After spending the last few years deep in content and email strategy, I have seen most business owners believe that newsletters work, but they just feel overwhelmed about doing it right.
Yet, newsletters continue to grow fast.
According to Beehiiv’s 2025 report, the number of emails sent through their platform exploded from 402 million in 2021 to over 15.6 billion in 2024.
This basically proves that newsletters are more relevant now than ever.
So if you’ve ever stared at a blank email template wondering what to say, how to design it, or how to even get subscribers, this guide’s for you.
I’ve broken everything down into 10 steps where you’ll learn how to create a newsletter that works.
Let’s dive in.
TL;DR – How to Create a Newsletter in 10 Easy Steps
- Newsletters are still one of the highest ROI marketing channels — Litmus says email drives $36–$42 for every $1 spent.
- In 2025, more creators and small businesses are leaning into newsletters than ever before. According to Beehiiv, email volume jumped from 402M to 15.6B in just 3 years.
Follow these 10 steps to create a newsletter that attracts real subscribers and gets results:
- Define Your Goal – Know what you want your newsletter to do: build trust, drive sales, educate, or promote content.
- Choose a Platform – Pick an email marketing tool based on ease of use and budget. Mail Mint is ideal if you use WordPress.
- Build Your Email List – Import contacts (if they’ve opted in) and grow your list organically with a freebie or content-driven opt-in.
- Create a Signup Form – Keep the form short, clear, and benefit-driven. Use strong CTAs and place it where it makes sense on your site.
- Attract Subscribers – Use popups, blog CTAs, social links, and landing pages to drive signups. User intent matters.
- Segment Your List – Start with simple segments like new subscribers, recent buyers, or active readers.
- Plan Your Content – Choose a format that fits your brand: original tips, blog updates, curated content, or product offers.
- Write the Copy – Keep your tone friendly. Use short paragraphs and clear CTAs. Make it feel like a real conversation.
- Design for Readability – Use templates, brand colors, mobile-friendly layouts, and don’t overload with visuals.
- Test and Send – Send a test email, check for broken links, and preview on mobile. Then track open rates, clicks, and unsubscribes.
- Avoid common mistakes like sending too often, writing long emails with no CTA, or skipping segmentation.
- If you’re just getting started, Mail Mint makes it easy to build, send, and automate your newsletters—right inside WordPress.
What Is a Newsletter and Why Does It Matter?
A newsletter is a recurring email you send to your subscribers to share updates, content, or offers. That’s all it is—a direct way to stay connected with people who’ve already shown interest in your business.
Let’s say you run an online course business. Every week, you send a short email to your subscribers. It includes a quick tip, a link to your latest content, and a reminder about your next live session.
Over time, those emails bring back people who didn’t finish your course and keep existing students engaged without relying on social media reach or ads.
Some people think newsletters are outdated because they don’t get the spotlight like social media or video content. But newsletters still outperform when it comes to retention and direct results.
Here’s what a good newsletter can help you do:
- Stay top of mind with your audience
- Turn one-time visitors into repeat customers
- Share updates or promotions instantly
- Build a loyal reader base around your niche
- Drive consistent traffic to your site or offer
- Collect feedback or insights directly from subscribers
Sending newsletters isn’t about being perfect. It’s about showing up regularly with something useful. And if you do that, the benefits add up quickly.
Now that you know why newsletters still work, let’s walk through exactly how to create one from scratch.
10 Steps To Create a Newsletter That Attracts Subscribers
Alright, let’s put your newsletter together.
You don’t need to do everything in one sitting, but if you go step by step, you’ll have a working system in place.
Here’s where to start.
Step 1 – Define Your Newsletter Goal
Before you even open up a tool or think about what to write, pause for a second and figure this out: what do you want your newsletter to do for you?
You might want it to…
- Warm up leads and build trust
- Drive more traffic to your content
- Sell a digital product or promote offers
- Share useful content consistently with your audience
Pick one or two that match your business. Your goal will shape what kind of content you send, how often you send it, and who you’re writing to.
Once your goal is set, you’re ready to choose the right tool to run your newsletter.
