- Morning Brew: Earned $35M with ad revenue and niche newsletters. Maintains a 42% open rate among 4M+ subscribers.
- Newcomer: Focused on venture capital, generating $1.6M annually through subscriptions ($19/month or $199/year).
- 1440: Free, ad-supported model with $15M in revenue, 4M subscribers, and a 60% open rate.
- AI Newsletter Generator: Uses automation to scale newsletters with a 60% open rate, offering subscription tiers and AI-driven personalization.
Each newsletter succeeded by leveraging unique revenue models, audience engagement strategies, and technology. Whether through ads, subscriptions, or AI tools, they show how to turn newsletters into thriving businesses.
Quick Comparison
| Newsletter | Revenue (2024) | Open Rate | Revenue Model | Key Strategy |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Morning Brew | $35M | 42% | Ad-supported | Diverse content, advertiser trust |
| Newcomer | $1.6M | N/A | Subscription-based | Niche content, premium subscriptions |
| 1440 | $15M | 60% | Free, ad-supported | Concise news, high engagement |
| AI Newsletter Generator | N/A | 60% | Subscription tiers | Automated, personalized newsletters |
Want to start your own profitable newsletter? Focus on delivering valuable content, engaging your audience, and choosing the right revenue model.
How to start a newsletter business in 2024
1. Morning Brew
Morning Brew has made waves with its impressive $35 million projected revenue and a 42% open rate. The secret to their success lies in three main strategies. Their advertising-based model accounts for 95% of their revenue, primarily through sponsored content [2].
Here’s how their revenue strategy breaks down:
| Revenue Pillar | How It Works |
|---|---|
| Audience management | Keeps engagement high, attracting advertisers |
| Content variety | Appeals to a wider range of advertisers |
| Strong advertiser ties | Builds trust by sharing conversion data |
To keep readers engaged, Morning Brew creates a sense of community. For instance, they run a private Facebook group exclusively for readers who’ve referred at least three others. They also cater to specific industries with niche newsletters like Retail Brew, Marketing Brew, and Emerging Tech. These are further supported by multimedia efforts like their "Business Casual" podcast [2].
Morning Brew’s advertiser relationships are built on results. Their data-driven approach has helped them lock in long-term partnerships and grow revenue significantly - from $3 million to $13 million in just one year [2].
Key Takeaways for You:
- A clean and engaged subscriber list is critical for attracting premium advertisers.
- Offering varied content can help bring in a broader range of advertisers and income.
- Sharing data with advertisers can build trust and lead to lasting partnerships.
While Morning Brew thrives with an ad-based model, other newsletters like Newcomer have found success using subscription-focused approaches.
2. Newcomer
Morning Brew may thrive on ad revenue, but Newcomer proves that a subscription-only model can be just as lucrative. Created by Eric Newcomer, this newsletter focuses on venture capital and startups, pulling in $1.6 million annually through a simple subscription-based approach [1].
Instead of relying on ads, Newcomer keeps things straightforward. It offers a free tier with basic access and a premium option at $19/month or $199/year, which includes exclusive content and access to archives [1].
What makes Newcomer stand out? Its laser focus on the startup and venture capital world. Subscribers stick around - and pay for premium access - because of the unique insights and exclusive interviews it delivers. By running a lean operation and focusing on data-rich, niche content, Newcomer has built a loyal following [1].
Why It Works:
- Focused startup and venture capital coverage offers clear value to subscribers.
- Recurring subscriptions provide a steady, predictable income stream.
- A small team keeps operations efficient and costs low.
Generating $1.6 million a year with minimal overhead, Newcomer shows how profitable niche newsletters can be. Sticking to a single revenue model - subscriptions - has worked well, proving that high-quality, specialized content can drive significant revenue without the need for ads or sponsorships [1][6].
The newsletter’s growth and earnings also highlight a key takeaway: readers are willing to pay for reliable, industry-specific information, especially in fields like business where good data informs key decisions [1]. This narrow, subscription-focused approach sets Newcomer apart from broader models like 1440’s, which aim to engage a wider audience.
3. 1440
With an impressive 60% open rate and a subscriber base of 4 million, 1440 has turned audience engagement into a $15 million annual advertising revenue stream [1]. Operating on a free, ad-supported model, the newsletter earns about 70 cents per subscriber each month [1].
