📈 Future of Newsletter

📈 Future of Newsletters

Last week, Matt McGarry wrote a long form issue of his newsletter asking if newsletters were dead? (scary)

Great read if you have the time, if not, let me recap what he said here:

Are newsletters dead?… Spoiler alert… Not even close. 

But in a world where anyone can launch one with a few clicks, standing out is the real challenge. Platforms like Beehiiv, Kit and Substack have made entry easier, but keeping readers hooked? That’s another game entirely.

Matt McGarry compares newsletters to podcasts—most start strong, but only the best survive because newsletters need constant feeding and attention, kinda like kids really…

The ones that win? They bring a unique voice, sharp content, and undeniable value. If your newsletter feels generic, your readers won’t think twice about hitting “unsubscribe.”

Some of the most successful newsletters today focus on niche expertise. Lenny’s Newsletter, for example, dominates the product management space by delivering deep insights and real-world case studies.

Meanwhile, Milk Road turned crypto news into a digestible, entertaining format that keeps readers coming back daily. 

These newsletters don’t just inform—they create a community and a brand that people trust.

Matt goes on to comment on Adam Ryan and Brian Morrissey podcast episode, saying Newsletters shouldn’t be an end goal, but part of a larger business/community. (We all agree on that)

However, my favorite part is what the future of Newsletter would look like with AI being more present and Matt’s view on what he calls the “new Inbox”

While AI-driven email filtering and inbox segmentation may impact visibility, email remains the closest thing to a direct connection with an audience.

The key to surviving inbox changes is creating habit-forming, indispensable content that readers actively seek out.

To conclude:

Yes, competition is fierce, but newsletters are far from over. The ones that rise to the top will be those that innovate, engage, and refuse to be just another email in the inbox. The bubble of bad newsletter will pop and will leave more room for the top creators.

The future isn’t about fitting in—it’s about leading with originality.

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📢 Monetization Tool

New feature this week, Beehiiv launched their own sponsorships tool directly on the platform.

They currently have the Boosts, where you earn by promoting other newsletters, the Ad Network, which connects you with sponsors, and Premium Subscriptions for paywalled content.

Their new sponsorship feature sounds great, though right now it’s only available with the Max plan owners. (more expensive plan)

You could always use other Sponsorships services like Sponsy or Paved which are commission based platforms.

📰 Classifieds

Acquire the Web - Join 5,300 buyers in their quest for their next digital investments. Sign up for free

Beehiiv - Get 20% off your first 3 months on any plan + a 30-day trial on one of the best mailing tool out there. Get started now!

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Duuce is the #1 marketplace for buying & selling quality newsletters. See what your newsletter is worth with their free valuation calculator. Check it out

Lettergrowth is the #1 place to cross-promote with 1,660+ Newsletters in 133+ different niches for FREE Check it out

☝️ One More Thing

Exclusively for you, Duuce’s 3rd acquisition!

Yes, you heard it right!

The #1 Marketplace for Buying and Selling Quality Newsletters, originally created by Jonas Sluijs in 2019.

Acquired a first time by the French digital marketplace DotMarket in 2021 and a second time in 2023 by The Wisdom Group, has been taken over by non other than …Myself :)) (Aurelie, I write this newsletter and a few others, nice to meet you) 

I have been managing Duuce for the past 3 years and I can’t wait to continue this journey as a first time entrepreneur!

Counting on you guys for any feedback, advice, questions, comments, hellos, anything! And looking forward to all things Newsletter and the changes to come!

Interested in sponsoring this Newsletter? Contact [email protected]