one that best fits your needs and budget.
Choosing the Right Newsletter Platform
Different platforms have different pricing models. Probably the most well-known is Substack, which caters to writers and simplifies the process of publishing to an audience. It’s free to use, but when you’re ready to introduce a paid subscription, Substack takes 10% of your revenue.
I use Beehiiv, another newsletter-specific platform. It’s free for your first 2,500 subscribers. Once you have enough to monetize, you can move to the paid plan at $39 and get access to their ad network, premium subscriptions and myriad other features.
Designing an Effective Landing Page
What happens when someone wants to sign up for your newsletter? They click for more details and are taken to a landing page. This is your digital handshake, welcoming potential subscribers and convincing them to join your newsletter journey. It must include persuasive copy that clearly explains why visitors should subscribe and helps them understand the value they’ll receive from your email newsletters.
By incorporating opt-in forms in strategic places like your website’s sidebar or footer, within blog posts, or via links on social media, you can subtly encourage visitors to sign up.
Your landing page can also include special offers, such as ebooks or helpful checklists, to attract subscribers who are on the fence about giving away their personal details. It also creates additional value for your audience, starting their relationship with an unexpected bonus.
Monetization Tactics for Newsletter Entrepreneurs
Once everything is set up and your audience is growing, it’s time to turn your attention to the best part of your newsletter side hustle: making money. And there are several options. What makes this a really cool business model is that you can initially choose one and then later make money from all four:
- Advertising
- Sponsored content
- Affiliate marketing
- Paid subscriptions
These strategies not only help you earn income but can also enhance the exclusive content and value you provide to your subscribers through things like special offers (everyone wins!).
Whichever form of revenue generation you choose, remember that the key lies in providing consistent, high-quality content that meets your subscribers’ needs and expectations. Let’s explore how you can monetize your newsletters effectively, ensuring a steady stream of revenue as you grow your business.
Exploring Affiliate Marketing Opportunities
By promoting relevant products or services, you can earn commissions from purchases made through your referral links, such as those from Amazon’s website.
The key to success in affiliate marketing is to:
- Select products that are directly related to your newsletter’s niche, ensuring relevance and interest from your subscribers
- Align these promotions with your audience’s interests
- Research the companies behind the products to maintain the credibility of your recommendations
- When you reach a significant number of subscribers, reach out to affiliates and see if they will give you an exclusive deal, adding further value to your audience
Integrating these affiliate links naturally into your content and always including clear disclosures will help you maintain transparency and trust with your audience.
Securing Sponsored Content Deals
Another lucrative avenue for monetization is through sponsored content deals. Companies are always on the lookout for newsletters with an established and engaged audience to pay for exposure within their emails. If your newsletter focuses on a specific lifestyle or experience, it could attract companies interested in sponsoring content in that niche. Negotiating with companies should be a two-way conversation about brand alignment, audience interests, and the mutual value each party brings to the table.
Remember to integrate sponsored content in a way that respects your newsletter’s editorial integrity while still adding value for your subscribers. You want to make sure it feels like a natural part of your content rather than just a way for you to make money.
Launching Paid Subscriptions
Perhaps the most straightforward method to monetize newsletters is through paid subscriptions. This model is where subscribers pay a fee for original content like news, analyses, or commentary. Platforms like Substack and Beehiiv make launching paid subscriptions a breeze, handling everything from payment systems to customer support. (Paid subscribers often demonstrate a higher level of engagement and commitment, making them more likely to respond to marketing content.)
When setting your price point, consider different models, such as memberships for shared interests or access to premium reports, and ensure that your pricing starts at a level that reflects the value provided while also being affordable for your target audience.
Amplifying Your Reach with Strategic Marketing
Growing your newsletter doesn’t stop at content creation and monetization. You also have to master the art of marketing to amplify your reach. Strategic marketing encompasses everything from leveraging social media platforms to mastering paid ads and collaborating with influencers and bloggers. By building your presence on various marketing channels, you can attract a larger target audience and convert them into email subscribers.
Leveraging Social Media Platforms
Social media platforms offer a treasure trove of opportunities for newsletter promotion. By repurposing your newsletter content for social media, you can reach a wider audience and draw attention to the digital products you create. This could mean sharing snippets of your content, creating infographics, or even producing short videos that highlight the value of your email newsletters.
By incorporating social media elements such as sharing buttons and testimonials into your email campaigns, you can encourage subscribers to share your content on their social networks, further expanding your reach.
Hosting webinars can provide a further platform for engaging with your audience in real-time and introducing them to your newsletter as a valuable resource for follow-up information.
Mastering Paid Ads
Paid advertising is a powerful tool for driving targeted traffic to your landing pages and ultimately increasing your subscriber base. Offering a compelling lead magnet, such as a free guide or a checklist, can incentivize new subscribers when you run paid ads, improving conversion rates.
