Email Marketing

  • How Do You Start (and Actually Grow) a Newsletter
    Blogging, Business, blogging & Money, Email Marketing

    How Do You Start (and Actually Grow) a Newsletter in 2026?

    TL;DR: Starting a newsletter in 2026 takes an afternoon: pick a platform (Substack for network growth, Kit or Beehiiv for a business), define one clear promise for one clear reader, and publish weekly. Growing it is the real work — a lead magnet, recommendations/cross-promotion, and repurposing every issue into social content are the three channels that reliably compound. Monetization comes from four stacks: paid subscriptions, affiliate links, sponsorships and your own products.

    Disclosure: this post contains affiliate links. If you sign up through them I may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

    Why start a newsletter in 2026 (still)?

    Email is the only audience channel you own. Algorithms throttle reach on every social platform, and AI search is reshaping blog traffic — but a subscriber list lands in inboxes regardless. A blog is your SEO house; your newsletter is the front door key readers take home. The two feed each other: search brings strangers, email turns them into regulars.

    Step 1 — Choose your platform

    The decision comes down to what your bottleneck will be: growth, monetization or automation.

    You want… Best pick Why
    Free start + built-in discovery Substack Notes & Recommendations drive real growth; 10% fee only on paid subs
    Newsletter as a business asset Kit Automations, tagging, funnels; free up to 10,000 subscribers
    Sponsorship-driven newsletter Beehiiv Ad network, referral program, boosts
    Cheapest serious tooling MailerLite Full automation on a small budget

    I break all of these down (with 2026 pricing) in my best newsletter platforms of 2026 roundup, and go deeper in Substack vs Kit and Kit vs Mailchimp. If you want my one-line answer: growth-first, pick Substack; business-first, start free on Kit.

    Step 2 — Nail the promise before the name

    A newsletter grows when a stranger can predict what they’ll get. “My thoughts on marketing” doesn’t grow; “one pricing teardown of a real creator business, every Thursday” does. Write your promise as: [specific reader] gets [specific outcome] every [frequency]. Your name, design and welcome email all follow from that sentence.

    Step 3 — Set up the boring essentials (30 minutes)

    A double opt-in form, a welcome email that delivers your lead magnet and asks one question (“what are you struggling with?”), a custom sending domain if your platform supports it, and an archive page so search engines and AI assistants can find your issues. That last one matters more in 2026 than ever: public, crawlable archives are how newsletters surface in AI search results.

    Step 4 — Your first 1,000 subscribers

    The channels that work, in order of effort-to-result:

    1. A lead magnet that solves one urgent problem — a checklist, template or mini-course beats an ebook. (I cover opt-ins and lead magnets in my ultimate guide to email marketing.)
    2. Recommendations & cross-promotion. On Substack this is built in; on Kit use the Creator Network; elsewhere, swap mentions with newsletters your size.
    3. Repurpose every issue into 3–5 social posts (threads, carousels, Notes). One issue = a week of content.
    4. Your existing surfaces: email signature, blog posts (every post gets an opt-in — see my blogging guide), podcast outro, social bios.

    Paid ads and viral giveaways can work, but they fill lists with cold subscribers — deliverability pays the bill later.

    Step 5 — Growing past the plateau

    Every newsletter stalls somewhere between 1,000 and 5,000. The fixes are unglamorous: prune subscribers who haven’t opened in 90+ days (deliverability beats vanity metrics), double down on the single acquisition channel that brought your best readers, and survey your list twice a year. On Substack, consistency on Notes compounds; on Kit, an evergreen welcome sequence keeps converting while you sleep.

    Step 6 — Turning readers into revenue

    Four monetization stacks, roughly in order of list size required:

    • Affiliate links (works from ~500 engaged subscribers): recommend tools you use, disclose clearly.
    • Paid subscriptions (from ~1,000): Substack makes this one click; Kit charges just 3.5% + $0.30 per transaction. I compare the fee math in Substack vs Kit.
    • Sponsorships (from ~2,500 engaged): price per open, not per subscriber.
    • Your own products (any size): the highest margin — courses, templates, services.

    FAQ

    How much does it cost to start a newsletter in 2026?

    $0. Substack is free until you monetize (then 10% of paid revenue); Kit and Beehiiv have free plans up to 10,000 and 2,500 subscribers respectively. Your only early cost is optionally a custom domain (~$10/year).

    How often should I send?

    Weekly is the sweet spot for growth and sanity. Consistency beats frequency: a reliable biweekly beats an erratic daily.

    How long until a newsletter makes money?

