There are millions of newsletters being pumped out every day.

So before you write another one, you need to ask yourself a painfully simple—but vital—question:

👉 Why would anyone want to follow you?

Because unless you can answer that, no AI tool, no email template, no clever subject line will save your newsletter from irrelevance.

Here’s the truth:
People follow newsletters for selfish reasons.
(And that’s exactly how it should be.)

So instead of asking yourself, "What can I send them."

Start by flipping the question. Ask:

“What’s in it for them?”

We’ve broken it down to a few timeless motivations:

✅ 1. To stay informed (Knowledge = Power)

People want to be in the know—whether it’s market trends, breaking news, or insider insights. It helps them do their job better, stay competitive, or simply just feel like the smartest person in the room.

🧠 Example:
Chartr sends quick, chart-filled explainers on current events. Readers feel smarter in minutes.

Source: newsletterexamples.co

🔁 You can replicate this by becoming the go-to source in your niche.

• Are you in real estate? Share timely updates on mortgage rate changes, upcoming policy shifts, or local market trends before they hit the mainstream.
• Run a wellness clinic? Curate research-backed insights on seasonal health trends, new treatment advancements, or self-care habits your clients haven’t heard of yet.
• Work at an agency? Break down evolving digital trends—like the impact of new social algorithms, top-performing campaign types, or tools your clients can start using now.

🎭 2. To be entertained (The Email Inbox Escape)

Sometimes people just want a break. They’ll open emails that make them laugh, think, or just feel more human.

🎤 Example:
The Hustle is a daily newsletter that mixes business and tech news with sharp wit, pop culture references, and an unmistakably opinionated and entertaining voice. It’s informative and hilarious—so readers keep coming back not just for the insights, but the ride.

🔁 You can replicate this by injecting personality, storytelling, hot takes, or slice-of-life commentary.

Are you a coach or creator? Talk about behind-the-scenes moments (fails included), bold opinions, or quirky stories from your niche that make readers smirk.

🧩 3. To learn something new (aka "Help me grow")

Readers open newsletters that teach them something—especially content that's actionable or insightful.

📘 Example:
Marketing Examples newsletter by Harry Dry gives bite-sized marketing breakdowns that are highly scannable and useful.

🔁 You can replicate this by teaching frameworks, breaking down case studies, or summarizing books/podcasts for your audience.

• Fitness Coach? Break down the science behind a new nutrition or workout trend—then give them an easy way to act on it (like a sample meal plan or 10-min circuit).
• Financial Advisor? Explain how rising interest rates affect everyday finances—then suggest practical next steps like refinancing tips or investment options.
• Wellness Clinic? Share research-backed techniques for reducing anxiety or improving sleep—then recommend a simple daily habit or product.

💡 4. To be convinced of something (Conversion Time)

These readers are on the edge. They’re ready to buy, book a call, or take action—but they need to be nurtured into clarity.

⚖️ Example:
ConvertKit’s newsletter shares success stories from creators, gently reinforcing why email > social when it comes to owning your audience.

🔁 You can replicate this by sending mini case studies, myth-busting common objections, or answering buyer questions in newsletter form.
If you're a consultant? Showcase a client win—then show exactly how you helped make it happen.

💬 5. To feel part of a shared identity (Community & Belonging)

People don’t just want content—they want connection. They’re drawn to personal brands, niche groups, and shared experiences.

🫂 Example:
The Broadsheet (by Fortune) highlights must-know news from women in business, giving readers a sense of voice and representation.

🔁 You can replicate this by:

• Showcasing stories from your customer base
• Giving readers a “role” to play in your mission
• Tapping into collective beliefs or identity signals with opinionated thought leadership (e.g., "fellow creators", "early-stage SaaS founders", "biohackers")

The best part.
You don’t need to manually do all this.

These kinds of newsletters—part educational, part entertaining, part persuasive...

They can be automated using AI.
Customized to your brand.
And generated weekly with trending, personalized content tailored to your audience’s needs.

All without hiring a fancy agency or living inside a Google Doc every Sunday night.

Need help figuring it out?

We offer custom newsletter setup services where we’ll help define:

• Your audience’s true “why”
• Your best newsletter angles (based on what's worked for hundreds of clients)
• Your branded content prompts for AI
• And an automated system to generate unignorable content all year round

📩 Want us to build your newsletter system for you?

Let’s chat and get it done →

‍