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