It’s go time! With everything set, you need to announce your newsletter and get those first subscribers. A strong launch can create momentum and a sense of community from day one.
Here’s a step-by-step launch plan: - Pre-launch Teasers: In the week or two before launch, start mentioning on your social platforms that something is coming. Maybe share behind-the-scenes of you working on a project, or outright say “I’m cooking up a new exclusive newsletter for those who want [benefit]. Stay tuned!” This builds curiosity and primes your audience. If you have an existing free list or community, hint there too. - Official Announcement: Choose a launch date to open up subscriptions (maybe aligned with sending the first issue). On that day, do a multi-channel announcement: - Craft a personal, enthusiastic post on each of your social media explaining why you’re starting this newsletter and who it’s for. Focus on the benefit to them, and any personal story (“Ever since I started blogging, I’ve wanted a closer way to share my best insights... now I finally launched a newsletter!”). - Send an email to any existing free subscribers if you have them, inviting them to join the paid (maybe offer a limited-time discount for them as a thank-you). - Post on relevant forums or groups (without spamming – frame it as sharing a resource: “Hey all, I know many here are interested in X, I just launched a newsletter covering that in depth. Here’s the link if you’re interested.”). - If you have a website, write a short blog post about the newsletter launch or at least put a banner/announcement on the site. - Special Launch Offer (Optional): People love feeling like they’re getting in on something early. You can incentivize signups in the launch window with things like: - A limited-time discount (e.g., 20% off for the first month or first 50 subscribers). On some platforms, you can create discount codes or temporary pricing. This can drive urgency, but note: those who miss it might procrastinate. Alternatively, - A free trial period (e.g., “Subscribe now and get the first 7 days free, cancel anytime” – Substack recently added trial options). Or simply, - A bonus gift: could be a short e-book, a checklist, a shout-out, a sticker if you have merch, etc., for founding members. Doesn’t have to be costly; even acknowledgment can be valued (like list their names as founding supporters in an issue). - If doing founding member higher tier, highlight the extra support (some fans want to support you more – give them that option). - Leverage Allies: If you have friendly relationships with other creators or communities, ask if they can mention your newsletter. Maybe you’ve guested on podcasts or written on others’ blogs – let those contacts know about your newsletter; they might shout it out if relevant. This is essentially a mini-PR effort. You could even do a launch day livestream or Twitter Space discussing the topic of your newsletter to drum interest. - Highlight Social Proof Early: As you get those first subscribers (even a small number), and especially if any notable people subscribe or compliment it, share that (if appropriate). For example, tweet “Wow, 50 of you joined my newsletter in the first day! I’m blown away 🙏 Can’t wait to deliver value to you.” or if someone replies “This first issue was amazing!”, retweet that. It signals to others that real people find it valuable (which might push fence-sitters over the edge to subscribe). - Consistency from Day 1: If you say it’s weekly on Tuesdays, make sure issue #1 goes out on the first Tuesday after launch, etc. Your launch subscribers are testing the waters; deliver on your promise to turn them into fans. MailerLite emphasized setting a schedule and sticking to it – it’s key for retention. - Make signing up frictionless: On launch communications, include the direct link to your signup/landing page. Make sure on mobile it’s easy too (platforms like Substack optimize for that; if you have a custom site, ensure the form is mobile-friendly). - Don’t be shy to self-promote (within reason). Many creators launch quietly and hope people find it. You have to champion your own work. Consider pinning a tweet about it, putting it in your email signature, casually bringing it up when interacting online (“As I wrote in my newsletter this week, [insight]…” with a link). Initially, you might feel like you’re pushing it a lot, but remember not everyone sees every post. And those truly not interested will just not subscribe – you’re aiming to reach those who would love it but haven’t heard the message yet.
Realize it can be a slow build. You might not get hundreds of subscribers overnight, and that’s okay. You’re building something long-term. A study by Billion Dollar Boy found 52% of creators experienced burnout, partially due to pressures – so manage your expectations and don’t compare harshly. Even a dozen paying subscribers at launch is a win – imagine a dozen people in a room who care about your content enough to pay; that’s meaningful!
Keep promoting beyond launch too: - Regularly share snippets or quotes from your newsletter on social (intriguing bits that make people want the full context behind the paywall). - You could create an occasional free “sample” post if using Substack or blog – something sharable so new folks see what kind of content they’d get as paid. - Encourage word-of-mouth: For instance, “If you’re enjoying the newsletter, forward it to a friend!” or referral programs (some services allow refer-a-friend rewards, like Beehiiv and Substack’s new referral feature). - Possibly run a contest or giveaway for subscribers who refer others (careful to abide by any email service terms, but it can gamify growth – e.g., “Refer 3 friends and get a free month”).
Step 5 ultimately is about spreading the word and showcasing the value at launch and beyond. It may feel like blowing your own trumpet – it is! But if you believe in the value of your content, marketing is just connecting the right people to something that can help them.