Give Algorithms the Boot

Algorithms can be incredibly frustrating.

If you write online, you're often at the mercy of these automated systems. At best, you may find yourself tailoring your work to fit what the algorithm favors. At worst, this can lead to producing uninspired content just to grab attention.

It's understandable to adapt, but when your writing becomes solely about appeasing algorithms, it can lead to burnout and diminish the joy of writing.

Establishing a newsletter allows you to break free from algorithm constraints.

You won’t have to worry about whether your writing aligns with algorithmic preferences or SEO standards. Instead, you can express your thoughts freely, confident that your audience wants to engage with your content.

Direct Access to Your Readers

Using a service like Substack still involves some algorithmic suggestions, but newsletters fundamentally provide direct access to your most engaged readers' inboxes.

This privilege is significant and should be treated with care.

When someone shares their email address, it’s akin to granting you their home address. You must ensure that the content you send is valuable and worthy of their time.

How can you achieve this? By getting to know your audience and honing your writing abilities.

Crafting newsletters has pushed me to elevate my writing because readers won't open uninteresting subject lines that offer little benefit. Likewise, they'll quickly lose interest if they don't see immediate relevance to their lives.

This direct connection with your audience is powerful, but with great power comes great responsibility.

When writing a newsletter, you must strive to make every email valuable.

Rethinking Lead Magnets

Newsletter expert Mike Romaine asserts that exceptional newsletters don’t rely on lead magnets.

What’s that?

For those unfamiliar, a lead magnet is a freebie often offered in exchange for an email address.

While lead magnets can be useful, there’s a risk that subscribers might only be interested in the freebie and unsubscribe once the regular content begins. I’ll admit I’ve done this myself.

Instead of merely creating a lead magnet and hoping for positive outcomes, Mike suggests that your newsletter should inherently be its own lead magnet.

This means that people will subscribe because of the value and insights you provide, not just for a free resource.

A newsletter is an opportunity to build trust with your readers. If your content genuinely helps them address challenges in their lives, they’ll stay loyal to you.

Building a Writing Business

With a devoted audience at your fingertips, you have the freedom to assist them in various ways.

Many writers leverage their email lists to launch businesses centered on their niche topics.

You might be thinking, "I don’t want to run a business; I just want to write."

That’s perfectly fine.

However, do you aspire to write a book? Most aspiring writers do.

Publishers are keen to sign authors who have a platform (think email lists and social media presence). They want to ensure there’s an audience ready to purchase your book.

Even if you choose to self-publish, a platform is essential for generating sales.

Alternatively, you might consider creating and selling an online course, cohort, or coaching program that addresses your readers’ needs. If you can help them solve their problems, they’re likely willing to pay for your expertise.

Your email subscribers are your fans, and many will seek more from you.

An email list serves as the perfect foundation. With an established audience, you can sell directly without relying on ads or SEO tactics.

Take the Leap

I launched my email list in March, and I regret not starting sooner.

If you’re hesitating to begin, take my advice and start now. You can opt for a free platform like Substack and transition to a more advanced one when you require additional features.

If you find that writing a newsletter isn’t enjoyable, you can always stop. However, chances are that a year from now, you’ll be grateful you took the plunge.

Starting a newsletter is one of the smartest moves you can make as a writer.

Have you ever thought about starting a newsletter?

Each week, I dissect a significant concept related to creative work, human nature, and writing. Join fellow insightful creators by subscribing to my newsletter, Insight by Kyle Chastain.