A Comprehensive Guide on How to Start a Successful Newsletter

If you’re here, it probably means you want to start a newsletter. But where do you begin? How do you create something that people will eagerly open and read? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered! In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know to get your first newsletter off the ground and into the inboxes of your subscribers.

Before we get into the nitty-gritty, let’s review why newsletters are important. Newsletters are a powerful tool for building and maintaining relationships with your audience. They allow you to stay in touch with your subscribers, provide them with valuable content, and keep them informed about your latest news, products, and deals.

Now that we’ve established why newsletters are so important, let’s talk about how to actually start one. Here are the 10 steps you need to follow:

1. Define your audience: Before you start, you need to know who you’re writing for. Define who your ideal subscribers or recipients are, and tailor your content to their needs and interests.

2. Choose an email marketing platform: To send out your newsletter, you’ll need an email marketing platform. There are dozens of options out there, but some popular ones are Mailchimp, Constant Contact, and Hubspot.

3. Collect email addresses: Building an email list is essential for a successful newsletter. Make sure you have opt-in forms on your website and other contact points to collect email addresses.

4. Craft compelling copy: The words you use in your newsletter are crucial. Make sure your headlines and subject lines are catchy, your content is valuable and relevant, and your call-to-action (CTA) buttons are clear and persuasive.

5. Design a visually appealing template: Newsletter design is equally important as the content itself. Choose a responsive design that looks good on all devices and make sure to include images, colors, and branding elements that align with your brand image.

6. Test before you send: It’s always a good idea to send a test email to yourself and a few colleagues or friends before you hit the send button. This way, you can make sure everything looks and works as intended.

7. Make it easy to unsubscribe: While you want to keep your subscribers engaged, it’s important to respect their right to unsubscribe. Make sure the unsubscribe link is easy to find and that the process is simple and straightforward.

8. Keep it short and sweet: People receive dozens of emails every day, so it’s important to keep your newsletter concise and to the point. Focus on the most important information and provide links for those who want to dive deeper.

9. Add value with exclusive content: To make your newsletter feel special, consider offering exclusive content or deals to your subscribers. This will give them a reason to stay subscribed and look forward to your emails.

10. Analyze and optimize: Once your newsletter is up and running, it’s important to analyze your data and optimize your strategy accordingly. Pay attention to open rates, click-through rates, and other metrics to see what’s working and what needs improvement.

In conclusion, starting a newsletter may seem like a daunting task, but with the right strategy and tools, it can be a rewarding experience. Follow the steps outlined in this guide, and you’ll be well on your way to creating a successful newsletter that your subscribers will look forward to receiving.

How to Start a Newsletter for Free The Ultimate Guide

If you’re looking to start a newsletter, but don’t want to spend any money, you’re in luck! There are plenty of free options available that can help you get started. In this ultimate guide, we’ll walk you through the steps you need to take to create and launch your own newsletter without breaking the bank.

Step 1: Define Your Audience and Purpose

Before you begin, it’s important to identify who your newsletter is for and what you want to achieve with it. Are you targeting existing customers, potential customers, or a specific niche? Once you have a clear understanding of your target audience and goals, you can tailor your content and messaging accordingly.

Step 2: Choose a Newsletter Service Provider

There are dozens of free newsletter service providers available, such as Mailchimp, HubSpot, and ConvertKit. Research each platform’s features, ease of use, and customer reviews to find the one that best suits your needs.

Step 3: Collect and Organize Your Content

Start by brainstorming ideas for your newsletter content. What topics are relevant to your audience? What value can you provide them? Keep in mind that shorter newsletters with a clear focus tend to be more successful. Aim for 5-10 sections or articles that can be easily scanned and clicked on.

Step 4: Write Engaging Email Subject Lines

The subject line is the first thing your subscribers will see in their inbox. It needs to grab their attention and entice them to open your email. Avoid generic subject lines like “Newsletter #1” and instead try something more captivating, like “7 Must-Try Travel Destinations for Adventure Lovers”.

Step 5: Craft Compelling Email Copy

Once your subject line has piqued your reader’s interest, they need to be hooked by your email copy. Keep your language clear, concise, and conversational. Use a friendly tone and avoid lengthy paragraphs. Instead, break up your text into short, digestible chunks with subheadings and bullet points.