Step 2 – Choose an Email Newsletter Platform
This is where most people overthink it. You need a tool to actually create, send, and manage your newsletter. The right one depends on your budget, how tech-comfortable you are, and what features you need, like automation, tagging, or built-in templates.
Here are a few solid options to consider:
- Mail Mint – Best for WordPress users and course creators who want to keep everything inside their site. It’s simple to use and comes with automation and list management built in.
- ConvertKit – Great for bloggers and solo creators who focus on content and digital products.
- Mailchimp – Popular all-rounder with a generous free plan. Works well for small businesses that want templates and basic automations.
- Brevo (formerly Sendinblue) – Good for businesses that also want SMS and CRM features along with email.
Choose one according to your preference and set it up with your business name and email domain. This part only takes a few minutes, and you can change tools later if needed.
In this blog, I’ll use Mail Mint to show you how to create a newsletter in an easier way.
Step 3 – Build Your Email List
Once you’ve picked your platform, the next step is to get people on your list.
Start by importing any contacts you already have—like past customers, webinar attendees, or early signups. But only add people who’ve explicitly agreed to hear from you. If they haven’t opted in, leave them out. Adding unverified contacts can hurt your deliverability and trust score.
To grow your list from scratch, focus on organic signups.
Here’s the most effective way: offering something valuable in exchange for their email.
It could be:
- A simple checklist
- A quick-start guide
- A mini-course or short video
- Exclusive weekly tips
If you’re using Mail Mint, you can easily set up popups or subscription forms without needing third-party tools.
Pro tip- Make sure your setup uses double opt-in that sends a quick confirmation email before adding someone to your list. This keeps your audience clean and helps your emails actually get delivered.
Watch this video to learn how you can build an email list using Mail Mint.
Step 4 – Create a Newsletter Signup Form
Now that you know what you’re offering, it’s time to create the actual form that collects emails.
Keep the following things in mind while creating the sign-up form-
i. Keep the form simple.
ii. Start with just name and email.
iii. Avoid adding extra fields unless you absolutely need them. More fields = more friction.
iv. Your form’s headline should clearly tell people what they’ll get. Instead of just saying “Subscribe,” say something like:
- “Get Weekly Growth Tips in Your Inbox”
- “Join 1,000+ Creators Getting Exclusive Updates”
- “Download Your Free Instagram Hashtag Guide”
If you’re offering a freebie, make sure it’s mentioned in the form so people know what to expect.
Where to Place Your Signup Form for Maximum Impact
Place your form where your audience is already engaged or ready to take action.
Here are some high-converting spots:
- At the top of your homepage
- In the sidebar on blog posts
- At the end of blog posts
- As a popup triggered by scroll or exit intent
- On your About page or Resources section
- Inside product or course pages (if relevant)
For example, if you run a cooking site, add the form right after your most popular recipes or in your recipe index page. The goal is to offer the signup where it feels like a natural next step, not a distraction.
Mail Mint lets you create this sign-up form and control when and where your forms show up, so you can experiment and see what gets the best response. Also, it has multiple pre-made newsletter subscription forms that you can simply apply from the template library and start using right away.

H3: Step 5 – Attract Subscribers to Join Your List
Now that your form is ready, the next step is to actually drive people to it. This is where most creators and small business owners hit a wall—not because they don’t have an audience, but because they don’t know how to invite that audience to subscribe in a way that feels natural.
If you already have followers—on social media, YouTube, your blog, or even inside a free course—you’ve got a head start. You just need to point them to your signup form with a clear reason to join.
For example, if you’re a fitness coach posting daily tips on Instagram, link to your email newsletter in your bio and mention that your best content—like full routines or client case studies—goes out by email each week. or If you’re running a blog, add a call-to-action at the end of each post. Something like: “Want more tips like this? Get my free meal prep guide and weekly advice straight to your inbox.”
