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How to Start a Newsletter That Works: Easy Tips for Beginners

Last updated on September 17, 2025 · In-depth guide, 5–7 min read

How to start a newsletter that works

Starting an email newsletter that really works is way more than just writing something nice and clicking “send.” You need to pick the right tools, get people to sign up, keep things consistent, and track what works. This guide will help you do all that, step by step. Let’s dive in!

TL;DR: How Do You Start a Newsletter That Works?

Pick a platform that fits your needs, make your sign-up forms and freebies helpful, plan your email schedule so people stay interested, write in a friendly and clear way, and check how your emails are doing.

  • Pick the right platform that fits your goals and budget.
  • Make your sign-up form and freebie (lead magnet) simple and helpful.
  • Plan when and what you’ll send so people stay engaged.
  • Write emails that are easy to read with a warm greeting, one main idea, and a clear next step.
  • Watch your email stats to see what’s working and what needs to change. to see what’s working and what needs to change.
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What’s in This Article?

Why Do I Need to Add an Email Newsletter to my Website?

If you have a website, adding a newsletter is a really smart move and it opens you up to the lucrative world of email marketing. It’ll help you keep in touch with the people who already like what you do and it’s a great way to boost your conversions consistently.

Newsletters help people trust you more over time. You can send helpful tips, stories, special deals, or anything useful. People who join your list already want to hear from you, so it’s easier to build a strong connection and maybe even turn them into customers.

Unlike social media, where posts might get missed, emails go straight to someone’s inbox. It’s more direct and dependable. Plus, the list of people who sign up is yours, so you don’t have to worry if a social media site changes the rules or disappears.

Related article: Check out my full guide on building your email list from zero to hero!

Choosing the Right Newsletter Platform

Before you start sending emails, you need a platform that helps you do it easily.

Look for a platform that has a free plan to start. Make sure your emails won’t end up in spam folders. If you don’t like tech stuff, choose one that’s easy to use with drag-and-drop tools or ready-made designs.

Here are a few options to check out:

  • Beehiiv – good if you want to grow fast or earn money.
  • MailerLite – easy to use and budget-friendly.
  • Substack – great if you like writing and want something simple.
  • Mailchimp – powerful, but may feel a bit complicated for beginners.
  • AWeber – reliable and beginner-friendly with solid customer support and helpful features like drag-and-drop editors. Check out my full AWeber review here.
  • Systeme.io – a great all-in-one option if you want email, landing pages, and course tools together in one place. It’s especially helpful for people who are also selling products or services online. Check out my Systeme.io review here.

Start with something simple and easy. You can switch later when your list gets bigger or you need more tools.

Setting Up Sign-Up Forms and Freebies

Example Plugin: WPForms

If you’re using WordPress, a great way to collect emails is with WPForms. It’s one of the most popular and easy-to-use form plugins out there. You can:

  • Drag and drop fields to build your form with no coding.
  • Use pre-made templates made just for newsletter sign-ups.
  • Connect it with services like Mailchimp, AWeber, and others.
  • Start for free, then upgrade if you need more features.

Now, it’s time to get people to sign up. You need to give them a reason to share their email with you.

This is done by offering them something useful in return. This is called a lead magnet. It could be a checklist, a free guide, a small course, or a simple template. Make sure it matches what your newsletter is about. If you send tips about social media, give them a few ready-made posts they can use.

Keep your sign-up form short and easy. Just ask for their name and email. Put the form in places where people will see it, like:

  • On your blog or website. Some will have an inline CTA in the middle of their posts, or possibly in a sidebar
  • At the top or bottom of your pages
  • As a pop-up (but don’t make it annoying)
  • On a special sign-up page you can link to from social media

Tell people what they’ll get and how often. For example: “Get weekly tips and tools to grow your audience.” Let them know it’s safe to sign up, with lines like “No spam, unsubscribe anytime.” If others already follow you, you can say that too. It helps build trust.

