How to Choose a Newsletter Platform That Grows With You
What you should be looking for and the best platforms to choose from!
Ok, the irony isn’t lost on me. I’m sending you a newsletter about choosing a newsletter on Substack, but the truth is there are a lot of platforms out there, and I’ve tried most of them!
Creating and growing a newsletter is a powerful tool for connecting with your audience and growing your personal brand, and they’re more popular than ever.
As social media algorithms and Google search result changes make accessing (and maintaining access) to your audience increasingly unpredictable, a newsletter is THE way to combat this.
The beauty of newsletters is that you can start one about anything you want and it doesn’t have to be that serious.
Or it can be a whole business. It’s up to you!
But that makes choosing the right platform for your goals even more important.
With so many options available, choosing the right newsletter platform for your needs can feel overwhelming.
So, here's what you should keep in mind and some of the best platforms right now to help you make the best choice.
1. Define your newsletter goals
Before diving into features and pricing, clearly define what you want to achieve with your newsletter.
Are you looking to monetize content, grow your subscriber base, or simply keep your audience informed?
Your goals will guide your platform selection.
2. What’s your technical skill level?
Some platforms offer user-friendly interfaces with drag-and-drop editors, while others may require more technical know-how.
Be honest about your skills and choose a platform that matches your comfort level.
3. Will it grow with you?
While you might start small, you'll want a newsletter platform that can grow with you. Look for options that offer flexible pricing tiers and features that accommodate list growth.
4. Does it fit your integration needs?
Consider how the newsletter platform will fit into your existing workflow. Does it integrate with your current or planned website or e-commerce platform? Seamless integration can save you time and headaches down the road.
5. Does the price work for you?
Don't just look at the initial cost. Some platforms increase prices significantly as your subscriber count grows.
Calculate potential long-term costs based on your growth projections.
You’ll be able to transfer your list later on if you need to, but it’s even easier if you don’t have to!
6. See if you can try it out before committing!
Many platforms offer free trials. Take advantage of these to get a feel for the user interface, features, and overall experience before making a decision.
It’s not uncommon to think a platform looks perfect and then realise it doesn’t quite fit your needs when you’re actually using it.
7. Do you need monetization features?
If you plan to earn revenue from your newsletter, look for platforms that support paid subscriptions, ads, tip jars, or easy sponsor integration.
Not all platforms offer these options, and you may not want all or any of them, but it’s good to be aware of them.
8. Research the deliverability
Your beautifully crafted newsletter is useless if it doesn't reach inboxes! Research the deliverability rates and read reviews of potential platforms to ensure your messages get through.
Popular Newsletter Platforms to Consider
Beehiiv: Offers robust monetization features and doesn't take a cut of your earnings. Free for up to 2,500 subscribers. I use this for another newsletter of mine and love the monetization features.
Substack: Ideal for writers, with built-in monetization through paid subscriptions. Simple to use but lacks some advanced features. I love the community aspect of Substack that you don’t get with other platforms. It’s great for building connections.
ConvertKit: Popular among creators, offering powerful automation and a free plan for up to 10,000 subscribers. This is a great option if you need to segment your newsletters and set up more complex flows for selling products.
Mailchimp: One of the largest platforms with a user-friendly interface and AI-powered content creation. Offers a free plan for small lists.
Flodesk: Known for its simplicity and beautiful templates. Flat-rate pricing regardless of subscriber count and has plenty of options for segmentation.
Remember, the "best" platform is the one that aligns with your specific needs, goals, and budget. Take the time to research and test different options before making your final decision.
Your perfect newsletter platform IS out there – it's just a matter of finding the right fit for you and your audience.
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