Step 6: Add High-Quality Images

While a minimalist approach is also effective, adding relevant images can make your newsletter more visually appealing and engaging. Use images that support your content and help tell your story. However, be sure to optimize your images for faster load times and include alt text for accessibility.

Step 7: Include a Strong Call-to-Action

Don’t forget to include a clear call-to-action in your newsletter. Whether you want your subscribers to click through to your website, buy a product, or sign up for a webinar, make sure the call-to-action is easy to find and enticing. Consider using action verbs and creating a sense of urgency.

Step 8: Test and Review Before Sending

Before you hit that send button, take a moment to test your newsletter. Send yourself a preview to check for any formatting issues or typos. Review your content once more to ensure it aligns with your goals and provides value to your audience.

Step 9: Build Relationships and Keep Your Subscribers Engaged

Sending out a newsletter is just the beginning. Once you’ve built your subscriber list, it’s important to nurture those relationships. Engage with your readers by responding to their emails, asking for feedback, and providing valuable resources. This will help you establish trust and loyalty with your audience.

Step 10: Measure Your Success and Make Improvements

Tracking the success of your newsletter is essential to understand what works and what doesn’t. Most newsletter service providers offer analytics that allow you to monitor open rates, click-through rates, and subscriber growth. Use this data to make improvements and optimize future newsletters.

In conclusion, starting a newsletter for free is not only possible but also relatively easy. By following the steps outlined above and putting in a little bit of work, you can create a successful newsletter that engages your audience and meets their needs.

Remember, there’s no one-size-fits-all approach to creating a newsletter. Experiment, test different strategies, and learn from examples and best practices. Good luck!

Start with your subject lines

The subject line of your email is one of the most important parts of your newsletter. It’s what the recipient sees first in their inbox, and it determines whether they open your email or not. A good subject line will grab their attention and make them want to click on your email to see what’s inside.

When creating your subject line, there are a few things you need to keep in mind. First, keep it short and simple. Most email clients only show the first 30-40 characters of a subject line, so make sure your message gets across in that limited space. Use language that is clear and concise, and avoid using spammy words that might trigger spam filters.

Next, make your subject line relevant to your subscribers. Think about what they would be interested in and tailor your subject line to those interests. You can also personalize your subject lines by using dynamic tags, such as their name or location, to make it feel more personal.

Consider using numbers and lists in your subject lines. For example, “10 tips for a successful newsletter” or “7 deals you don’t want to miss”. Numbers attract attention and make your email seem more organized and actionable.

Another effective technique is to create a sense of curiosity or urgency in your subject line. Use words like “discover”, “limited-time offer”, or “last chance” to create a sense of FOMO (fear of missing out) and entice your subscribers to open your email.

Your subject line should also reflect the content of your email. Avoid misleading subject lines that have nothing to do with the actual email. This will only frustrate your subscribers and damage their trust in you and your brand.

Lastly, don’t forget about mobile users. More and more people are accessing their emails on mobile devices, so make sure your subject line looks good on small screens. Keep it short and easy to read, and avoid using special characters or emojis that might not be properly displayed on all devices.

Remember, your subject line is your one chance to make a good impression and convince people to open your email. Take the time to craft a compelling subject line that grabs attention, conveys the value of your email, and makes people want to click.

2 Build Relationships With Customers

Building relationships with customers is crucial for the success of any newsletter. When a subscriber feels like they have a personal connection with your brand, they are more likely to engage with your emails and become loyal customers. Here are 10 things to keep in mind when it comes to building relationships with your customers:

