How Do I Start Writing a Newsletter? A Beginner-Friendly Guide to Doing It Right

If you’ve ever thought, “I should start a newsletter,” you’re not alone—and you’re definitely onto something powerful.

Newsletters have quietly become one of the most effective ways to connect with an audience. Whether you’re a solo creator, a small business, or a personal brand, newsletters help you build trust, share your message, and grow your reach—without relying on social media algorithms or fleeting trends.

But then comes the big question: How do I actually start writing a newsletter?

This guide is here to walk you through the essentials—from choosing your topic to sending your first email. We’ll also share how tools like MailDrip.io can make the process simple, even if you’re not a “techy” person or a full-time marketer. Let’s get into it.

Why Start a Newsletter in the First Place?

Before we dive into the “how,” let’s talk about the “why.”

In a world of scrolling, swiping, and short attention spans, email gives you something that social platforms just can’t: attention with intention.

Here’s what makes newsletters so powerful:

• You own the audience: Unlike social media followers, your email list is yours. You’re not renting space on someone else’s platform.
• Higher engagement: Email open rates often outperform social media reach, especially when your content is personal and consistent.
• You build real relationships: Emails feel one-on-one—even when you’re writing to hundreds or thousands.
• It drives results: Whether you’re selling products, sharing insights, or building a community, email converts.

Think of it as your digital living room—people have opted in, they’re paying attention, and you get to show up fully as yourself.

How Do I Start Writing My Newsletter?

1. Pick Your Purpose

Start with a simple question: Why am I writing this newsletter?

Your goal could be:

• Sharing updates about your business or personal brand
• Educating your audience on a topic you know well
• Building authority in your niche
• Selling products or services
• Connecting on a deeper level with your community

Knowing your “why” helps shape your tone, structure, and frequency.

Pro Tip: You don’t need to have it all figured out before you start. Your newsletter can (and should) evolve over time.

2. Know Your Audience

Who are you writing to? Imagine a real person—not a vague group of “subscribers.”

Ask yourself:

• What do they care about?
• What problems are they facing?
• What would they love to learn, hear, or be inspired by?

If you’re a creator, think about your followers or podcast listeners. If you’re a small business, picture your ideal customer. Writing to one person keeps your tone natural and your message focused.

3. Choose a Format That Works for You

Not all newsletters look the same—and that’s a good thing.

Here are a few popular formats to consider:

• The Personal Letter: Written like a direct email from you, full of stories, thoughts, or insights. Great for creators and thought leaders.
• The Curated List: A roundup of articles, tools, resources, or products.
• The Quick Tip: Short, actionable advice sent weekly or biweekly.
• The Product Update: Perfect for businesses to share new features, promotions, or launches.

You can even mix formats from time to time. The key is consistency and clarity—your readers should know what to expect.

4. Pick Your Platform

This is where many people get stuck—but it doesn’t have to be complicated.

You’ll need an email marketing tool that helps you send and schedule newsletters, manage your subscriber list, and maybe even automate some of the follow-up.

That’s where MailDrip.io shines.

Why MailDrip.io?

• Simple and intuitive: No steep learning curve—just log in and start writing.
• Great for creators and small brands: Whether you’re just starting or sending to thousands, the platform scales with you.
• Automated drip campaigns: Perfect if you want to send a welcome sequence, lead magnet follow-up, or onboarding series.
• Pay As You Go (PAYG): Only pay for what you send. No need to commit to monthly fees if you’re still growing your list.
• Free email templates: Get inspired or speed up your writing with professionally designed formats.

Starting a newsletter doesn’t need to mean endless tech headaches. With MailDrip.io, the process feels like… writing an email. Because that’s what it is.

5. Start Writing Your First Issue

Now for the fun (and sometimes intimidating) part: the writing.

Here’s a quick structure to help you get rolling:

• Subject Line: Make it curiosity-driven or clearly valuable. You’re trying to earn the open.
• Opening: Hook your reader. Ask a question, share a story, or highlight a quick insight.
• Body: Deliver the value—share your tips, updates, ideas, or reflections.
• Close: Summarize the takeaway or encourage a small action (like replying, checking out a link, or thinking about a question).
• Sign Off: Keep it human. Use your name, a friendly goodbye, or even a personal note.

Remember: Your first newsletter doesn’t have to be perfect—it just has to be you. The more you show up authentically, the more your readers will want to hear from you again.

6. Decide on a Schedule (And Stick to It)

Weekly, biweekly, or monthly—there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. The best frequency is the one you can keep up with consistently.

Some creators write every Sunday morning. Others show up once a month with a deep-dive issue. What matters most is setting expectations with your readers and showing up when you say you will.

7. Grow Your List (Without Feeling Spammy)

Once you’ve written your first few newsletters, it’s time to share them. Here’s how:

• Add a signup form to your website or social bio
• Offer a simple lead magnet (like a free guide or checklist)
• Share your newsletter content on social media with a link to subscribe
• Ask readers to forward your email to someone who’d enjoy it

MailDrip.io lets you easily embed forms and track signups, so you always know what’s working.

FAQs

Do I need a big email list to start?

Nope. Start with 5 subscribers, even if that includes your friends and your dog’s vet. What matters is building consistency and learning what resonates.

What should I write about?

Start with what you know. What do people ask you about? What excites you? What do you wish more people understood? The best topics are ones that feel natural to talk about.

How long should my newsletter be?

There’s no rule. Some are 200 words. Some are 2,000. Focus on clarity and value—not word count.

Can I schedule emails in advance?

Absolutely. With MailDrip.io, you can schedule newsletters for specific days or set up automated sequences that send on your timeline.

Final Thoughts

If you’re sitting on the idea of a newsletter, waiting until you “figure it all out,” here’s a friendly nudge:

Just start.

You don’t need the perfect format, the ideal list size, or the world’s best subject line. You just need to send your first email. And then the next.

Platforms like MailDrip.io are built to support you—whether you’re a creator writing your first welcome email or a small business ready to build your email funnel. We keep things simple, flexible, and effective so you can focus on what really matters: your message.

So, what are you waiting for?

What’s the first thing you’d want to share in your newsletter?

Let that be your starting point.