Keeping your customers engaged is more challenging than ever in today's world, where the attention span of customers is as short as Instagram reels and TikTok videos. It’s also critical because unengaged customers have a higher churn rate, leading to lost revenue and diminished brand loyalty. So, how can you keep them engaged and build a lasting connection? One powerful solution is launching an email newsletter.
Email newsletters offer a unique opportunity to connect directly with your audience, share valuable content, and promote your brand effectively. According to Statista, the number of global email users is projected to grow to 4.73 billion by 2026, making an email newsletter more important than ever. It's also the most cost-effective way to foster a personal and direct connection with your target audience.
In this guide, we'll walk you through the process of creating and launching your very own email newsletter, debunking the common myths that might be holding you back. Get ready to engage, inspire, and connect with your readers like never before!
Table of contents
8 myths stopping you from starting an email newsletter
- Myth 1: No one reads email newsletters
- Myth 2: Creating email newsletters takes too much time, money and skill
- Myth 3: Email newsletters are intrusive
- Myth 4: Email newsletters are only for promotions
- Myth 5: Managing an email list is complicated
- Myth 6: Email newsletters don't work for small businesses
- Myth 7: Email newsletters don't work for B2C
- Myth 8: Email newsletters are outdated
5 challenges you may face while launching your first email newsletter
15 email newsletters to subscribe to for inspiration
- 1. Mailmodo Idealetter
- 2. Total Anarchy by Ann Handley
- 3. Demand Curve
- 4. GatherContent by Rob Mills
- 5. Sunday Branding
- 6. Modcloth
- 7. Everyone Hates Marketers
- 8. Go-To-Millions
- 9. Trello's Newsletter from "Taco"
- 10. The Hustle
- 11. Neil Patel
- 12. Atlas Obscura
- 13. Why We Buy
- 14. Quartz Daily Brief
- 15. Workable
What is an email newsletter?
Email newsletters are recurring emails that are sent to a list of recipients who have subscribed to receive emails from you. These newsletters can vary in frequency, from weekly to monthly. The purpose of an email newsletter is to provide valuable information, updates, and promotions to newsletter subscribers.
Why you should start an email newsletter today?
According to a study by the Content Marketing Institute, 73% of B2B marketers use email newsletters to distribute their content. Email marketing boasts an average ROI of $36 for every $1 spent. This is an impressive 36x return on investment.
If you're still not convinced, here are 5 reasons why your business absolutely needs to start an email newsletter in 2024:
1. Acts as a direct communication with your audience
Email newsletters provide a direct channel to communicate with your audience without relying on algorithms or third-party platforms. With email newsletters, you have control over when and how you communicate with your audience. Since your subscribers have willingly opted in to receive your newsletters, they are more receptive to the content you provide.
2. Increases brand awareness
By regularly appearing in your subscribers' inboxes, your brand remains top-of-mind, increasing brand recall and recognition. With each newsletter, you reinforce your brand identity and messaging, strengthening your position in the minds of your audience.
Crafting your personal brand isn't just for influencers or entrepreneurs—it's a must for everyone. Regularly sharing valuable content in your email helps establish you as an expert in your field. By showcasing your insights and knowledge, you build a strong personal brand that attracts followers and opportunities.
3. Drives traffic
Email newsletters serve as a powerful tool to drive traffic to your website, blog, or other digital platforms. You can put links in your email to guide readers to relevant content and landing pages, like an upcoming product or website blog. When your subscriber clicks these links, they visit your site, increasing traffic and engagement.
4. Builds brand loyalty
Email newsletters help you nurture relationships beyond the initial transaction. You can use them to educate your subscribers about your industry, products, or services. Sharing brand success stories, motivations, and more helps build a strong relationship with your audience. This encourages repeat purchases and builds brand loyalty.
5. It is adaptable and scalable
Email newsletters offer a cost-effective way to engage with your audience and drive action. You can create and send more newsletters without much incremental cost. You can use them for various purposes, from promoting products to sharing updates. Plus, you can easily change your email marketing campaigns to match your goals and objectives, making them a versatile marketing tool.
How to launch your first email newsletter
For beginners, launching your first email newsletter can be simplified into a few simple steps.