1. Make it personal: Personalization is key in making your subscribers feel special. Use their names in the subject lines and body of your emails to grab their attention and make them feel valued.
2. Keep it simple: Avoid cluttered emails and make sure your content is easy to read and understand. Use clear and concise copy to convey your message effectively.
3. Provide value: Offer your subscribers something of value in every newsletter. This could be exclusive discounts, helpful tips, or entertaining content. Make sure your subscribers get something out of opening your emails.
4. Showcase your products: Use your newsletter as a platform to showcase your latest products or services. Include high-quality images and enticing descriptions to generate interest and drive sales.
5. Include CTAs: Every newsletter should have a clear call-to-action (CTA) that encourages your subscribers to take a specific action, such as making a purchase or signing up for an event. Make sure your CTAs are easily visible and compelling.
6. Test and review: Don’t be afraid to experiment and test different elements of your newsletter, such as subject lines, design, or CTAs. Review the results and make adjustments to improve performance.
7. Segment your list: Segmenting your email list based on demographics, interests, or past purchase behavior can help you deliver more targeted and relevant content to your subscribers. This increases the chances of engagement and conversion.
8. Engage with your subscribers: Encourage your subscribers to interact with your brand by including social media links, feedback surveys, or comments sections in your newsletter. This creates a two-way communication channel and strengthens the relationship.
9. Keep in touch: Sending regular newsletters is important for keeping your brand at the top of your subscribers’ minds. Be consistent with your email schedule and make sure to stay in touch without overwhelming them with too many emails.
10. Follow best practices: Follow email marketing best practices, such as avoiding spammy subject lines, using a reputable email service provider, and obtaining proper consent before sending emails. This ensures that your emails reach your subscribers’ inbox and comply with email regulations.

By following these practices, you can build strong relationships with your subscribers and increase the success of your newsletter. Remember, happy and engaged customers are more likely to become loyal advocates for your brand.

How to Write a Newsletter

If you’re unsure about how to write a newsletter, keeping a few key tips in mind can make all the difference. This guide will help you create a successful newsletter that people will actually want to read.

Before you start writing, take some time to define the purpose and goals of your newsletter. Is it to provide updates on your products or services, share valuable content, or build relationships with your subscribers? Knowing the primary goal will help you tailor your content and design to meet those needs.

Start with a catchy subject line that entices your readers to open the email. Make sure it’s concise, clear, and relevant to the content inside.

When writing the body of your newsletter, use a conversational tone and language that is easy to understand. Avoid using jargon or technical terms unless your audience is familiar with them. Keep your paragraphs short and skimmable, and use bullet points or numbered lists to break up the text.

Include images to make your newsletter visually appealing, but don’t go overboard. Too many images can clutter the email and make it slow to load. Make sure to use alt tags for the images to ensure they are accessible to those with visual impairments.

Make your call-to-action clear and prominent, so readers know what to do next. Whether it’s to download a free guide, make a purchase, or unsubscribe, make it easy for them to take action.

Test your newsletter before sending it out to ensure it looks good on different devices and email clients. Check how it appears on desktop, mobile, and various email providers to make sure it is readable and visually appealing across the board.

Keep your newsletter content minimal and focused. Don’t overwhelm your subscribers with too much information or too many deals. Choose a few key topics or promotions to highlight and stick to those.

Personalize your newsletters whenever possible. Use the recipient’s name in the subject line or greeting to make them feel more connected and valued. Segment your mailing list based on their preferences or previous interactions to send them more relevant content.

Lastly, always review and proofread your newsletter before sending it out. A simple typo or grammatical error can make your communication appear unprofessional. Take the time to read through the content and make any necessary corrections.

By following these tips, you will be well on your way to creating a successful newsletter that engages your audience and drives results.

1 Review successful newsletter examples

When it comes to starting your own newsletter, it’s always a good idea to learn from successful examples. By reviewing what others have done right, you can avoid common mistakes and ensure your own newsletter is effective and engaging.

Here are 7 examples of successful newsletters that you can take inspiration from:

1. HubSpot – HubSpot’s newsletter is known for its clean and simple design. They make sure their emails are free from cluttered images and text, making it easy for recipients to find the information they need.
2. Travel Deals – The Travel Deals newsletter uses bold and eye-catching images to grab the attention of their subscribers. They also include short and relevant lines of text that entice readers to click on the deals and offers they have.
3. 1-800-Contacts – 1-800-Contacts does a great job of making their newsletters personalized and helpful. They provide tips and information that their customers find useful, which helps to build trust and strengthen the relationships with their subscribers.
4. Alt Text – Alt Text is a newsletter that focuses on providing accessible content for people with visual impairments. They use alt text to describe their images, making it easier for everyone to understand the content of their newsletters.
5. We’ve Got You Covered – This newsletter from We’ve Got You Covered specializes in helping people find the right insurance coverage. They use a simple and clean design, with clear headings and subheadings that make it easy to navigate through the information.
6. Copywriting Weekly – Copywriting Weekly knows the power of a catchy subject line. They make sure their subject lines are clever and intriguing, encouraging more people to open their newsletters.
7. Unsubscribe – While it may seem counterintuitive, the Unsubscribe newsletter actually helps people unsubscribe. They provide a simple and quick way for recipients to opt out of receiving the newsletter, making sure that only those who truly want to receive it stay subscribed.

