Starting a business can seem like a huge task, but what if I told you that you could start one all by yourself with just a computer and an internet connection? That’s where newsletters come into play. They’re a fantastic way for individuals to build a business around a topic they’re passionate about. Here’s how anyone can do it, and a look at some people who are already killing it with their newsletters.

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The Basics of the Newsletter Business Model

Starting a newsletter is simple. First, pick a topic you love and know a lot about. This could be anything from cooking tips to stock market advice. The key is to choose something that not only interests you but also has a group of people out there who are just as interested in it as you are.

Once you have your topic, the next step is to start creating content. You don’t need anything fancy — just your knowledge and a way to write it down or record it. After you have some content, you need to get people to see it. This is where social media comes in handy. Using platforms like Instagram Reels, YouTube Shorts, and TikTok, you can share bits of your content for free to lure people in. If they like what they see, they’ll sign up for more detailed stuff through your newsletter.

Why Newsletters?

Newsletters are great because they’re straightforward to manage. It’s just you and your content. You control when it goes out, what it says, and who sees it. Plus, once you have a list of subscribers, you can start making money through ads, sponsored posts, or exclusive paid content.

Success Stories: Who’s Making It Big?

Here are four people who turned newsletters into a profitable business:

1. The Hustle: This daily business and tech newsletter started small and grew to over a million subscribers. They deliver sharp, witty summaries of the top business news. They were so successful that they eventually sold to HubSpot, but before that, they were making millions in revenue primarily through ads. Check out The Hustle here.
2. Sinocism: Created by Bill Bishop, this newsletter provides insights and analysis on current events in China. It’s a niche market, but he has built a loyal following and charges $15 per month, making a hefty sum each year. Visit Sinocism here.
3. Scott’s Cheap Flights: Scott Keyes started a newsletter that alerts subscribers to cheap flight deals. His hobby turned into a business that earns millions per year from subscriptions. Learn more about Scott’s Cheap Flights.
4. The Skimm: This is a daily newsletter that breaks down the top news stories in an easy-to-understand and engaging way. It started with just two people and grew into a multimillion-dollar business with a vast base of subscribers. Explore The Skimm here.

Getting Started

If you’re thinking about starting a newsletter, the best advice is to just start. Choose your niche, start creating, and use social media to spread the word. It might take a bit of time to grow, but if you stay consistent, you could be the next big success story.

Remember, the beauty of the newsletter business model is its simplicity and scalability. Whether you’re looking to earn a little extra on the side or build a full-fledged business, newsletters offer a direct path to reaching your goals with minimal overhead. Check out some of the success stories linked above for inspiration, and start brainstorming what your newsletter could be about.

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