Make Money Online Newsletter Business Starting Your Business

How to Start a Newsletter Business – Wait. A What?!

Jonny Andrews

You’ve probably heard all the buzz about blogs, podcasts, YouTube channels and TikToks being great ways to make money online. And they all can be amazing IF you understand some simple, core ideas.  

But newsletters? As a business? Wait, what?!

Let me break it down for you. A newsletter business is all about creating valuable, curated, or original content and delivering it directly to an audience’s inbox. It’s like a personal letter, but way cooler—and way more profitable.

Here’s why newsletters are blowing up right now:
While social media is a noisy, chaotic mess with ever-changing algorithms, newsletters cut straight through all that. They land right in the inbox, where people actually pay attention. It’s direct. It’s personal.

And it’s the kind of connection that builds trust, loyalty, and… yep, revenue.

So, why should you start one?

The short answer is : Because with AI, they are now simple AND they can generate multiple streams of revenue almost from day 1. 

Let’s dive into why this might just be the perfect business model for you.

Why a Newsletter Business Is The Ideal Model For Everyone (Including Beginners)

Starting any kind of business can feel overwhelming—especially if you’re new to the online space. But a newsletter business? This is actually a very different animal. 

This might just be the easiest, most beginner-friendly option out there.

Here’s why:

1. Low Start-Up Costs
Unlike other ventures that can bleed your bank account dry before you even get started, a newsletter business requires almost no upfront investment.

All you really need is:

  • Decide on a what market you want to serve
  • An email platform (like Aweber or ConvertKit, or MailChimp) 
  • Some basic content ideas.
  • Basic social media pages (FaceBook/Instagram/TikTok etc)

That’s seriously all that is required to get started.

No inventory, no shipping, no pricey equipment. Just you, your ideas, and a platform to share them.

2. No Complex Tech Needed
Forget video editing software, podcast mics, or building elaborate websites. Newsletters are refreshingly simple.

If you can write an email (and let’s be honest, you’ve probably sent thousands), you can create a newsletter. There’s no steep learning curve, and you don’t need to be a tech genius to get started.

3. Start Small, Scale Big
One of the best things about a newsletter business is how easy it is to grow at your own pace. You don’t need a massive audience or hundreds of subscribers to start seeing results.

You can start with a small, focused niche—say, dog training tips for first-time owners—and grow as you learn what your audience loves. Over time, your little newsletter can turn into a thriving, scalable business.

4. Real-World Example
Back in 2011, I noticed an weird little audience—readers who couldn’t get enough of books like Twilight, and they seemed to be constantly searching for new recommendations. 

With less than $1,500 spent over 3 months, I launched I Love Vampire Novels, a simple newsletter that shared curated book suggestions, upcoming releases, and exclusive author insights.

No fancy tools, no big audience—just valuable content delivered straight to inboxes.

Over time, the newsletter grew into the largest fan site for paranormal romance, generating over seven figures in sales through affiliate marketing, sponsorships, print-on-demand, and partnerships. 

Because the model was so solid, I was able to “clone” it repeatedly over the years. 

The best part? I sold it for 6-figures in 2022 and it’s still running today, proof that a simple newsletter can evolve into a thriving, long-term business.

This started with nothing but an idea and a focus on delivering value. 

Bottom Line:
Starting a newsletter business is one of the most approachable ways to dip your toes into entrepreneurship. You don’t need deep pockets or technical expertise—just a willingness to show up and share something valuable with the world.

Why a Newsletter Business Is Flexible for Any Lifestyle

You’ve probably already noticed, but most business models come with a lot of strings attached. You’re tied to a location, locked into a rigid schedule, or forced to juggle way more than you signed up for.

Not newsletters.

This business model works for just about anyone, anywhere. Here’s why:

1. Work from Anywhere
Whether you’re at home in your pajamas, working from a coffee shop, or traveling halfway around the world, you can run a newsletter business from literally anywhere. As long as you’ve got Wi-Fi and a laptop (or even just a phone), you’re good to go.