These successful newsletter examples show that there isn’t a one-size-fits-all approach to creating a great newsletter. Each one uses different strategies and techniques to engage their audience and deliver valuable content. By reviewing and analyzing these examples, you can pick and choose the elements that work best for your own newsletter, and build a successful one that meets the needs of your subscribers.

If you’re ready to start building your own newsletter, be sure to check out the resources and guides available below. They will provide you with more tips and insights on how to create a successful newsletter and keep your subscribers engaged.

Remember, a successful newsletter is one that not only opens a dialogue with your customers, but also keeps them coming back for more.

100 Email Subject Lines We Actually Clicked

Do you struggle to come up with compelling email subject lines that grab your subscribers’ attention? Well, you’re in luck! We’ve put together a list of 100 email subject lines that we’ve actually clicked on. These subject lines are sure to make your emails stand out and get noticed!

• 1. Get 20% off your next purchase!
• 2. The best new design trends for 2022
• 3. How to declutter your inbox in 5 easy steps
• 4. Limited time offer: Free shipping on all orders
• 5. 8 tips for a successful email newsletter
• 6. Need some inspiration? Check out these newsletter examples
• 7. 10 ways to design a minimalist email
• 8. How to write an email that actually gets read
• 9. The ultimate guide to email marketing
• 10. Unsubscribe without feeling guilty
• 11. Download our free ebook: “The Beginner’s Guide to Email Marketing”
• 12. Build a loyal subscriber base with these tips
• 13. What does your email signature say about you?
• 14. How to keep your emails out of the spam folder
• 15. The 7 types of email subject lines that get the most opens
• 16. 10 reasons why your emails aren’t converting
• 17. A little humor goes a long way
• 18. Why your email newsletter needs alt text
• 19. This one simple trick will make your emails look professional
• 20. How to create a lookbook for your products
• 21. Important update: New features added to our services
• 22. How to write compelling CTAs that drive action
• 23. The secret to writing emails that get opened and read
• 24. 9 proven ways to boost your email open rates
• 25. Newsletter vs. blog: Which one should you focus on?
• 26. Why email marketing is still the most effective channel
• 27. 10 email marketing mistakes you should avoid
• 28. The art of keeping your emails short and sweet
• 29. What to do when your subscribers stop engaging with your emails
• 30. 7 email list segmentation strategies that actually work
• 31. How to design emails that look good on all devices
• 32. The 10 most common email marketing myths debunked
• 33. The psychology behind effective email marketing
• 34. Don’t let your emails get deleted – here’s how to make them stick
• 35. The power of personalization: How to make your subscribers feel special
• 36. 5 email marketing best practices to implement right now
• 37. The do’s and don’ts of email marketing
• 38. How to write a killer email subject line
• 39. The importance of A/B testing your email campaigns
• 40. 7 email marketing metrics you should be tracking
• 41. The pros and cons of using email marketing automation
• 42. How to create urgency in your email campaigns
• 43. Is your email design hindering your success?
• 44. Why your email campaigns need a clear call-to-action
• 45. 10 tips for crafting engaging email content
• 46. How to make your emails stand out in a crowded inbox
• 47. The benefits of using customer testimonials in your emails
• 48. Why your email subject line is more important than you think
• 49. The right way to use emojis in your email subject lines
• 50. The dos and don’ts of email subject line copy
• 51. 5 email subject line examples that will make you click
• 52. The ultimate guide to writing killer email subject lines
• 53. How to create a sense of urgency in your email subject lines
• 54. The 10 commandments of email subject line writing
• 55. Why your email subject lines need to be mobile-friendly
• 56. How to write subject lines that get your emails opened
• 57. The secret to crafting subject lines that convert
• 58. 7 subject line formulas that work every time
• 59. Why your subject lines should never be misleading
• 60. The psychology behind effective email subject lines
• 61. How to use numbers in your subject lines to increase opens
• 62. The importance of personalization in email subject lines
• 63. How to make your subject lines more intriguing
• 64. The power of curiosity in email subject lines
• 65. Why your subject lines need to create a sense of urgency
• 66. 10 subject line templates you can use right now
• 67. The ultimate guide to writing subject lines that get clicks
• 68. How to write subject lines that make your subscribers feel special
• 69. The art of writing subject lines that make people take action
• 70. The dos and don’ts of subject line writing
• 71. How to write subject lines that capture your readers’ attention
• 72. The 8 most effective types of subject lines
• 73. Why simplicity is key in subject line design
• 74. How to write subject lines that stand out
• 75. The benefits of using emojis in your subject lines
• 76. Why your subject lines should never be too long
• 77. How to use humor in your subject lines without going overboard
• 78. The power of personalization in subject lines
• 79. How to evoke emotions with your subject lines
• 80. The secret to writing subject lines that create anticipation
• 81. Why your subject lines need to be relevant to your audience
• 82. How to write subject lines that spark curiosity
• 83. The importance of testing different subject lines
• 84. Why your subject lines should never be generic
• 85. The dos and don’ts of subject line testing
• 86. How to write subject lines that make your subscribers feel valued
• 87. The art of writing subject lines that get opened
• 88. Why your subject lines need to be attention-grabbing
• 89. How to write subject lines that create a sense of urgency
• 90. The ultimate guide to writing subject lines that convert
• 91. How to make your subject lines more persuasive
• 92. The power of using numbers in subject lines
• 93. Why your subject lines should never be too salesy
• 94. How to write subject lines that appeal to your target audience
• 95. The importance of personalization in subject line writing
• 96. How to write subject lines that make your readers feel special
• 97. The dos and don’ts of writing effective subject lines
• 98. How to write subject lines that grab attention from the start
• 99. The secret to capturing your readers’ interest in your subject lines
• 100. How to write subject lines that leave a lasting impression

