How to Start Your First Newsletter

Starting your first newsletter doesn’t have to be stressful and it is easier than you might think!

Here’s a step-by-step guide to get you started:

1. Define Your Newsletter Purpose and Audience

Why do you want to start a newsletter?

• Share insights, news, or updates?
• Promote your business or personal brand?
• Build an engaged community?

Who is your target audience?

• Business professionals?
• Hobbyists? Makers? DIYers?
• Friends and family?

2. Choose a Newsletter Platform

An email marketing tool helps you manage subscribers and send emails. These are some beginner-friendly options:

• MailerLite – Simple and affordable with automation features. Free first up to 1000 subscribers
• Substack – Free, simple, and ideal for content-driven newsletters
• Mailchimp – Great for beginners, free up to 500 subscribers
• ConvertKit – Best for creators and automation
• Beehiiv – Modern and great for monetization

3. How to Set Up Your Email List

• Create a sign-up form – Most newsletter platforms will give you a form you can embed on your website or social media.
• Offer an incentive – This encourages people to sign up! You can offer a free e-book, checklist, or exclusive content
• Don’t Spam or buy email addresses – Follow GDPR, CAN-SPAM, and other email regulations by always including an unsubscribe link. Most newsletter platforms help with this, but double check to be sure!

4. Plan Your Content & Schedule

Decide on your newsletter type:

How often do you want to engage with subscribers? Can they anticipate your next issue?

• Weekly tips? Monthly updates? Curated content?
  • Create a posting calendar to stay consistent
  • Write engaging subject lines to boost email open rates

5. Design and Write Your First Newsletter

• Keep it simple – Your newsletter should have clean formatting with short paragraphs
• Make it personal – Address subscribers by name (most platforms allow personalization)
• Use visuals – Images, GIFs, or simple branding help engagement
• Include a Call-to-Action – What do you want readers to do? (Reply, click, buy, share, etc.)

6. Send then Track Performance

• Test before sending – Send a test email to yourself
• Track open rates, click rates, and unsubscribes to see what works. You can use google analytics for this
• Optimize over time – Improve your newsletter based on what readers engage with most

7. Promote Your Newsletter

• Share it!
  • Social media posts
  • Add to your Link in Bio
  • Add a sign-up link to your website, email signature, or blog
  • Ask subscribers to share it with friends and family