Why Newsletters are not dead & you should start one right now

Reading Time: 5 min

Before we jump in a quick term clarification so that everyone can follow.

Newsletter = A weekly email you send everyone that signed up for it, via a software

Algorithm = The code that dictates what you will see online or on social media

When I was thinking about how to help the biggest amount of biodiversity heroes, I had to look into different channels.

I considered starting a podcast, newsletter, join social media networks etc.

For a long time, I thought newsletters were a dying medium, but after some deep research, I changed my mind.

I am not going to bore you with hours of research. Here my 6 key findings.

6 Reasons why you should start a newsletter of focus more on it

1. Owned Community

In comparison to your Social Media audience, you own the community. What do I mean by that?

Let's take Twitter. In the past months, they changed their algorithm massively. There were even rumors that they close down. Now imagine you would have a massive community on Twitter.

If Twitter goes down, your community disappears. Your community is loaned.

People change their favorite Social Media all the time, but what remains? Their e-mail.

Building up your newsletter audience ensures that no matter what will happen you will keep ownership of this community.

You are 100% in control.

2. Algorithm changing

Talking about algorithms. They change all the time.

Let’s take Instagram. Instagram was for a long time picture based. Now the platform is going hard on video.

Leaving you now with the problem to learn how to create eye-catching videos.

If you don’t come up with a solution, sooner or later your audience won't see your content anymore.

So if people don't constantly like your content they will stop seeing it.

This is massively different with newsletters.

Yes, you have competition with other newsletters here too, but people don't sign up for as many newsletters as they follow accounts on social media.

Meaning that even if they don't read your newsletter, they will still see your name popping up on a weekly basis. Remembering them of your existence.

3. Tools get better

Newsletter tools start to develop too and are reaching the next level.

Some exciting new kids on the block are emerging that redefine the newsletter game.

The Double Your Impact newsletter is for example hosted on Beehiiv. They come with refreshing new features that will help you to increase your audience.

To name a few: full customization, referral possibilities, paid subscriptions, ad network etc.

4. Revenue stream

Thanks to tools like Beehiiv or Substack you can now decide to monetize your newsletter. Thereby creating another revenue stream for your nature business / NGO.

This can double your impact with time, depending on how big your audience gets.

If you manage to get 2000 subscribers and you are charging them 5€ that would mean 120 000€ to your cause every year.

2000 sounds like a lot? That's 6 subscribers per day. You got this!

5. Create stronger relationships with your customer base

Newsletters are the perfect place to provide some additional value to your donator / customer base.

Here you can give them exclusive insights that they don't get on any of your other channels.

After all, they provided you with their e-mail, so in exchange, they want something the others don't get.

You can provide behind the scene, project updates, unique insights etc. to keep them informed and entertained.

Step by step you will build a stronger relationship that will hopefully lead them sooner or later to support you financially.

6. Recycle or highlight content

„I don’t have time for this!“ Trust me, I get it. You don’t want yet another channel to entertain.

So what you can do instead is to recycle content.

You create one long piece of content. For example something like what you are reading now.

You take this content and turn it into different formats which you can then share on your socials.

Some examples:

• Taking quotes

• Make a summary posts

• Create a short video

• Slideshows

• Etc.

The content stays the same, you will just change its look of it.

P.S. On Beehiiv you can show your previous newsletters. Thereby using it as a sort of blog. Here is my example.

Now it is your turn

Block yourself a timeslot for next week. What about Tuesday? Usually not as busy as Mondays.

1. Chose a tool

2. Personalize the experience

3. Chose content you want to include

4. Chose how often you want to send one

5. Implement a newsletter subscription on your Website

6. Write your first newsletter

7. Promote it

Cheat Sheet:

• Recommended tool: Beehiiv

• Alternatives: Substack & Mailchimp

• Set up time: 3 hours

• Maintaining time: 2h per week

• Frequency of newsletter: Minimum once a month, ideally once a week

Start to own your audience and create lasting relationships with your supporters.

See you next week. Have a wild one!

Oliver

Whenever you are ready, there are 2 ways we can help you:

1. 1-to-1 business consulting. Detailed and personalized consulting to double the impact of your biodiversity venture in the shortest possible time.

2. Wild Business Mates in Action. Wild Business Mates help you to execute in areas you are struggling with. Tech, Marketing, Sales, Communication, etc.