So there you have it – 100 email subject lines that we’ve actually clicked on. Feel free to pick and choose the ones that resonate with you and give them a try. Remember, the key is to keep it simple, concise, and engaging. Good luck with your email campaigns!

You’re all set

Congratulations! You’ve made it to the end of this ultimate guide on how to start a newsletter. By now, you’re equipped with all the knowledge and tools you need to build a successful newsletter and establish strong relationships with your subscribers.

Before you set things in motion, let’s review some of the key points we’ve covered:

1. Start by defining your goals and target audience.
2. Pick a catchy subject line that will entice readers to click and open your email.
3. Write engaging and personalized copy that will captivate your subscribers.
4. Make sure your email design is visually appealing and enabled for both mobile and desktop devices.
5. Don’t clutter your newsletter with too much content. Keep it minimal and focused.
6. Create valuable content that offers insights, tips, and examples in line with your subscribers’ needs.
7. Test and review your newsletters before sending them out to ensure everything looks good and works correctly.
8. Don’t forget to include a clear call-to-action and a link where recipients can unsubscribe if they wish.
9. Respect your subscribers’ time and avoid spamming them with too many emails.
10. Consistency is key. Stick to a regular schedule and deliver on your promises.
11. Use analytics and track metrics to gauge the success and performance of your newsletters.

With these best practices and guidelines in mind, you can confidently start building your newsletter. Remember, though, that there is always room for improvement. Test different strategies, analyze the results, and adapt your approach accordingly.

Now, go ahead and start engaging with your customers, sharing valuable content, and making a positive impact. Good luck!

7 Pick one primary call-to-action

In every newsletter, it’s important to have a clear primary call-to-action (CTA) that tells your subscribers what action you want them to take. Whether it’s to review your products, download a lookbook, or contact you for more information, this CTA should be the main focus of your newsletter.

When it comes to CTAs, we’ve seen that simplicity is key. A single, easy-to-click link or button is much more effective than multiple CTAs competing for attention. By focusing on one primary CTA, you’re guiding your subscribers towards the action you want them to take, making it more likely that they will actually click through.

But how do you pick the right primary CTA for your newsletter? It all depends on your goals and what you want to achieve. If you’re looking to drive sales, a CTA that promotes your latest deals or new products might be the best choice. On the other hand, if you want to build relationships with your customers, a CTA that encourages them to contact you for personalized support or advice could be more relevant.