Use a few simple but proven tactics:
- Add a scroll-triggered or exit-intent popup with a clear offer (Mail Mint can help you set this up quickly)
- Use lead magnets—like a checklist, template, or short email course—as a reason for people to sign up
- Share your landing page on social platforms, podcast episodes, or even your YouTube video descriptions
- Embed your form inside your About page, Resources page, or any content hub you own
If you’re using WPFunnels, this gets even easier—you can build a dedicated landing page or opt-in funnel that helps you capture leads without cluttering your main site.
Here’s how you can create opt in funnel using WPFunnels-
The main thing to remember: don’t just say “Subscribe to my newsletter.” Give people a clear benefit or value. If you show them what they’ll get, they’re far more likely to join.
Step 6 – Segment Your List for Better Results
Once people start joining your list, it’s easy to treat everyone the same.
But not every subscriber is looking for the same thing. The more relevant your emails are, the more likely they’ll open, click, and stick around.
In this case, you’ll have to segment people based on what they’ve done or shown interest in, so you can send content that fits them better.
With Mail Mint, you can automatically add subscribers to lists and tags according to their actions.
Here’s how-
3 Simple Segments You Can Start With
You don’t need to overcomplicate this. Start with a few basic groups:
- New Subscribers – People who just joined. You can send a short welcome series or intro content to build trust from day one.
- Customers – If someone has already bought from you, skip the intro and focus on updates, exclusive deals, or tips to get more value from what they bought.
- Engaged Readers – These are subscribers who often open or click your emails. You might test new offers or content formats here, since they’re more likely to respond.
Even with just these three, your emails will instantly feel more personal—and more useful.
Step 7 – Plan Your Newsletter Content
Now that you’ve got a targeted list, it’s time to figure out what you’re actually sending.
Your newsletter shouldn’t feel like a sales pitch or a throwaway update. It should give people a reason to open it every time, whether that’s a useful tip, a fresh idea, or something that saves them time.
If you’re stuck, keep it simple. Pick 1–2 content types and stick with them until it feels natural.
Here are some go-to formats that work well:
- A quick tip or tutorial based on your expertise
- A curated list of useful resources, articles, or tools
- A personal story or insight tied to your niche
- Updates about your products, services, or latest blog post
- A limited-time offer or early access to something you’re launching
If you’re promoting a new blog post, summarize the key takeaway and link to it. If you’re running a sale, add a short note with the why behind the offer.
The goal is to keep the email clear, valuable, and easy to read in under a minute.
How Often Should You Send Newsletters?
You don’t need to send emails every day. But you do need to stay consistent.
- Weekly works great if you’re publishing content regularly or running promotions
- Bi-weekly is enough for most creators or coaches who want to stay top-of-mind without overwhelming their audience
- Monthly can work for product-based businesses or seasonal brands
Whatever you choose, pick a pace you can stick to. It’s better to show up consistently than to burn out after a few emails.
Step 8 – Write Engaging Newsletter Copy
Once your content plan is clear, it’s time to write the actual email. Keep your tone friendly and easy to read—like you’re talking to one person, not writing a public announcement.
Break up long blocks of text into short paragraphs. Use subheadings, bold important lines, and keep sentences tight. This makes your emails easier to scan, especially on mobile.
You don’t need to sound clever—just be clear. Share something useful. Add a quick story or personal note if it makes sense. Keep your voice consistent, so your readers recognize you over time.
You can ask for replies, too, especially if you’re sharing something personal or asking for feedback. That helps keep engagement up.

Subject Line Tips — How To Get More Opens
Most people decide whether to open your email based on the subject line alone. Here’s how to improve your open rates:
- Keep it short (40–50 characters works well)
- Be specific, not clever — say what they’ll get
- Avoid all caps or spammy phrases
- Use first names if your tool supports it
- Add a sense of timeliness if relevant
If you’re stuck, write 3–4 subject lines and choose the best one. You can even A/B test them if your email tool allows.
Step 9 – Design Your Newsletter for Readability
The design doesn’t need to be fancy—it just needs to be clean and easy to read. Most email tools (including Mail Mint) offer ready-to-use newsletter templates, so you can just plug in your content and go.
Try Mail Mint’s free version and make some newsletter examples of your own.

But while designing on your own-
- Stick to your brand colors and fonts to build consistency.
