TLDR: Starting an email newsletter offers creators a low-cost, private, and direct way to engage audiences, with potential for significant monetization.
This article is a summary of a You Tube video “How to Start an Email Newsletter” by Ali Abdaal
Key Takeaways:
- Starting Point for Creators: An email newsletter is an excellent starting point for new creators due to its minimal startup cost and ease of use.
- Low Friction: It’s straightforward to start an email newsletter compared to other platforms like YouTube or Instagram, requiring less technical effort.
- Privacy and Personalization: Newsletters offer a private way to build an audience without reliance on algorithms, allowing creators to send their initial messages in private.
- Ownership of Audience: Unlike social media platforms, where the platform owns the audience, an email newsletter allows creators to have direct contact with their audience.
- Monetization Potential: An email newsletter can become a significant revenue source through direct sales, sponsorships, or affiliate links, even before a large audience is built.
- Creative Control: Creators have full control over the content and structure of their newsletters, making it a personalized medium.
- Platform Choices: There are free platforms available for starting an email newsletter, such as Substack and Review, making it accessible to everyone.
- Content Variety: Creators can choose to write original content, curate collections, or discuss topics they are passionate about.
- Growth and Expansion: Starting with a newsletter can lead to further opportunities and the expansion into other media or larger projects.
- Community and Engagement: Newsletters can help build a community through direct interaction with readers, fostering relationships and gaining feedback.