📌 Your newsletter’s 6 silent killers

This might make you uncomfortable, but it’ll help.

If your newsletter isn’t growing…
If people stop clicking after the welcome email…
If monetization feels like guesswork…

There’s a reason. And it’s probably not what you think.

Over the next 6 weeks, I’m breaking down the 6 most common weak spots I’ve seen again and again:

1. In my own newsletters

2. In the ones I’ve helped fix for clients, and

3. Even in top-performing newsletters (that didn’t always start strong)

I’m shifting EmailBreakdown to focus strictly on this kind of business-first clarity - systems, offers, growth, and monetization that drive results.

Quick gut check — how’s this shift landing with you? 👇

1. Product–Market Fit

Translation: Your main offer and niche.

If people don’t want what you’re offering, email won’t fix it.

Example: Jon Morrow – SmartBlogger (4M readers)

2. Content–Market Fit

Translation: Your weekly content and how well it lands.

Good writing isn’t enough - it has to be relevant.

Example: ​Zachary Ginsburg ​& ​Alex Pattis - Last Money In ($500K/7 mo)

Fast, clean, no-fluff for busy investors.

3. Scalable Audience Growth

Translation: A system for bringing in new subscribers.

If growth stops when you stop posting, it’s not scalable.

Example: Matt Paulson - MarketBeat  (Earns $40M)

SEO + affiliate funnel = millions of leads.

4. Sponsor–Content Fit

Translation: Are your offers aligned with your readers?

Mismatch kills trust. Good fit earns clicks.

Example: Codie Sanchez - Contrarian Thinking ($500K/mo)

Ad offers filtered through audience psychology.

5. Revenue Model

Translation: Your path to income.

If you’re not tracking LTV or payback period, you’re guessing.

Example: Tim Huelskamp & Andrew Steigerwald  - 1440 (4.7M subs - $20M)

Clean format, reliable ad engine, strong monetization math.

6. Process Systematization

Translation: Do you have a repeatable workflow or are you winging it?

Example: Adam Ryan - Workweek  (500K subs - $1.1M)

Scaled across verticals with lean teams and strong systems.

Here’s the truth:

You don’t need to master all six.

You just need to fix your weakest one.

That’s what the next 6 issues will help you do.

Looking for a newsletter worth stealing from - and a copywriter worth hiring?

Meet Charlie Dice, founder of The Rural Writer.
She helps business owners grow and monetize their email lists with storytelling that sells (without sounding salesy).

Her newsletter is a mix of smart strategies, tested ideas, and sharp writing lessons - especially useful if you're building your own list or hiring someone to help you.

🧠 Want a copy that converts - and teaches you something too?
Subscribe to The Rural Writer - and keep Charlie on your radar.

P.S.

Want to launch or fix your newsletter fast? → Newsletter in 10 Days

Want 1:1 help? → Book a strategy call​

P.P.S.

A paid version of EmailBreakdown is coming.

More templates.

More examples by niche.

More behind-the-scenes.

Current readers get 40% off. New subscribers?

They’ll pay full price. You’re here early, and I appreciate that.​