How To Start a Newsletter 101: Stop Procrastinating

Look, you don't need another essay about why you should start a newsletter. You already know.

You've probably got a dozen half-written welcome emails sitting in your drafts. Maybe you've even got that ConvertKit account you signed up for during their free trial (no judgment, we've all been there).

But here's the thing - you're still reading this, which means something's holding you back. Maybe it's:

• The endless "perfect tech stack" rabbit hole
• That voice saying "who am I to fill people's inboxes?"
• The fear of committing to yet another content channel
• Analysis paralysis from reading too many "ultimate guides" (ironically, like this one)

So let's try something different. Instead of more theory, let's get your newsletter actually launched this week. Not "soon." Not "when you're ready." This week.

Here's your permission slip to:

• Stop overthinking your niche
• Use whatever email platform you want
• Write how you actually talk
• Start before you have it all figured out

The 5-Day Newsletter Launch Plan

Day 1: Pick Your Platform & Set Up the Basics

• Choose ONE:
  • ConvertKit (best for creators planning to sell stuff)
  • Substack (simplest option, built-in discovery)
  • Beehiiv (newer option, great analytics)
  • Ghost (self-hosted, most control)
• Set up your publication/account
• Add a simple "about" description
• Don't overthink the name - you can change it later

Day 2: Create Your Welcome Email

This is the only email you need before launching. Here's your template:

Hey [name],

Thanks for subscribing! I'm [your name] and this newsletter is where I share [broad topic area] every [frequency].

What to expect:
- [Type of content 1]
- [Type of content 2]
- [Type of content 3]

Quick question: What made you subscribe? I read every reply and love getting to know my readers.

Talk soon,
[Your name]

Day 3: Set Up One Sign-Up Form

• Add it to your existing website/blog if you have one
• If not, use your platform's hosted landing page
• Only ask for email (and maybe first name)
• Write 1-2 sentences about what subscribers get
• Add a simple preview of your content type

Day 4: Write & Schedule Your First Real Issue

The easiest first issue format:

1. Short personal intro
2. Main piece of value (tip, story, resource)
3. One question to encourage replies
4. Simple sign-off

Some proven first issue approaches:

• "The story I haven't told anywhere else..."
• "3 things I wish I knew when starting..."
• "Behind the scenes of my latest project..."
• "The framework/process I use for..."

Day 5: Tell People & Launch

Minimum viable promotion:

• Post on your social accounts
• Email 10 friends who'd genuinely be interested
• Add link to your email signature
• Update your social bios

That's it. You're launched. Everything else can be optimized later.

The "Keep It Going" Game Plan

Weekly Rhythm

1. Block 2 hours for writing
2. Use this basic format:
   • Hook (Why should they read?)
   • Value (One main thing)
   • Action (What should they do?)
3. Schedule for same day/time
4. Actually hit send

Monthly Check-In

Review these 4 numbers:

1. Open rate (30%+ is solid)
2. Click rate (if you include links)
3. Reply rate (gold for engagement)
4. Subscriber growth

That's all that matters at first.

Quarterly Planning

Batch create:

• 3-5 lead magnets/resources
• Welcome sequence updates
• New sign-up form variations
• Promotion experiments

Common Sticking Points & Solutions

"I don't know what to write about"

• Share what you're learning
• Answer real questions you get
• Document your process
• Curate useful resources

"I'm worried about consistency"

• Start monthly, not weekly
• Build a 3-issue buffer
• Use templates
• Lower your standards

"I don't have time"

• 90 minutes per issue max
• No social media until it's done
• Text-only to start
• Repurpose existing content

"I'm not sure about the tech"

• Start with Substack (easiest)
• Plain text > fancy design
• One sign-up form is enough
• Ignore 90% of features

When You're Ready to Level Up

Focus on these in order:

1. Subscriber Experience
   • Welcome sequence
   • Resource library
   • Clear expectations
2. Growth Systems
   • Lead magnets
   • Cross-promotion
   • Content repurposing
3. Monetization
   • Affiliate offers
   • Digital products
   • Sponsorships
4. Community Building
   • Discussion threads
   • Member spotlights
   • Virtual events

But seriously - don't touch any of this until you've sent at least 12 issues.

The Only Newsletter Metrics That Matter Early On

Track these weekly:

1. Did you send something? (Yes/No)
2. Did anyone reply? (Yes/No)
3. Open rate (%)
4. Total subscribers (#)

Ignore everything else for the first 3 months.

When you're ready, check out our guide here

Newsletter Engagement 101: A New Creator’s Guide to Building Loyal Subscribers

Master your newsletter metrics with this comprehensive guide. Learn key benchmarks, time-saving strategies, and a 30-day action plan to boost engagement while staying sane. Perfect for busy creators looking to grow their audience effectively.

Creator ToolboxJacob Anderson

Just Start Already

You know what to do. You have the tools. You've read enough guides.

The difference between people with successful newsletters and those without isn't knowledge - it's action.

Your homework:

1. Pick your platform
2. Write your welcome email
3. Set up one sign-up form
4. Tell 10 people
5. Ship your first issue this week

Everything else is a distraction.

Let's make this the last newsletter guide you read before actually starting.

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