📩 9 Questions Every Newsletter Creator Asks

And The One That Almost Broke Me

Author

Captain YAR
November 13, 2024

Last year, I hit send on what I thought would be my final newsletter.

After 6 months of inconsistent scheduling, declining engagement, and questioning every decision, I was ready to quit. Then a subscriber emailed me: "Your irregular schedule and raw honesty about figuring things out helped me feel less alone in my journey." That message changed everything. I realized most creators struggle with the same questions - and flawless answers don't exist.

Here's what you actually need to know:

1. When should I send my newsletter?

Forget the "best" send-time myths. I worked with a client who switched from 6 AM to 1 PM sends. Their OR? Stayed exactly at 36 percent. Pick a time that works for your schedule. Consistent content beats excellent timing.

2. How many links should I include?

At Amply Insights, we tested everything from 5 to 15 links per newsletter. Surprise: More links drove higher engagement. Why? Readers found at least one thing worth clicking. Test different quantities. Your audience will show you what works.

3. Should I republish on my website?

If you create original content - absolutely. It opens additional growth channels through search and social sharing. But skip it if your newsletter just curates links to existing content. Focus on adding unique value.

4. How long should each edition be?

Growth Design crushes it with 50-word emails. Tangle thrives with 2,000-word deep dives. The right length? Whatever serves your purpose. Cut the fluff, but don't sacrifice substance.

5. Is inconsistent scheduling killing my newsletter?

Think of it like this: Saturday Night Live works because viewers know exactly when to tune in. Daily newsletters need that same reliability. Weekly ones have more flexibility. But aim for a general pattern your readers can count on.

 6. Should I do promotional swaps?

Yes, with newsletters you genuinely read and value. Quality partnerships beat quantity. You have permission to say no, even to bigger newsletters.

7. Is it okay to take breaks?

Not just okay - it's essential. Pre-schedule evergreen content for busy periods. Skip low-engagement days like holidays. Your creativity needs space to recharge.

8. Why isn't my list growing faster?

Growth speed is overrated. Some of the most impactful newsletters reach just 1,000 readers. One client's small, engaged list of 800 executives generates more impact than another's 20,000 passive subscribers. Chase relevance, not numbers.

9. Should I auto-enroll paid members?

The Anchorage Daily News tested this beautifully. They mention their newsletter at three points: subscription page, checkout form, and confirmation email. Result? High retention, minimal complaints. The key is transparency about enrollment and clear opt-out options.

10. Do paid promotions work for growth?

Consider two scenarios. First: You're just starting and need 500-1,000 readers to validate your concept. A small budget can accelerate this testing phase. Second: You understand your metrics and know exactly what each subscriber means for your goals. Outside these cases? Focus on organic growth. Build relationships, not lists.

Which of these questions resonates most with your current challenges? Hit reply - I read every response.

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Regards,
Yar

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