What exactly are newsletters and why should you start one

Hey, there!

Welcome to All Things Newsletter!

But what the heck IS an email newsletter? (and why should you be bothered?)

Well, to put it simply, newsletters are letters that give news about a wide range of topics, including industry updates and local community gatherings.

Readers are people seeking targeted information about your niche.

Did you know?

The earliest documented example of a newsletter is the Acta Diurna of ancient Rome, chiseled in stone or metal around 131 BC!

These early newsletters contained government announcements, military news, and court proceedings.

So, newsletters went from hefty stone carvings to literally what you’re reading right now!

Today, newsletters are as important for organizations as for personal brands.

As long as you know how to make them work in your favor.

People who visit the New York Times website are 2x more likely to become paying subscribers if they first sign up for the newspaper's email newsletter!

But, you may think, today the world is dominated by social media. How and why do email newsletters work then?

The reason is simple: social media algorithms often prioritize content that keeps users engaged and scrolling, not necessarily content that provides value.

This is where newsletters shine because they provide:

• Permission-based Communication: 
  Subscribers choose to receive your content, creating a more engaged audience.

• Direct Connection: 
  You bypass unpredictable algorithms and communicate directly with your audience.

• Deeper Engagement: 
  Newsletters allow for longer-form content, building a personal connection and trust.

Look at successful newsletters like The Hustle for business news or Morning Brew for daily summaries.

These platforms have built thriving communities by leveraging the power of newsletters. It shows how newsletters are relevant even in the digital age.

But why should YOU start a newsletter?

Well, newsletters aren’t only about information.

It can literally be anything you want it to be, as long as your audience is interested to read it.

Your newsletter can be about any of these things (or more):

• Personal learnings

• A company’s recent events

• Trends in your specific industry

• Book reviews and recommendations

• Case studies of individuals or companies

Regardless, when done right, newsletters can help build a thriving community centered around your passion or expertise.

Building an audience on Instagram takes time. 

Consistent posting, engaging with followers, and making connections are all crucial, but it can take 2-3 months before you see significant traction.

Newsletters offer a better track. 

With an average open rate of 20%, even a list of 500 subscribers could have 100 people actively engaging with your content – that's potentially 20x more engagement than a new Instagram account!

And the best part? Newsletters boast an average conversion rate of 2% across industries.

This means that even a small audience can translate into real results, whether it's driving traffic to your website, boosting sales, or growing your community.

Let’s talk about you now.

What are your biggest challenges or questions about starting or growing your own newsletter? 

Reply to this email and let me know!

Bonus 🎉

Here is a 7-day step-by-step guide on how to start, build, and monetize your newsletter 👇