To maximize your ad spend, target your ideal newsletter audience using platforms like Google AdWords, Facebook, and Instagram, which offer sophisticated targeting capabilities. I recommend starting with a small budget, perhaps $50 or $100, to experiment and find what works best for your newsletter before scaling up your ad campaigns.
Collaborating with Influencers and Bloggers
Influencer and blogger collaborations can catapult your newsletter’s growth by tapping into their established audiences. Building partnerships with creators who share your values and have a similar audience can significantly boost your subscriber numbers.
By leveraging these relationships, you can introduce your newsletter to a new pool of potential subscribers who trust the influencer’s or blogger’s recommendations (your newsletter).
Success Stories: Inspiration from Top Newsletter Creators
As you venture into the world of newsletter side hustles, it’s encouraging to look at those who have already carved a successful path. Here are some examples:
- Milk Road is a cryptocurrency newsletter that went from 0 to £1M in annual recurring revenue in just 6 months.
- Superpower Daily gives the latest AI news and earned the equivalent of $150,000 in annual revenue after just 5 months.
- Letters From An American breaks down the stories and history behind today’s politics. This newsletter has 1.2 Million subscribers and makes $12M+ every year.
Whether it’s tech, AI, recipes, how to clean your home, the personal finance sector, or business stories written by a business insider, these success stories offer a glimpse into the potential for revenue growth and the impact a thoughtfully crafted newsletter can have. You, too, could be earning free money for sharing your knowledge.
Scaling Your Newsletter Business
As your newsletter grows, so too should your strategies for managing and producing content. One way to ensure your newsletter continues to thrive without sacrificing quality is by hiring copywriters or freelance writers. These professionals can help maintain the high standards of your content as your subscriber base expands, allowing you to focus on other aspects of your business.
And so you don’t burn out as you scale, consider streamlining processes and automating workflows to keep up with the increased demand while still preserving the personalized touch that your subscribers value.
Optimizing for Long-Term Growth
For your newsletter to not only survive but flourish in the long term, you need to focus on several things:
- Keep a sharp eye on performance metrics (like open, bounce and click-through rates)
- Continuously refine your growth strategy (paid ads, social media, etc.)
- Regularly review and adjust your plan to ensure it aligns with your objectives
- Adapt to the evolving landscape of email marketing (stay up to date on what’s working)
- Check the initial results of your growth efforts against your goals (and see how close you were)
- Use the insights gained from this analysis to make necessary tweaks
Staying up-to-date with market and industry research will help you keep your content relevant and discover new opportunities for expansion. Embrace tech tools and resources that can streamline your work processes and help achieve your growth goals.
The Bottom Line
In the digital world of the 202s, starting a newsletter side hustle is more than just a trend – it’s a smart business move that can lead to significant income and personal fulfilment. By identifying your unique angle, creating high-quality content, and nurturing subscriber relationships, you can establish a solid foundation for your newsletter – and resulting income. You can amplify your reach and secure a stable revenue stream through strategic monetisation tactics and marketing efforts.
As you draw inspiration from successful creators and continuously optimize for growth, remember that the real key to success is the value you provide to your readers. More value = more recommendations = more subscribers = more revenue. With dedication and smart strategies, your newsletter has the potential to become an influential voice in your chosen niche, as well as a thriving part of your annual income.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes a newsletter side hustle profitable?
Crafting compelling content, establishing a strong subscriber base, and employing effective monetization strategies are key to making a newsletter side hustle profitable. With high margins and minimal upfront costs, it can create multiple revenue streams – not just from paid content.
How do I find a unique angle for my newsletter?
Consider your interests and expertise, focus on a specific audience, and explore niche topics to find a unique angle for your newsletter. Conducting research can help uncover unmet needs or untapped markets. What would you want to read about?
Can you make money from free newsletters?
Yes, you can monetize free newsletters by including advertising, affiliate marketing, and sponsored content, as well as by converting subscribers into paid members with exclusive additional content.
What are some effective platforms for starting a newsletter?
You can consider using Substack or Beehiiv to start your newsletter. These platforms offer user-friendly systems and tools with different subscription options, so you can choose one that fits your needs and budget.
How do I scale my newsletter business?
To scale your newsletter business, you can hire copywriters or freelance writers, use tech tools, systems and automation to manage increased subscribers, and explore additional revenue streams. These steps will help maintain content quality and support your business’s growth.
Editorial Process
We believe in writing honest and unbiased reviews based on real-world experience. For more details, read our editorial process.
Some of the links in this article may be affiliate links, which can compensate us at no cost to you if you make a purchase. These are products we’ve personally used and tested. This site is not intended to provide financial advice. You can read our affiliate disclosure in our privacy policy.
Richard Riviere is a former wage slave who decided there must be more to life. Turning 50, he quit his job to try earning an income online and get his life back. From knowing zero about e-commerce, he managed to replace his 9-5 income within a year. He now teaches other midlifers how to start living life on their own terms.