    With affiliate links, some creators earn from a few hundred subscribers. Meaningful income (€500+/month) typically takes 1,000–5,000 engaged subscribers and 6–18 months of consistent publishing.

    Do I need a blog AND a newsletter?

    They compound each other: the blog captures search (and AI-search) traffic, the newsletter owns the relationship. If you must pick one in 2026, pick the newsletter — then add the blog for discovery.

    What’s the biggest beginner mistake?

    Optimizing tools before promise. Platform-switching costs you weeks; an unclear promise costs you every subscriber you almost got.

  • Substack vs Kit (ConvertKit): Which Should You Choose
    Email Marketing, Marketing

    Substack vs Kit (ConvertKit): Which Should You Choose in 2026?

    TL;DR: Substack is free to start and has the best built-in growth network (Notes, Recommendations), but takes 10% of your paid-subscription revenue — closer to 13–16% after Stripe fees. Kit (formerly ConvertKit) costs $0–$79+/month but charges only 3.5% + $0.30 on paid newsletters and gives you real automation, tagging and a list you fully own. Rule of thumb: start on Substack if audience growth is your bottleneck; switch to (or start on) Kit once you monetize seriously — the 10% fee overtakes Kit’s subscription cost fast.

    Disclosure: this post contains affiliate links. If you sign up through them I may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. I only recommend tools I use or have tested myself.

    What’s the real difference between Substack and Kit?

    Substack is a publishing platform: newsletter, website, podcast hosting, community and a discovery network in one, with zero monthly cost. Kit is a creator-focused email marketing platform: automations, visual funnel builder, tagging, segmenting, landing pages and 100+ integrations.

    The mental model that matters: Substack rents you an audience engine; Kit gives you infrastructure you own. On Substack, growth features like Notes and Recommendations can genuinely compound. On Kit, nothing grows on its own — but every subscriber, tag and automation is portable and yours.

    Pricing compared (2026)

    Substack Kit
    Monthly cost $0 Free up to 10,000 subs; Creator from $39/mo (1k), $59 (3k), $89 (5k); Creator Pro from $79/mo
    Fee on paid subscriptions 10% + Stripe (~2.9% + $0.30 + 0.7% billing) ≈ 13–16% all-in 3.5% + $0.30 all-in (includes Stripe), every plan
    Free tier limits Unlimited, full features 10k subscribers, Kit branding, 1 user, no A/B testing
    Automation & sequences Basic (welcome email) Full visual automations, sequences, tagging, segments
    Growth network Notes, Recommendations, leaderboards Creator Network, paid recommendations
    Website & archive Included Landing pages included, no full site
    Podcast/video Built-in Via integrations
    Ownership/export List exportable; paid subs on your own Stripe Everything exportable, own Stripe

    Note: Kit raised prices roughly 35% in September 2025, so ignore older posts quoting $25–29 entry pricing.

    The math: when does Substack’s 10% become expensive?

    Say you charge $10/month:

    • 100 paid subscribers ($1,000/mo): Substack keeps ~$130–160 in fees. Kit: $39–59 subscription + ~$65 in transaction fees ≈ $104–124. Roughly break-even.
    • 300 paid subscribers ($3,000/mo): Substack ~$390–480/mo. Kit ≈ $59–89 + ~$195 ≈ $254–284. Kit is now clearly cheaper — and the gap keeps widening.
    • 1,000 paid subscribers ($10,000/mo): Substack ~$1,300–1,600/mo. Kit ≈ $89–119 + ~$650 ≈ $740–770. You’re paying Substack $6,000–10,000+ per year for the network.

    That’s the whole trade: Substack’s network has to earn its 10%. Early on it usually does. At scale it usually doesn’t.

    Where Substack wins

    Zero risk to start, real discovery (a meaningful share of new subscribers on growing Substacks comes from Recommendations and Notes), built-in payments, podcast and community features, and a clean writing experience. If you have no audience yet, Substack’s network effect is the single strongest free growth channel in newsletters right now.

    Where Kit wins

    Automation (welcome sequences, evergreen funnels, tagging by interest or purchase), deliverability controls, lead magnets with double opt-in per form, integrations with WooCommerce, Teachable and Shopify, and far lower fees on paid subscriptions. If your newsletter supports a business — courses, services, affiliate income — Kit is the more serious toolkit. Try Kit free up to 10,000 subscribers →

    Can you use both?

    Yes, and it’s a popular setup: publish publicly on Substack for discovery, and run your “money list” (lead magnets, product funnels, affiliate promotions) on Kit. Substack allows exporting your subscriber list, so you can sync new Substack subscribers into Kit periodically.

