The 2025 No-BS Guide to Growing Your Newsletter (We Write Dozens Per Month)
Listen up, friends. 2025 is the year we stop begging for subscribers like it's 2012 and start getting people excited to join our newsletters. If your current strategy is giving "random dude handing out flyers outside a club" energy, we need to talk.
Here’s your no-nonsense, sassy guide on what to do (and what to never do) if you actually want people to open, read, and maybe even look forward to your emails.
DO: Make Your Opt-In Juicy 🥵
Nobody—and I mean nobody—wants another boring “Subscribe to get updates” form. Updates on what? Your random Tuesday thoughts? Try again.
Make your opt-in irresistible. Offer something they actually want, like: ✅ A spicy industry hot take no one else is sharing ✅ A super-useful freebie (think templates, checklists, or a juicy strategy breakdown)
✅ Exclusive content that feels special (not just recycled Instagram posts)
Here are some of our super useful opt-ins 😉:
DON’T: Make It Hard to Subscribe 😵💫
If someone has to fill out their blood type, mother’s maiden name, and first pet’s nickname just to get on your list, you’re doing too much. Keep it simple: name, email, done. Bonus points if it’s a one-click sign-up.
And for the love of all things digital, make sure your sign-up form works on mobile. If your form is a tiny, glitchy nightmare on someone’s phone, they’re out.
DO: Show Off Your Personality 😏
Your newsletter should sound like you, not a corporate robot. People subscribe to emails that feel personal, fun, and valuable. If they wanted bland, generic updates, they’d sign up for their bank’s mailing list.
Whether you’re witty, sarcastic, inspiring, or a little unhinged (we love that), let your emails reflect you. That’s what keeps people reading.
DON’T: Bait-and-Switch 🚩
If you promise one thing on your sign-up form and deliver something completely different, congrats—you’ve just earned yourself an unsubscribe (or worse, a spam complaint).
Be upfront about what they’ll get. If you say “weekly marketing tips,” don’t send daily ramblings about your dog’s digestive issues (unless, of course, that’s the content they signed up for).
DO: Make It a VIP Experience 💎
Treat your subscribers like the inner circle. Give them early access to things, exclusive discounts, behind-the-scenes content—whatever makes them feel like insiders.
A solid strategy? Create a “newsletter-only” perk. Maybe it’s a secret podcast episode, an exclusive Q&A, or a spicy rant you wouldn’t dare post on LinkedIn.
DON’T: Be a Ghost 👻
If you’re only showing up in people’s inboxes when you need something (aka: “Hey bestie, buy my thing!”), you’re doing it wrong. Build trust and engagement before you ask for anything.
Consistency is key. Whether it’s weekly, biweekly, or monthly—set a schedule and stick to it. Don’t disappear for six months and then pop back in like, “Heyyyy, remember me?” No. No, we do not.
DO: Make It Easy to Share 🤝
If people love your emails, they’ll want to share them—so make it easy. Add a “forward this to a friend” note. Include a shareable link. Maybe even run a fun referral program (like, “Get three friends to sign up and I’ll send you a ridiculous meme AND a freebie”).
Word of mouth is everything. Use it.
DON’T: Be a Clingy Ex 🚫
If someone unsubscribes, let them go. Don’t hit them with a needy “Are you sure?” guilt-trip page or force them to log in to unsubscribe. And definitely don’t start sending them even more emails begging them to stay.
Respect the breakup. It’s not you, it’s... well, it actually is you. But that’s okay. Not everyone is your audience.
The Bottom Line:
Your newsletter should feel like a fun, exclusive club—not an obligation. Give people a reason to join, make it easy, and keep them engaged with content that actually makes their inbox better.
2025 is the year we stop being annoying and start being irresistible. Now go forth and grow that list, bestie. 🚀