- Make sure your font size isn’t too small—14–16px is a safe range.
- And check how your email looks on mobile before sending. Most people will read it on their phone.
- Don’t overdo it with visuals. One or two images are fine, but too many can slow loading or trigger spam filters.
Here are 3 design tips to follow:
- Use plenty of white space — it keeps things easy on the eyes
- Stick to one column — multi-column layouts often break on mobile
- Keep your call-to-action (CTA) button visible and easy to tap
Once the copy and design are ready, give everything a quick final review. Then move on to testing and sending.
Step 10 – Test and Send Your Newsletter
Once your content and design are ready, it’s time to send but don’t hit that button just yet.
- Start by sending a test email to yourself.
- Check the layout, font size, image alignment, and whether everything looks clean on both desktop and mobile.
- Click every link to make sure they work. Even one broken link can hurt trust.
- Preview how your email looks in different inboxes—especially Gmail, Apple Mail, and Outlook. Small formatting issues can pop up depending on the client.
- Then check the subject line. You can A/B test two versions to see which gets better open rates. If not, stick with one that’s clear, direct, and matches what’s inside the email.
Finally, schedule the email based on your audience.
For most niches, weekday mornings between 9–11 AM tend to work well, but if you’re unsure, pick a time and stick with it so you can compare results later.
What To Track After Sending
Once the email is out, keep an eye on a few key metrics:
- Open rate: Shows how many people opened your email. If it’s low, your subject line might need work.
- Click-through rate (CTR): Tells you if readers clicked your links. This shows how engaging your content is.
- Unsubscribes: If this number spikes, it could mean your email felt off-topic or too frequent.
- Bounce rate: If many emails were not delivered, it may be time to clean your list.
Use these numbers to adjust future emails.
You can easily check data if you use Mail Mint-

Common Newsletter Mistakes To Avoid
You’ve done the work to set up your newsletter, but there are a few slip-ups that can easily kill your results. Keep an eye out for these common mistakes so your emails actually get read and clicked.
- Sending too often: If you’re in their inbox all the time, people will start tuning out or unsubscribing.
- Writing too long: Nobody wants to scroll through a wall of text—keep it short and to the point.
- Skipping segmentation: Sending the same email to everyone means it won’t feel relevant to most.
- No clear call to action: If you don’t tell people what you want them to do next, they probably won’t do anything.
- Weak subject lines: A boring or confusing subject means fewer people will even open your email.
Avoid these and you’ll keep your readers happy and interested.
Wrap Up
You don’t need to figure everything out at once. Just follow the steps I’ve covered, and you’ll have a working newsletter that grows with your business.
If you want a tool that keeps things simple—especially if you’re using WordPress— Mail Mint is a great place to start. It lets you build forms, set up automations, and manage your list in one place.
Start today. Get your first email out. Keep it consistent. That’s how you build trust and stay top-of-mind with the people who matter most.
FAQs
How do I build my own newsletter?
To build your own newsletter, start by defining a clear goal, like sharing updates, promoting your blog, or building trust. Then choose a tool like Mail Mint, create a signup form, and start collecting subscribers. If you’re unsure how to create a newsletter, follow the 10-step system above to make the whole process manageable and results-driven.
What is the best program to create a newsletter?
If you use WordPress, Mail Mint is a great fit. It lets you build forms, segment your list, and design email campaigns—all in one place. For others, ConvertKit and Brevo are solid options too. Most tools come with built-in newsletter templates to make things easier, so you don’t need to start from scratch.
How do I create a newsletter for free?
You can create a newsletter for free using tools like Mail Mint’s free version or Mailchimp’s free tier. These give you everything you need: signup forms, templates, and scheduling. For step-by-step help, refer back to the guide above on how to create a newsletter for free—it’s built for beginners.
Can I create a newsletter in Word?
Technically, yes—you can design a basic newsletter in Microsoft Word and export it as a PDF or print it. But if you want something you can email, track, and automate, use an actual email marketing platform. Tools like Mail Mint give you real newsletter examples and layouts that are optimized for inbox performance.