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- 📌No newsletter is perfect - except for this one
📌No newsletter is perfect - except for this one
Anatoly Zaslaver
December 16, 2024
Hey, glad you made it today! 👋
I break down newsletters that excel in growth and monetization.
All insights are delivered in 4 minutes or less.
Today's example is from the Source - Big Desk Energy by Tyler Denk.
Backstory
Tyler Denk is the co-founder and CEO of Beehiiv, a leading newsletter platform.
He was the second employee at Morning Brew, growing it from 100K to 3.5M subs.
Morning Brew, founded in 2015, was sold in 2021 for $75M.
Big Desk Energy (BDE) is more than just a newsletter. It’s a window into startup culture, trends, and Beehiiv's behind-the-scenes.
What's in it for you?
- Captivating Design: Retro Windows 98 vibes that grab attention.
- Engaging Content: A mix of startup stories, music, and web gems.
- Level up: Download and use BDE templates to enhance your newsletter.
Let’s start with the design, which stands out.
Remember Windows 98? It’s got that retro vibe.
This design alone makes the newsletter unique and memorable.
BDE is 1,100+ words, blending startup insights with music and news.
Despite the length, it’s a smooth read, thanks to Tyler’s conversational tone.
It feels like a chat over espresso, making it easy to engage.
Each issue has a playlist, giving readers an extra reason to return weekly.
BDE’s Format:
1. A weekly story: A deep dive into notable startup news.
2. AI desk energy: A contest for the best AI-generated desk image.
3. Tracks of the week: Top picks to keep you grooving.
4. Surfing the web: The best online content about tech and startups.
5. Share big desk energy: A referral program that rewards sharing.
6. Suggestion box: A poll and CTA to share the newsletter.
7. Footer: Making important links more obvious.
What about your newsletter?
Do you have features that make readers return?
Takeaway:
Add engaging content if you haven’t yet.
Ideas: Best memes, funniest videos.
Deliverability
The BDE sign-up flow is classic.
Opt-in Page > Survey >Thank You Page > Welcome Email
Each step seems standard but has unique twists.
Opt-in Page:
- Minimalist design & a simple message.
- SOI (Single Opt-In) was switched to DOI (Double Opt-In) recently.
- DOI might reduce conversion by 20%, but it keeps the email list cleaner.
- The page blocks repetitive submissions to avoid duplications.
Survey:
Gathers data to shape future offerings for BDE and Beehiiv.
With 40K subs, even a 10% survey response gives useful insights (4K inputs).
Thank You Page:
Eye-catching with a link to a curated song library.
Welcome Email:
A well-designed introduction sets the tone.
Do you revise your Welcome sequence regularly?
Takeaway:
- If you’re starting, use SOI.
- Invest time in your survey.
- Build your welcome sequence up to 3-4 emails.
Growth
Tyler gained his first 1,000 subscribers in no time.
He promised to launch only after hitting that milestone.
That’s 5.7K subs/mo, 190 subs/day.
How does Tyler do it?
1. Strong social media presence on X - 25K and LI - 28K.
2. Effective pre-launch CTA posts.
3. Referral CTAs in every issue.
Monetization
In 7 months BDE generated $74, 310 in revenue.
Tyler monetizes BDE through:
1. Beehiiv Boost: Paid recommendations.
2. BDE Store: Referrals and product sales.
3. Masterminds: High-ticket events, like a $12.5K retreat.
Are you monetizing your newsletter?
Takeaway:
- Ask readers if they’d like to sponsor your newsletter.
- Learn how to optimize Beehiiv Boost and SparkLoop.
Did you learn something new today? |
P.S. Oh, and..
I hope you found value here.
P.P.S.
Questions about newsletter growth, monetization, or other how-to topics?