📌No newsletter is perfect - except for this one

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.​​

Content

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.

BDE launched in January 2024, and by August, it hit ​40K subs​.

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.

P.S. Oh, and..

I hope you found value here.

If so, please forward this to 2 friends who might benefit as well - sign up ​here​.

P.P.S.

Questions about newsletter growth, monetization, or other how-to topics?

Reply to this email or connect with me on ​LinkedIn.