    Verdict: which one in 2026?

    • Choose Substack if you’re starting from zero, want to write (or podcast) without tech setup, and growth is your main problem.
    • Choose Kit if you sell anything, want automations, or already have 100+ paying subscribers — the fee math tips in Kit’s favor around the $1,000/month mark.
    • Use both if you want Substack’s discovery and Kit’s monetization.

    For the full landscape (including Beehiiv, MailerLite and Ghost), read my best newsletter platforms of 2026 roundup. Comparing email tools specifically? See Kit vs Mailchimp 2026 and my ultimate guide to email marketing.

    FAQ

    Is Substack really free?

    Yes — you pay nothing until you turn on paid subscriptions. From that moment Substack takes 10% of revenue, plus ~3–6% in Stripe processing and billing fees.

    What does Kit cost in 2026?

    Kit’s free plan covers up to 10,000 subscribers. Paid plans start at $39/month (Creator, 1,000 subscribers) and $79/month (Creator Pro), with subscriber-based tiers above that and ~16% off annually.

    Which platform is better for making money?

    Below roughly $1,000/month in subscription revenue the difference is small. Above it, Kit’s flat 3.5% + $0.30 beats Substack’s 10% + Stripe by a growing margin — and Kit adds funnels for selling products beyond subscriptions.

    Can I move from Substack to Kit later?

    Yes. Both use your own Stripe account for paid subscriptions and both let you export your list. Migration is a CSV export/import plus asking paid subscribers to re-confirm billing.

    Does Kit have anything like Substack’s Recommendations?

    Kit’s Creator Network lets creators recommend each other’s newsletters, including paid recommendations. It works, but Substack’s network is bigger and more active in 2026.

  • How Do You Actually Make Money With a Newsletter
    Email Marketing, Marketing

    How Do You Actually Make Money With a Newsletter in 2026?

    TL;DR: Newsletters monetize through four stacks: affiliate links (works from ~500 engaged subscribers), paid subscriptions (from ~1,000; Substack takes 10%, Kit just 3.5% + $0.30), sponsorships (from ~2,500; consumer newsletters earn $25–70 CPM, B2B $50–100+, B2B SaaS a median of $112 in early 2026) and your own products (any size, highest margin). Most six-figure newsletters combine at least two. Start with affiliate links, add the next layer once your open rate holds above 40%.

    Disclosure: this post contains affiliate links. If you sign up through them I may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

    The four ways newsletters make money (and when each works)

    Model Works from Realistic at 5,000 engaged subs Watch out for
    Affiliate links ~500 subs €200–1,000/mo Disclose clearly; only tools you use
    Paid subscriptions ~1,000 subs €500–2,500/mo (2–5% convert at €5–10) Platform fees eat margin
    Sponsorships ~2,500 subs €300–2,000/mo (2–4 sends) Price per open, not per subscriber
    Own products any size €500–5,000+/mo Takes the most work up front

    Stack 1: Affiliate income — the fastest start

    Recommend the tools you already use, with honest context (“here’s what it costs, here’s who shouldn’t buy it”). Recurring-commission programs beat one-off bounties: an email platform referral can pay 30–50% monthly for the customer’s lifetime. That’s why tool-comparison content is the money engine of this blog — see Kit vs Mailchimp and Substack vs Kit for the format in action.

    Stack 2: Paid subscriptions — mind the fees

    The platform decides your margin. Substack charges 10% of revenue plus Stripe fees (13–16% all-in); Kit charges a flat 3.5% + $0.30 including Stripe, on every plan. At €1,000/month that difference is roughly €100/month — at €5,000 it’s €500. Full math in Substack vs Kit. Convert 2–5% of your free list at €5–10/month and paid subscriptions become your most predictable income line. Kit handles paid newsletters on the free plan →

    Stack 3: Sponsorships — price per open, not per subscriber

    2026 benchmarks: consumer/lifestyle newsletters earn $25–70 CPM, B2B niches $50–100+, and B2B SaaS a median of $112 (top decile $180). An open rate above 40% justifies a 20–50% premium, and a top-of-email placement costs 30–50% more than a footer slot. Half the market now runs on CPA/CPL or revenue-share instead of flat CPM — if your audience buys, performance deals can out-earn flat rates. Minimum viable pitch: a one-page media kit with list size, open rate, CTR and three audience facts.

    Stack 4: Your own products — the margin king

    Templates, mini-courses, workshops, services. No platform fee beyond payment processing, full price control, and your newsletter is the perfect launch channel. Start with one small product (€19–49) that solves the problem your lead magnet introduces.