This isn’t the kind of business where you’re chained to a desk or clocking in at 9 a.m. It’s 100% remote and designed to fit around your life—not the other way around.

2. Part-Time or Full-Time—Your Call
Want to start small and see where it takes you? Perfect. You can run a newsletter business as a side hustle, dedicating just a few hours a week.

Feel like going full time? Awesome. Scale it up into a full-time income stream by growing your audience and diversifying how you monetize.

Or not.

It’s your business, your pace, your goals.

3. Fits Any Niche You Can Imagine
The beauty of newsletters is that they work in any niche. Seriously—if you’re passionate about it, chances are, other people are too.

  • Into parenting hacks? Start a newsletter for new moms.
  • Obsessed with personal finance? Share tips for saving and investing.
  • Love something super specific, like vintage Star Wars collectibles? Yep, there’s a niche for that too.

No matter what you’re into, there’s an audience out there waiting for someone to curate and share valuable content with them—and that someone could be you.

So whether you’re looking for a flexible side hustle or a full-blown career that works on your terms, a newsletter business makes it possible to live life on your own schedule while building something truly meaningful.

How Newsletters Make Money

Alright, let’s get to the part you’ve been waiting for—how newsletters actually make money. Spoiler alert: there are a lot of ways to turn a simple newsletter into a consistent income stream. For the sake of time, I’m only covering a few of them in this initial post.

The best part? You’re not limited to just one approach. Most successful newsletters mix and match these strategies to maximize their earning potential. Here’s how:

1. Advertising and Sponsorships
When you’ve got an engaged audience, brands will pay to get in front of them.

  • Think of it like renting out space in your newsletter for ads.
  • Or partnering with sponsors who want to connect with your readers in a way that feels authentic and valuable.

For example, if your newsletter is about fitness tips, a protein powder company might sponsor an issue or two. It’s a win-win—you get paid, and your audience gets introduced to a product they might actually love.

2. Subscription Models
If your content is high-value and people can’t get it anywhere else, a subscription model is pure gold.

  • Offer free content to build your audience, then create a premium tier for exclusive tips, guides, or deep dives.
  • Think $5–$20 a month doesn’t sound like much? Multiply that by 1,000 subscribers, and you’ve got a steady income stream.

This works especially well for niches where people are passionate about staying informed or gaining an edge—like personal finance, niche hobbies, or industry insights.

3. Affiliate Marketing
If you’ve ever recommended a product or service to a friend, you’re already doing affiliate marketing—just without the paycheck.

  • As an affiliate, you promote products or services you genuinely believe in and earn a commission for every sale that comes from your recommendation.
  • These could be books, courses, software tools, or even physical products.

The key is to stay authentic—only recommend things that make sense for your audience. When done right, affiliate marketing can be a huge revenue booster.

4. Digital Products and Courses
Newsletters are the perfect platform to launch and sell your own creations.

  • Have expertise in a specific area? Turn it into an ebook, online course, or digital tool.
  • Promote it directly to your subscribers—they already trust you and value your content, making them more likely to buy.

For example, if your newsletter is about productivity hacks, you could create a downloadable planner or a mini-course on time management.

The beauty of newsletters is that they’re not just one-and-done income sources. They’re flexible, scalable, and can evolve as your audience grows. Whether you want to start with affiliate links or go all-in with premium subscriptions, the potential is huge.

Grow Your Personal Brand or Go Behind the Scenes (Faceless) 

One of the best things about starting a newsletter business? You can make it entirely your own.

Maybe you’re the kind of person who loves building a personal brand—connecting with your audience, sharing your thoughts, and putting your name front and center.

Or maybe… you’re not.

If the idea of friends and family asking, “What’s this business thing you’re doing?” makes you cringe, or if you’d rather keep your entrepreneurial life separate from your personal life, newsletters are the perfect model for you.

Here’s why:

1. No Camera Required
Unlike YouTube, TikTok, or Instagram, running a newsletter doesn’t mean putting your face out there for the world to see.

  • Your audience doesn’t care about what you look like—they care about the value you bring to their inbox.
  • This isn’t about being “on” all the time—it’s about creating something meaningful behind the scenes.