Step 1: Identify your target audience.
Step 2: Establish your goals.
Step 3: Choose the right email marketing software.
Step 4: Create your newsletter.
Step 5: Schedule or send your newsletter.
Step 6: Monitor the performance.
You can read about the steps in detail in our related guide below.
8 myths stopping you from starting an email newsletter
We have discussed the importance of an effective email newsletter, but you might still have doubts holding you back. There are several myths associated with launching a newsletter. Let's address them here.
Myth 1: No one reads email newsletters
This can’t be further from the truth. Many people actively subscribe to newsletters that provide valuable insights, updates and offers tailored to their interests. With the right content targeting the right people, you can create a compelling newsletter that is eagerly anticipated and read!
Myth 2: Creating email newsletters takes too much time, money and skill
With the right strategies, creating and managing email newsletters can be efficient and cost-effective. Email marketing software like Mailmodo allows you to create and schedule newsletters easily, saving significant time.
You can repurpose your blogs as newsletters to reduce content creation time. You can also use AI to speed up your content creation. According to the HubSpot State of Generative AI Report, 43% of marketers find AI super helpful for writing email content.
Advanced graphic design skills aren't necessary. Many email marketing software programs, like Mailmodo, offer customizable newsletter templates and drag-and-drop editors, making it easy for even beginners to design professional-looking emails. Check out these 6 free newsletter email templates from Mailmodo to captivate your readers.
Cost isn't a barrier either. Many email marketing software provide free trials or affordable plans, that cater to businesses of all sizes.
Myth 3: Email newsletters are intrusive
Email newsletters are sometimes unfairly associated with spam due to the misuse of email marketing by some businesses. By definition, spam is unsolicited and irrelevant email communication, often sent in bulk without permission.
Email newsletters, on the other hand, are opt-in subscriptions where recipients have willingly signed up to receive updates from you. So, they’re not intrusive. In fact, many email subscriptions require a confirmation or double opt-ins to ensure that the subscribers actually want to receive emails from you.
Myth 4: Email newsletters are only for promotions
While promotions can be a part of your email newsletter strategy, they shouldn't be the sole focus. Email newsletters are a medium for nurturing relationships and engaging with your audience beyond sales or promotions.
For example, you can share helpful tips, industry news, or customer stories that resonate with your audience. Try making these emails more engaging by using interactive features in your newsletter. You can do this using an email newsletter software like Mailmodo, which supports AMP emails.
Myth 5: Managing an email list is complicated
While managing an email list does require some initial setup and ongoing maintenance, it's not as complicated as it may seem. With the availability of user-friendly email marketing platforms and automation tools, tasks like email list segmentation, subscriber management, and analytics tracking can be simplified.
Myth 6: Email newsletters don't work for small businesses
Contrary to the common belief, email newsletters can be incredibly effective for small businesses. They provide a cost-effective way to reach and engage with your audience, build brand awareness, and drive conversions. Campaign Monitor found that 64% of small businesses use email marketing to reach their customers.
Myth 7: Email newsletters don't work for B2C
While email newsletters are often associated with B2B marketing, they can be equally effective for B2C businesses. B2C businesses can showcase new products, offer exclusive discounts, share engaging content like blog posts or videos, and gather feedback through surveys.
Myth 8: Email newsletters are outdated
Despite the rise of social media and other digital channels, email newsletters remain a highly effective marketing tool. That’s because emails remain a crucial communication channel for both professional and personal purposes. Companies rely on emails to communicate with employees and customers. People use them to stay in touch with friends and family. So, emails continue to be a relevant and essential part of our daily lives.
5 ideas to start your first email newsletter
Still hesitating to launch your first email newsletter? Here are 10 beginner-friendly ideas to kickstart your journey.
1. Industry news and updates
Start a newsletter that delivers the latest news, trends, and developments in your industry. This positions you as a thought leader in your niche and establishes credibility with your audience.
Share articles, blog posts, videos, or podcasts that are relevant to your audience's interests and needs. You should add brief commentary for each curated piece to provide context and help your subscribers understand the relevance of the content. These are ideal for businesses in rapidly evolving industries such as technology, finance, fashion, or marketing.