    The order that works

    Affiliate first (no minimum audience, no product needed), sponsorships or paid subs once engagement is proven, own products when you know what your readers keep asking for. And keep growing the list underneath it all — my pillar guide to starting and growing a newsletter covers that side, and the best newsletter platforms of 2026 compares the monetization features per platform.

    FAQ

    How many subscribers do I need to make money with a newsletter?

    Fewer than you think: affiliate income starts working around 500 engaged subscribers. Meaningful income (€500+/month) typically arrives between 1,000 and 5,000 subscribers with 6–18 months of consistency.

    What’s a realistic sponsorship rate for a small newsletter?

    In 2026, consumer newsletters charge $25–70 per 1,000 opens, B2B $50–100+. Below ~2,500 subscribers, charge a flat rate (think $50–150 per send) rather than CPM.

    Are paid subscriptions better on Substack or Kit?

    Substack is easier to switch on; Kit is cheaper at scale (3.5% + $0.30 vs 10% + Stripe). The break-even sits around $1,000/month in subscription revenue.

    Do I have to disclose affiliate links in my newsletter?

    Yes — legally (FTC/EU rules) and strategically. A short line like “some links are affiliate links, at no cost to you” protects you and builds trust.

    What’s the biggest monetization mistake?

    Selling to a cold list. Monetization multiplies engagement, it doesn’t create it — fix your open rate before you add a paywall, sponsor or product.

  • Black Friday, Email Marketing, Marketing

    Email Marketing Tips for Black Friday: Boost Your Sales with Effective Strategies

    Are you ready to make the most of Black Friday this year? As a content marketer and professional blogger in the business and finance niche, I understand the importance of leveraging effective email marketing strategies to boost sales during this highly anticipated shopping event. So it’s time that I share some of my top-notch email marketing tips specifically tailored for Black Friday, ensuring you maximize your results.

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  • Convertkit vs. Mailchimp Which One Is Better For Creators
    Best Of, Email Marketing, Marketing

    Kit (ConvertKit) vs Mailchimp: Which One Is Better For Creators In 2026?

    TL;DR: In 2026, Kit (formerly ConvertKit) is the better email platform for creators, bloggers and solopreneurs: it’s free up to 10,000 subscribers, automations are simpler, and unsubscribed contacts never count toward your bill. Mailchimp is the better fit for e-commerce and corporate teams — but its free plan now caps at just 250 contacts, and 10,000 contacts cost around $100/month versus $0 on Kit.

    Disclosure: this post contains affiliate links. If you sign up through them I may earn a commission at no extra cost to you — I only recommend tools I’ve used for my own business.

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  • Copy.ai Review: Is It Worth It
    Best Of, Blogging, Blogging + Influencers, Business, Business, blogging & Money, Content Marketing, Email Marketing, Marketing

    Copy.ai Review: Is It Worth It?

    Copy.ai is a new and FREE tool on the market that makes it easy to generate copy at scale by using AI to write your copy for you. Time for a Copy.ai review! This can be helpful for content creators, businesses and individuals who want to get more done in less time each day.

    A great example of this would be writing emails or other forms of communication that are taking up too much of your time each day. And for me, that’s writing and coming up with Instagram captions. Oehlala, this tool is perfect for caption inspiration and I’ve posted more than ever since getting to know Copy.ai.

    And I know what you’re thinking…

    “But isn’t Copy.ai too expensive?”

    It depends on how much time you’ll save by using it! If you can use this tool to save even just 1 hour per week of emailing back and forth with clients… then it will quickly pay for itself (even if they charge $500/mo). But for me, I run several Instagram accounts, and it’s been a MASSIVE time-saver, so yeah, it’s worth it. It’s FREE with this link or only $35 a month for the pro plan, and I make much more from each Instagram account so I’m super happy to learn about it and I can’t wait to tell you all about it in this review.

    Let’s dive into my review of Copy.ai here now so we can find out if this tool is worth paying for or not!

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  • The Ultimate Guide to Email Marketing
    Best Of, Email Marketing, Marketing, Ultimate Guides

    The Ultimate Guide to Email Marketing

    The only way to grow your business besides PR & Free Publicity and stepping up your business game, is using email-marketing. Email marketing is sending out (strategic) newsletters to your audience. This is also particularly interesting if you’re a content creator (as read in the Ultimate Guide To Blogging). In this post all the new updates regarding email marketing, how to start and how to professionalize. And of course, everything in between! Let’s dive into the world of email marketing…

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