2. Focus on Your Voice, Not Your Face
A newsletter is about your ideas, your message, and your insights—not your personality or appearance.

  • You don’t have to be a social butterfly or share your life story.
  • Instead, you get to focus on crafting content that resonates, educates, or entertains.

When you take the pressure off being the “face” of your brand, it’s easier to just create and let your work shine.

3. Tools for Anonymity
If you want to stay completely faceless, there are so many tools to help:

  • Pseudonyms: Write under a pen name that fits the vibe of your newsletter.
  • AI-generated visuals: Use platforms like Canva or AI tools to create custom graphics and branding without ever using personal photos.
  • Third-party content: Curate ideas, tips, or stories from other creators instead of centering the content on yourself.

These tools make it easy to stay anonymous while still running a polished and professional business.

4. Real-World Success Story

Let me tell you about the creator behind Tech Gear Digest.

Well, actually, I can’t tell you much about them—because no one knows who they are. This newsletter is completely faceless, and its creator has stayed anonymous since day one.

Here’s how it started:
Back in 2017, this person was obsessed with tech gadgets—the latest headphones, gaming gear, productivity tools, you name it. But instead of flooding their personal social media with reviews or risking judgment from family and friends, they decided to quietly launch a faceless newsletter.

They spent weekends researching gear, compiling lists, and writing short, engaging reviews. The newsletter wasn’t fancy—just killer content, curated deals, and a personality-packed tone that readers loved.

The results?

  • Within six months, they had built a list of 5,000 subscribers who eagerly awaited their weekly tech recommendations.
  • Sponsorships came next: Brands started reaching out, paying to have their products featured.
  • Affiliate marketing followed: Those curated deals? They earned commissions on every sale.

Today, Tech Gear Digest has over 40,000 subscribers, generates steady revenue, and has secured multiple partnerships with major tech brands—all without a single photo or video of the creator.

Why does it work?
Because the audience loves the content, not the person behind it. The focus is on delivering value—helping readers find the best gear, save money, and stay ahead of trends.

So, if you’ve been hesitating to start because you’re worried about what your friends or family might say—or because you’d rather not be “out there” online—this is proof that staying behind the scenes is not only possible, but profitable.

With a faceless newsletter, you have the freedom to build a brand completely on your terms. The choice is yours.

If you’ve been hesitating because you’re worried about what your friends or family might say—or because you’d rather not be “out there” online—this is the business model for you. You can build a brand around you or stay completely behind the scenes. The choice is yours.

What Makes Newsletters So Rewarding

The unfortunate truth is that so many online business models can feel… icky.

Whether it’s pyramid schemes, spammy drop-shipping stores, or gimmicky offers, it’s easy to see why people hesitate to dive into something new.

But newsletters? They’re different. This isn’t about tricking anyone or being embarrassed to explain what you do. It’s about building something real, valuable, and sustainable—something you can be proud of.

Here’s why newsletters stand out and what makes them so rewarding:

1. Direct Connection to Your Audience (Even if you aren’t the “face” of it) 
When you send a newsletter, it’s not competing with an endless scroll of memes and ads.

  • It lands directly in your reader’s inbox—a personal space where people actually pay attention.
  • That means you’re building a one-on-one relationship with your audience, not just shouting into the void like on social media.

It’s real, direct, and meaningful.

2. Build Long-Term Relationships
Here’s the kicker: you own your audience.

  • With social media, you’re always at the mercy of algorithms—your reach can drop overnight because a platform decides to change the rules.
  • But with a newsletter, your email list is yours. You’re in control of how and when you connect with your readers.

This lets you nurture long-term relationships and create a loyal following that sticks with you for years, not just fleeting moments.

3. Create a Legacy
A newsletter isn’t just a one-off side hustle—it can grow into a recognized and trusted brand.

  • You get to become the go-to source in your niche, whether that’s for book recommendations, productivity hacks, or gardening tips.
  • Over time, your newsletter can evolve into something much bigger: a community, a movement, or even a full-fledged business empire.

