In a thought-provoking article, Ben Thompson of The Stratechery raises an important question: "Should you sell newsletter sponsorships?" He emphasizes that your business model plays a crucial role in determining the destiny of your venture. While some creators may choose to lock their content behind a paywall, selling newsletter sponsorships allows them to keep their content publicly available.

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Sep 14, 2023
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In a thought-provoking article, Ben Thompson of The Stratechery raises an important question: "Should you sell newsletter sponsorships?" He emphasizes that your business model plays a crucial role in determining the destiny of your venture. While some creators may choose to lock their content behind a paywall, selling newsletter sponsorships allows them to keep their content publicly available.
One of the key advantages of selling newsletter sponsorships is that creators have more control over what they include in their newsletters compared to traditional ads. This allows for greater creativity and financial control. However, it's important to note that sponsorships can be an inconsistent revenue stream when compared to alternatives like subscription models.
When considering whether to sell newsletter sponsorships, it's essential to find alignment between your newsletter topic and a sponsor's product or service. When this alignment exists, it benefits everyone involved. Your audience gains access to a relevant deal, your sponsors achieve a positive return on their investment, and you solidify your publication as a valuable resource for both parties.
Determining the pricing for newsletter sponsorships can be a challenging task. Typically, sponsorships are priced in a CPM (cost per 1,000 subscribers) or CPO (cost per email opened) format. The standard newsletter CPM rates range from $5 to $200, depending on factors such as the niche, audience size, and sponsorship type. Most newsletters tend to charge sponsors between $25 and $50 for every thousand subscribers who open their emails. For instance, if a newsletter has 10,000 subscribers and a 45% open rate, it could expect to make around $112.50 to $225.00 for every issue sent.
Moving on to another topic, Jordan Peterson brings an intriguing perspective by highlighting Winston Churchill's prediction about the death of our civilization. This idea sparks curiosity and prompts us to delve deeper into the story. While the connection between these two topics may not be immediately apparent, there is a common thread that ties them together.
Both discussions revolve around the concept of how our choices and actions shape our destiny. Just as Ben Thompson emphasizes the significance of a business model in determining success, Winston Churchill's prediction serves as a reminder that the decisions we make today can have profound consequences for the future of our civilization.
In light of these insights, here are three actionable pieces of advice for those considering selling newsletter sponsorships:
- 1. Prioritize alignment: When selecting sponsors for your newsletter, ensure there is a strong alignment between their products or services and your content. This will enhance the value for your audience and increase the likelihood of a positive return on investment for your sponsors.
- 2. Experiment with pricing: While there are standard CPM rates for newsletters, don't be afraid to experiment with different pricing models to find what works best for your specific audience and niche. Consider factors such as open rates, subscriber engagement, and the perceived value of your content.
- 3. Diversify your revenue streams: While selling newsletter sponsorships can be a valuable source of income, it's important to diversify your revenue streams to mitigate the risk of relying solely on sponsorships. Explore other options like subscriptions, merchandise sales, or even creating premium content for a separate audience segment.
In conclusion, the decision to sell newsletter sponsorships should be carefully evaluated, taking into account factors such as alignment, pricing, and diversification of revenue streams. By understanding the significance of your business model and the impact of your choices, you can navigate the path towards a successful and sustainable newsletter venture.
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