What Should You Say in Your Emails?

Now that you’re planning to send newsletters, you might wonder, “Okay, but what do I actually write?” You’re not alone. A lot of people get stuck here. But don’t worry, writing your emails can be fun and simple if you follow a few easy steps.

Start with a friendly greeting, like you’re talking to someone you know. Say hi by name if you can, and remind them who you are, especially in your first email. For example, you might say, “Hi! I’m Sam, and I help people grow their small businesses with simple marketing tips.”

Make sure your first email welcomes them. Thank them for signing up, let them know what kind of content to expect, and how often you’ll be in touch. This helps set expectations and builds trust right away.

Keep your emails short and clear. People are busy, and most of them read emails on their phones. One main idea per email is usually enough. Don’t try to cram everything in at once. If you have lots to say, break it up over a few emails.

Write like a real person. Use everyday words, keep your tone friendly, and try to sound like yourself. If you’re funny, be funny. If you’re calm and thoughtful, write that way. That’s what keeps people reading.

Also, always include a call to action (CTA). That could be something small like “Hit reply and tell me your biggest challenge,” or something bigger like “Click here to check out this free tool.” Give your reader one clear next step.

And don’t forget to end with a thank you. Even something simple like “Thanks for reading!” can go a long way in making people feel appreciated.

Planning Your Email Schedule

If you send emails randomly, people might forget about you. Or they might get annoyed if you send too many. That’s why it’s good to stick to a schedule.

Weekly emails are great if you have lots to share. Bi-weekly (every other week) gives you more time to plan and write. Monthly emails are good for deep thoughts or big updates.

Think about what works best for your topic. If things change fast (like news or tech), weekly might work. If you’re sharing personal stories or tips, maybe every two weeks or monthly is better.

If you’re guiding your new subscriber on a step by step journey showing them how to do something, then an email a day could be perfect. In fact, most of the time when you’re offering a lead magnet to gain a subscriber it’s common to offer some sort of how-to / step by step guidance to accomplish something related to your niche.

Even after your how-to is completed, that doesn’t end the conversation. You can still deliver value in ay number of ways. Plan your topics ahead of time. You can use a calendar or a list to keep track. Try mixing things up with different types of emails, like:

  • Quick how-to tips
  • Personal stories
  • Cool stuff you found online
  • Free tools or downloads
  • Questions for your readers

Stick to a simple format to make writing easier. For example: start with a greeting, share your main message, and end with a helpful link or next step.

Checking Your Results

Once you’ve sent a few emails, check how they’re doing. Most platforms will show you some helpful numbers:

  • Open rate – how many people opened your email
  • Click rate – how many clicked a link
  • Unsubscribes – how many people left your list

If not many people open your emails, try different subject lines or send them on a new day. If they’re opening but not clicking, your content might need a clearer link or stronger message.

Also look at how your list is growing. Are more people signing up than leaving? Are your freebies helping? Some platforms even let you see how long people stay active after signing up.

Test different ideas. Try different subject lines, email formats, or send times. Look at what works best and do more of that.

Final Thoughts

Creating a newsletter that really works takes time and planning. Choose the right tools, offer helpful freebies, stay on schedule, and keep an eye on what’s working. Little changes over time can make a big difference.

What do you think? Have you started a newsletter yet? Or are you planning to? What’s been the hardest part so far? Share your story! I’d love to hear it!

Ready to stop chasing advice and build something that works?
I owe all my success to this training. Trust me, it’s worth taking a look.
🎯 Click here to check out my full review.

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s a good open rate?
Most small newsletters see open rates around 20 to 25%. If yours is lower, try changing your subject lines or send time.

How big should my freebie be?
Keep it short and useful. A one-page checklist or a quick download usually works better than a big, long ebook.

How soon will I see results?
It takes time. Most people see growth after a few months of sending good content and promoting their sign-up form.

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