It’s also important to consider the design and placement of your primary CTA. Make sure it stands out from the rest of your content and is easy to find. Using contrasting colors, bold fonts, or larger buttons can help draw attention to your CTA and make it more clickable.

Another tip is to write compelling copy for your primary CTA. Use persuasive language that creates a sense of urgency or offers a clear benefit to your subscribers. For example, instead of saying “Click here to sign up for our newsletter,” say “Sign up now to receive 10% off your first purchase!”

Finally, don’t forget to test and optimize your CTAs. Try different wording, colors, and placements to see what works best for your audience. You can use A/B testing to compare different versions of your newsletter and see which one generates the most clicks.

By following these best practices, you can create a successful newsletter that not only opens in your subscribers’ inboxes but also drives meaningful actions. Remember, pick one primary call-to-action that aligns with your goals, make it easy to find and click, and use compelling copy to entice your subscribers. Happy newsletter crafting!

8 Keep design and copy minimal

When it comes to designing your newsletter, it’s important to keep things simple and minimal. If your design is too cluttered or busy, it can be overwhelming for your subscribers and may discourage them from reading your content.

Instead, opt for a clean and easy-to-read design that focuses on your primary message. Use a clear and concise copy that gets straight to the point. Avoid lengthy paragraphs and unnecessary fluff.

Remember, your newsletter needs to be relevant and valuable to your subscribers. By keeping the design and copy minimal, you ensure that your message is clear and easily understood. This allows your subscribers to quickly grasp the main points and take action if they’re interested.

Here’s what you can do to keep your design and copy minimal:

1. Stick to a simple and clean layout.
2. Use a clear and concise subject line that tells recipients what the email is about.
3. Avoid using too many different fonts and colors. Stick to a cohesive and easy-to-read font.
4. Include relevant images, but do so sparingly. Make sure to use the alt text for those who can’t see the images.
5. Avoid cluttering your newsletter with too many call-to-action buttons. Just one or two well-placed buttons should be enough.
6. Keep your paragraphs and sentences short and to the point.
7. Use subheadings and bullet points to break up the text and make it easier to scan.
8. Make sure your email is mobile-friendly. Most people read emails on their mobile devices, so it’s important that your design looks good on all screen sizes.

By following these simple design and copy practices, you’ll be able to create a successful newsletter that your subscribers will appreciate. Remember, less is often more when it comes to newsletters. Keep it simple and focused, and you’re more likely to see positive results.

9 Make sure images have alt text

When creating a newsletter, it’s important to consider that not all of your subscribers will be able to see images in their emails. This could be because they have disabled image loading in their email settings, or because they are using a device that doesn’t display images. In any case, you need to make sure that your newsletter still looks good and makes sense without the images.

One way to achieve this is by using alt text for your images. Alt text is a short description of an image that is displayed when the image itself cannot be loaded. It should be concise, yet provide enough information for the reader to understand what the image is about. Alt text is also important for accessibility, as it allows visually impaired people using screen readers to understand the content of the email.

Here’s a guide on how to make sure your images have alt text:

1. Review your newsletter and identify all the images used.
2. For each image, come up with a relevant and descriptive alt text.
3. Keep the alt text short and to the point. Aim for around 100 characters or less.
4. If the image is purely decorative and doesn’t add any meaningful information, you can use an empty alt tag (alt=””) to indicate that the image can be ignored.
5. Make sure to include alt text for any links within images, as they may not be obvious without the visual context.
6. Test your newsletter to make sure the alt text is working correctly. Send a test email to yourself and view it with images disabled to see how it looks.
7. If you have a lot of images in your newsletter and it starts to feel cluttered with alt text, you can consider using a link to a web-based version of your newsletter where all the images and their descriptions are included.
8. Remember to keep the text of your newsletter concise and focused. Too much text can overwhelm your readers and make your newsletter less effective.
9. Once you’re done with the alt text, review your newsletter one more time to make sure it looks good and makes sense even without the images.

By making sure your images have alt text, you’re ensuring that all of your subscribers, regardless of their device or settings, can still understand and enjoy your newsletter. It’s a simple but important step that will make your newsletter more inclusive and accessible to all.