Imagine looking back years from now at the audience you’ve built, the value you’ve created, and the impact you’ve had. That’s the kind of legacy you can create with a newsletter.

Running a newsletter business is about more than just making money (though that part is pretty great too). It’s about creating something authentic and rewarding—without all the cringe-worthy tactics or embarrassing sales pitches.

You get to build something that feels good, delivers real value, and stands the test of time.

How to Start A Newsletter Business – In 45+- Minutes

Especially if you’re new, starting any online business can feel like a lot to take on.  But with newsletter businesses, ESPECIALLY if you are using AI to do the heavy lifting, they become surprisingly simple.

Well, as long as you break it into manageable steps.

Use ChatGPT and follow this format:

Step 1: Pick a Niche
This is where everything starts. Your niche is the foundation of your newsletter.

  • Choose a specific audience or topic you’re passionate about or knowledgeable in.
  • The more focused, the better—it’s easier to stand out in a niche than compete in a crowded, general market.

For example, instead of “fitness tips,” go for something like “strength training for busy moms” or “quick workouts for desk-bound professionals.” Your niche helps you attract the right audience and makes creating content much easier.

Step 2: Choose a Platform
Now that you know your niche, it’s time to set up shop. Thankfully, there are tons of beginner-friendly platforms that make it easy to get started:

  • Substack: Great for writing-focused newsletters with built-in monetization options.
  • ConvertKit: Perfect if you want flexibility and tools to grow your audience.
  • Mailchimp: A solid choice for beginners with free plans to get you started.

Pick one, sign up, and you’re ready to roll.

Step 3: Create Valuable Content
This is the heart of your newsletter. The key is to provide value—whether that’s solving problems, inspiring your readers, or entertaining them.

  • Share actionable tips your audience can use right away.
  • Curate content from trusted sources and add your unique perspective.
  • Don’t overthink it—your readers want useful and engaging, not perfect.

For example, if your niche is personal finance, you could send a weekly newsletter featuring:

  • A money-saving tip.
  • A breakdown of trending financial tools.
  • A motivational story about paying off debt.

The goal? Keep your readers coming back for more.

Step 4: Build and Grow Your Audience
Even the best newsletter needs an audience. Here’s how to start growing yours:

  • Social Media: Share snippets of your newsletter on platforms like Instagram, TikTok, or LinkedIn to drive sign-ups.
  • Collaborations: Partner with creators in your niche to cross-promote your newsletter.
  • Ads: If you’ve got a budget, run low-cost ads targeting your ideal audience. (Tip: you can start on FaceBook for $1 – $5/day)

The more consistent you are, the faster your audience will grow.

Step 5: Monetize Strategically
Once you’ve built some momentum, it’s time to start making money. The easiest ways to monetize early are:

  • Affiliate Links: Recommend products or services you love and earn a commission when your readers buy through your link.
  • Sponsorships: Partner with brands that want to connect with your audience. (FYI: You can go mostly “hands free” and reach them via $1 – $5/day FaceBook ads)

As your newsletter grows, you can expand into premium subscriptions, selling your own digital products, or even creating online courses.

That’s all you need to get started.
Starting a newsletter business doesn’t have to be complicated. Focus on one step at a time, and before you know it, you’ll have built something that’s not only rewarding but also profitable.

Your Next Steps:

Here’s the thing: As you just saw above, starting a newsletter business doesn’t have to be tedious, complicated or overwhelming.

You don’t need a big budget, technical expertise, or even a bold personality. Now that AI is available, you can work with ChaGPT (or similar) to do just about all the work.

This is a business model that’s as simple as sending an email—but with the potential to create something meaningful, scalable, and rewarding.

Whether you’re looking for a side hustle to bring in extra income or a full-time business that works around your lifestyle, newsletters offer something for everyone. And yes, even if you want to stay completely behind the scenes, this model works.

The best part? You can start today.

If you’re ready to see how this all comes together—and how you can build a faceless business that’s both profitable and sustainable—check out the link to my program. I have it priced at $7 to make it accessible to anyone world-wide

👉 Learn how to start your faceless business

Your newsletter business could be just one step away.