In this Q&A video, I answer questions about how to start, grow, and monetize a newsletter. I explain how to get 1,000 subscribers in 30 days using my “1K Challenge,” which includes daily posting, commenting, and outreach on platforms like LinkedIn or Instagram. I cover how niche is too niche, why cross-promotions between newsletters work best when both sides match clicks, and how to measure success beyond open rates by focusing on revenue and engagement. I also share thoughts on the future of newsletters— shorter formats, weekly cadence, and using them to drive product or service sales instead of relying only on ads.

FREE Guide: How to get your first 1000 newsletter subscribers in 30 days >>

Episode Questions & Timestamps

00:00 Introduction & Q&A Overview
00:18 Is it possible to get 1,000 subscribers in 30 days?
09:58 How niche is too niche?
11:15 How do you approach partnerships and cross-promotions?
14:28 Can you still trust open rates and click-through rates?
17:32 How many links are too many in a newsletter?
18:20 How can you find and sell the right product to your audience?
21:56 What’s the next big shift in the newsletter industry?
24:19 Is there opportunity for newsletter aggregators?

In this Q&A, I answer your biggest questions about building and scaling a newsletter in 2025. We cover everything from whether LinkedIn newsletters are still worth it, to what platform you should use (Beehiiv, Kit, Substack, or Klaviyo), and the most effective ways to grow your audience organically. I also share what I’d do if I had to start from scratch, how AI is reshaping content creation, when to pivot your strategy, and how to price your first sponsorships.

FREE Guide: How to get your first 1000 newsletter subscribers in 30 days >>

Episode Questions & Timestamps

00:00 Introduction to Q&A
00:26 The truth about LinkedIn newsletters in 2025
02:54 What newsletter business would you start if you had to begin from scratch tomorrow?
07:43 Should you use Beehiiv, Kit, Substack, or Klaviyo?
11:20 What are the best organic growth strategies for newsletters?
14:06 How do you think about newsletter vs. YouTube content?
16:16 How will AI impact the newsletter space?
18:50 How do you decide when to pivot your content strategy?
21:41 How should you communicate a publication name change to your audience?
24:39 How do you approach newsletter sponsorship pricing?
28:38 What’s the best way to approach list cleaning and re-engagement?

In this week's Q&A, I break down the real tactics that work for growing and monetizing newsletters in 2025. I cover my personal content workflow, why newsletter recommendations are dead, and what actually matters for sponsors beyond list size. I also discuss local newsletters, when to start running paid ads, and the revenue potential at different subscriber levels.

FREE Guide: How to get your first 1000 newsletter subscribers in 30 days >>

Episode Questions & Timestamps

00:00 Introduction to weekly Q&A podcast
00:46 How do you draft your newsletter each week?
03:25 How do you curate your best links section?
05:15 What growth tactics worked two years ago that are completely dead now?
07:38 What growth tactics are working right now?
09:19 What's your hot take on local newsletters?
12:28 How do you overcome the fear of starting a media company?
14:10 What metrics matter most for sponsors and list quality?
17:33 When should you start running paid ads?
19:57 How should you approach selling a premium newsletter offer?
26:24 When should you hire someone to help with content?
28:12 What revenue is possible at different subscriber levels?
30:28 Should you be using Beehiiv Boosts or Sparkloop?
32:01 Conclusion and wrap-up

Comment on the YouTube video if you have ideas on what content you want to see next: https://youtu.be/fm5O0lGLMuE

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Matt and Ryan discuss why they’re pausing the podcast after nearly two years, reflecting on what worked, what didn’t, and where they’re headed next.

Timestamps

00:00 The Announcement: Shutting Down the Podcast
02:23 Podcast Performance: Analyzing Numbers and Trends
10:20 Exploring Alternatives: New Directions for Content
12:35 Individual Goals: Focus on Newsletters and YouTube
20:43 Long-Term Strategy: Investing in Sustainable Channels
30:05 Reflections: Lessons Learned from the Podcast Journey

Matt and Ryan discuss AI's role in advertising and content creation, and the 5 simplest ways to make your first $1000 online.

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Join Newsletter Operator for more strategies on how to grow and monetize your newsletter here: NewsletterOperator.com

• Work with Ryan's agency Tailwind
• Work with Matt's agency GrowLetter

Follow Matt McGarry @JMatthewMcGarry and Ryan Carr @ryan_boat on Twitter.

Episode Topics & Timestamps

00:00 Exploring AI in Advertising

02:55 Innovative Uses of AI for Content Creation

05:54 The Future of AI in Marketing

08:46 Leveraging AI for Solopreneurs

12:02 Automating Newsletter Creation with AI

15:06 Creative Approaches to Content Generation

18:00 Monetizing Your Online Presence

30:48 Strategies for Earning Your First $1,000 Online

FREE Guide: How to get your first 1000 newsletter subscribers in 30 days >>

Daniel Bustamante is the COO at Premium Ghostwriting Academy and the founder of Funnel Breakdowns newsletter. He specializes in million-dollar email marketing prompts, tactics, and strategies for 6 and 7-figure creators on LinkedIn and X.

Timestamps

00:00 Introduction and Background
02:56 Journey to Ship 30 for 30
05:59 Building a Personal Brand on LinkedIn
08:40 Growth Strategies on LinkedIn
11:51 Engagement Tactics and Community Building
15:00 Email List Growth Strategies
18:02 Marketing Funnels and Email Sequences
20:56 Insights from Hermosi and Industry Events
24:05 Relaunching Ship 30 and Premium Ghostwriting Academy
26:52 Conclusion and Future Plans

Links Mentioned

https://www.linkedin.com/in/dbusta/

https://funnelbreakdowns.com/

FREE GUIDE: How to get your first 1000 email subscribers in 30 days >>

The Culturist is a newsletter with over 200,000 subscribers that explores art, literature, music, and the layered histories of culture and religion.

Timestamps

00:00 The Power of Content Ownership
02:45 Transitioning from Social Media to Substack
05:55 Rebranding and Building a Publication
09:04 Navigating the Challenges of X (Twitter)
11:49 Strategies for Engaging Content on X
15:07 Expanding to Other Platforms: Instagram and Beyond
17:40 The Importance of Evergreen Content
20:54 Advice for Non-B2B Creators
23:54 Building a Sustainable Audience
26:51 Revenue Models and Subscriber Conversion
29:49 Future Plans and Community Engagement


Links Mentioned

https://www.theculturist.io/

FREE GUIDE: How to get your first 1000 email subscribers in 30 days >>

In this conversation, Matt McGarry and Ryan Carr discuss the challenges and strategies for growing a newsletter audience and generating revenue.

Chapters

00:00 Scaling Webinar Strategies
02:43 The Challenge of Subscriber Growth
05:57 Consistency and Niche Selection
08:53 Building an Engaged Audience
11:56 Content Creation and Value Sharing
14:58 Organic Growth Strategies
18:01 Quality Over Quantity in Audience Building
21:03 Tactical Growth Insights
23:49 Leveraging Social Media for Growth
27:00 Monetization Strategies for New Creators