2. Problem-solution series
The idea is to address common challenges or pain points faced by your audience and offer practical solutions. You can provide step-by-step guidance, tips, and resources to help them overcome obstacles and achieve their goals or overcome their problems.
3. Resource lists
Compile a list of useful resources, tools, or recommendations related to your niche. Whether it's books, apps, websites, or software, sharing valuable resources adds value to your newsletter and positions you as a helpful resource.
4. Beginner's guide series
You can break down complex topics or concepts into beginner-friendly guides or tutorials. This takes your subscribers on a journey of learning and discovery, providing them with the knowledge and skills they need to succeed. Don’t forget to use visuals and examples to make it easy to follow for your subscribers.
These are ideal for businesses in educational or instructional niches. They are also useful if you are offering products or services that require some level of knowledge or skill to use effectively.
5. Behind-the-scenes
These offer an exclusive peek behind the scenes to humanize your brand and build a deeper connection with your audience. You can share behind-the-scenes stories, photos, or videos that showcase your team, workspace, creative process, or product development journey.
You can also invite subscribers to participate in polls or Q&A sessions to engage them further.
Want to browse through more ideas? We’ve done all the hard work and compiled 23 creative newsletter ideas to captivate your subscribers in 2024—check it out here!
5 challenges you may face while launching your first email newsletter
Creating and launching your first effective email newsletter campaign comes with its own set of challenges. Here are five common hurdles you might encounter and some tips to overcome them.
1. Getting your boss’s buy-in
To gain your boss’s buy-in, you should highlight the benefits of email newsletters, such as increased customer engagement, brand awareness, and potential revenue growth. You can always present data or case studies showing the success of email newsletters in similar industries or companies. The benefits discussed above might be of help too.
2. Choosing the right newsletter software
With so many email marketing platforms available, choosing the right one can be confusing. When picking one, you should consider factors such as ease of use, features, pricing, and customer support. Start with a platform that offers beginner-friendly tools and scales as your needs grow.
You can check out Mailmodo’s pricing calculator for easy comparison.
3. Hiring or outsourcing content creator and design
If you don’t have the time or expertise to create content and design newsletter email templates yourself, you can consider hiring or outsourcing these tasks. Look for freelancers on Upwork or agencies with a portfolio that aligns with your brand aesthetic. By leveraging their expertise, you ensure that your newsletter stands out.
4. Building your email list
Building a quality email list is essential for the success of your newsletter. You should start by leveraging your existing contacts and networks. Promote your newsletter on your website, social media channels, and other marketing materials. You can offer incentives such as exclusive content or discounts to encourage quick sign-ups.
You can read about the steps in detail in our related guide below.
5. Finding inspiration
Coming up with fresh ideas for your newsletter can be challenging. To stay inspired, subscribe to newsletters from industry leaders, competitors, and those in your niche.
You can create a swipe file to collect content, subject lines, and newsletter design ideas you like. This stash will come in handy whenever you're brainstorming content ideas or refining your strategy. You can also pick from the newsletter ideas we suggested in this blog.
15 email newsletters to subscribe to for inspiration
1. Mailmodo Idealetter
With Mailmodo's Idealetter, you can access fresh email newsletter ideas and strategies all in one place. No need to sign up for multiple newsletters; just subscribe to get your monthly dose of actionable tips. Successful content creators like Anushka Rathore (ft. the Crore Club) have used Mailmodo to build an engaged community through their newsletter, showing its effectiveness. Idealetter is one of the best email newsletter examples of the problem solution approach we discussed.
Link to subscribe: Mailmodo Idealetter
2. Total Anarchy by Ann Handley
Ann Handley's "Total Anarchy" newsletter proves that a personal touch works wonders in email marketing. By adding anecdotes and speaking directly to subscribers, Ann sets a great example for authentic communication. Her approach encourages marketers to inject personality into their newsletters.
Link to subscribe: Total Anarchy
3. Demand Curve
Demand Curve's newsletter offers valuable insights and strategies for startups and growth marketers. They provide expert-written playbooks and weekly content covering proven strategies, teardowns, resources, and even job openings in marketing. One notable tip you can learn from them is the copywriting rule of three, illustrated by the MacBook Pro tagline!
