There’s nothing quite like the feeling of hitting “send” on your first newsletter and watching that little “1 subscriber” notification pop up. It’s exhilarating, nerve-wracking, and strangely satisfying all at once. And here’s how I did it.
Why Start a Newsletter?
So, let me backtrack a little. I’ve been wanting to start a newsletter for a while. There’s something about creating direct lines of communication with people that just feels more personal. Social media algorithms can be unpredictable, but with a newsletter, you’re sending your words, ideas, and tips straight to someone’s inbox. It’s a commitment from them to hear what you have to say. That’s powerful.
Plus, I knew this was a chance to build something of my own—a community that isn’t reliant on the latest trends or changes in platform policies.
If you’re thinking of starting a newsletter yourself, I highly recommend Beehiv. It’s the platform I use, and it’s super easy to navigate whether you’re just starting out or already have an audience. And full disclosure: this is an affiliate link, which means if you sign up through my link, I’ll earn a small commission, at no extra cost to you.
The Launch Process (A.K.A. Pushing Through the Fear)
The thought of starting a newsletter can feel like yelling into the void, especially when you don’t have a huge following to begin with. But I knew I had to get over that internal hesitation. You can’t grow an audience you don’t show up for, right?
First things first, I needed a tool. I decided to use Beehiv to build out my email list because it’s clean, easy to use, and offers templates that make your newsletter look professional from day one. No one wants to open a messy-looking email, so presentation is key.
Next, I set up a simple landing page with a clear message—sign up to get exclusive content, insights, and all the stuff I don’t post on social media. If you’re curious to see what I’m doing or want to join, you can sign up for my newsletter here. I tried not to overcomplicate it. People don’t need 500 reasons to subscribe; they just need one good one.
My First Subscriber: The Moment of Truth
After tweaking the design and making sure everything looked solid, it was time to promote it. I shared it on my Instagram, threw a link in my bio, and mentioned it in a few conversations with friends and followers. I didn’t want to bombard people or come off as salesy, so I made it casual.
And then, boom. I got my first subscriber.
Not gonna lie—I was super excited. It didn’t matter if that person was someone I knew or if they were just curious. That single subscriber represented a start. It felt real, like I wasn’t just talking to the ether anymore. Someone cared enough to want more.
What Comes Next?
One subscriber is only the beginning. My goal now is to keep building, refining, and providing value. Every time I hit “send” on a newsletter, I’m thinking about how to make it worth reading—whether it’s helpful insights, personal stories, or resources I’m loving.
If you’re considering starting your own newsletter, I recommend giving Beehiv a shot. They’ve got great features and, honestly, have made the process much easier for me. Plus, if you use my link, it helps support my work at no extra cost to you (so thanks in advance!).
I’m keeping it authentic and true to my voice because that’s what brought people to me in the first place. The more I show up for my audience, the more I believe they’ll show up for me too. And if you want to see what I’m sending out, be sure to subscribe to my newsletter—I’d love to have you join.
So, if you’ve been thinking about launching your own newsletter, here’s my advice: just start. Don’t wait for the perfect moment or a giant following. Create the thing you want to create, and the subscribers will come. One by one.
Disclosure: Some of the links in this blog, including my Beehiv partner link, are affiliate links. This means if you click through and sign up or make a purchase, I may earn a commission at no additional cost to you. I only recommend products and services that I genuinely use and believe will add value to your life or business. Your support through these links helps me continue to provide free content, and I greatly appreciate it!