Link to subscribe: Demand Curve
4. GatherContent by Rob Mills
Rob Mills' newsletter from GatherContent keeps it simple and brand-focused. It's short, to the point, and stays true to the brand's identity. This type of straightforward communication makes it easy for subscribers to get value from the content.
Link to subscribe: GatherContent
5. Sunday Branding
Nik Sharma's Sunday Branding Newsletter is a treasure trove for ecommerce and direct-to-consumer (DTC) brands. Subscribers receive a free slide deck on launching a successful DTC brand, offering immense value from the start. Sharma's expertise and practical advice make this newsletter stand out.
Link to subscribe: Sunday Branding
6. Modcloth
Modcloth's newsletter stands out for its perfect balance of personality and simplicity. It avoids flashy animations and instead focuses on delivering relevant content that aligns with the brand. Marketers can learn from Modcloth's approach, understanding the importance of staying true to their brand while providing engaging email experiences.
Link to subscribe: Modcloth
7. Everyone Hates Marketers
Louis Grenier's newsletter challenges conventional marketing wisdom with a contrarian perspective. As the host of a popular podcast, Grenier shares unique insights and personal stories, offering a refreshing take on marketing.
Link to subscribe: Everyone Hates Marketers
8. Go-To-Millions
Ari Murray's Go-To-Millions newsletter offers monetization tips and marketing strategies for entrepreneurs. Murray shares curated lists and personal anecdotes, providing actionable advice for growing businesses.
Link to subscribe: Go-To-Millions
9. Trello's Newsletter from "Taco"
Trello's newsletter adds a fun twist with its mascot, "Taco," making it memorable and engaging. Despite its simplicity, the newsletter effectively showcases the brand's best content.
Link to subscribe: Trello
10. The Hustle
The Hustle's informal yet informative tone makes it a favorite among startups and entrepreneurs. It delivers a powerful lesson in combining business insights with a touch of humor, making it a must-read for anyone interested in tech and entrepreneurship.
This is a great example of how SaaS newsletters can stand out.
Link to subscribe: The Hustle
11. Neil Patel
Neil Patel's newsletter covers a broad range of digital marketing topics with a focus on SEO. With actionable advice and growth hacks, Patel shares strategies to help marketers build successful blogs and businesses.
Link to subscribe: Neil Patel
12. Atlas Obscura
Offering more than just travel tips, Atlas Obscura delivers captivating stories from around the world. Perfect for frequent travelers, it explores off-beat destinations with intriguing narratives. This newsletter is great at writing catchy headlines and uncovering fascinating details like library apartments and haunted coffee. It has a unique storytelling style which keeps the readers hooked.
Link to subscribe: Atlas Obscura
13. Why We Buy
Catering to marketers and business owners, Why We Buy delves into the psychology behind consumer behavior. Through real-life examples and practical tips, it helps marketers understand their audience on a deeper level. The newsletter is fun, bite-sized and barely takes 4 minutes to read.
Link to subscribe: Why We Buy
14. Quartz Daily Brief
Quartz Daily Brief provides a no-nonsense approach to news, delivering need-to-know information in a concise and engaging format. It has sections covering top stories, what to watch for, and surprising discoveries. This format keeps readers informed without overwhelming them. Its use of visuals and formal yet provocative tone sets it apart from other newsletters.
Link to subscribe: Quartz Daily Brief
15. Workable
Workable's newsletter impresses with its consistent branding and engaging content. They maintain a personal touch where you can see the image of the sender too. The tone is actionable, addressing problems and offering solutions backed by data. The clear CTAs drive action effectively. It's a great model for businesses aiming to drive blog traffic organically.
Link to subscribe: Workable
Start your first newsletter today
Launching your initial email newsletter as a beginner is an exciting opportunity for growth and connection. They help establish authority and expertise in your industry, keep subscribers informed and engaged, drive traffic to your website or blog, and ultimately, increase conversions and sales.
It might be challenging at first, but you can overcome all of them one by one using the suggestions discussed in this article.