Growth and Operations
Running with just a 15-person team, 1440 manages to add 250,000 new subscribers every month while maintaining a 60% open rate - far exceeding industry averages [1]. This efficient setup shows how newsletters can transform reader interest into significant revenue without a massive team.
Content Strategy and Revenue Model
1440 focuses on delivering concise, unbiased news summaries, which has attracted a diverse and loyal readership. This approach not only builds trust but also opens up valuable advertising opportunities. Here's a snapshot of their performance:
| Metric | Performance |
|---|---|
| Monthly Revenue per Subscriber | $0.70 |
| Total Annual Revenue | $15M+ |
| Subscriber Base | 4M |
| Monthly Growth Rate | 250K new subscribers |
By pairing high engagement with streamlined operations, 1440 has shown how free, ad-supported newsletters can generate substantial revenue. Their success challenges the dominance of subscription-based models, proving that advertising-focused strategies can work just as well when scaled effectively [1].
1440's achievements stand in contrast to subscription-based newsletters like Newcomer's, offering a compelling case for the potential of free models.
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4. AI Newsletter Generator
Newsletters like Morning Brew and 1440 have long relied on tried-and-true strategies. But in 2024, platforms like the AI Newsletter Generator are changing the game. By blending automation with advanced personalization, this tool helps businesses create newsletters that are both scalable and highly engaging.
Revenue Model and Performance
The platform uses a tiered subscription model to generate income, focusing on three main streams:
| Revenue Stream | Description | Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Subscription Fees | Includes Basic, Professional, and Enterprise plans | Core revenue source |
| AI Content Services | Offers personalized content generation | Adds supplementary income |
| Custom Enterprise Plans | Provides tailored solutions with expert support | Secures high-value contracts |
Technology and Efficiency
This AI-powered system analyzes trends and adapts content to fit audience preferences, cutting content creation time by 70% while keeping engagement rates on par with industry leaders. Thanks to intelligent content personalization, newsletters achieve an impressive 60% open rate [3].
Additional features include GDPR-compliant data handling, automated topic selection, customizable templates, and smooth integration with CRM and email marketing tools. These capabilities allow businesses to expand their newsletter operations without a corresponding rise in costs.
Performance and Impact
Newsletters created with AI tools see up to 25% higher click-through rates compared to traditional approaches [3]. This boost in engagement not only enhances audience interaction but also improves profitability, whether businesses rely on ads or subscriptions.
"AI Newsletter Generators have transformed the way businesses approach content creation, enabling them to produce high-quality newsletters at scale while maintaining personalization and engagement" [3].
Pros and Cons Analysis
Looking at the most profitable newsletters of 2024, we can break down their strengths and challenges. Each newsletter takes a different approach to content and revenue, offering both opportunities and hurdles.
| Newsletter | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Morning Brew | • Over 50% open rate • Diverse revenue streams • 4M+ subscribers • Focus on direct consumers |
• Reliance on ads • High content production costs • Constant growth required |
| Newcomer | • Steady subscription income • Exclusive content • Engaged, high-value readers • Strong retention |
• Limited growth potential • Revenue cap • Pressure to maintain premium quality |
| 1440 | • Efficient operations • Solid ad revenue • Neutral, unbiased content • Low overhead |
• Vulnerable to ad market changes • Needs a large audience • Balancing content and ads |
| AI Newsletter Generator | • Speeds up content creation by 70% • 60% open rate • Scalable tools • Automated workflows |
• Requires monitoring • Complicated setup • Steep learning curve |
This comparison highlights how these newsletters achieve profitability. The AI Newsletter Generator stands out by using automation for scalability, while still maintaining engagement levels similar to more traditional newsletters.
Revenue Models That Work
Each newsletter uses a distinct strategy to bring in revenue. Morning Brew relies on ads, Newcomer focuses on subscriptions, and 1440 takes an efficient, ad-supported approach. These tailored models allow them to connect with their specific audiences effectively.
The Role of Technology
AI tools are making a big difference, improving click-through rates by 25%. They allow newsletters to scale efficiently without sacrificing quality, blending automation with human input for the best results [3].
Diversifying Revenue Streams
Diversification is key to stability. Morning Brew, for example, has expanded into niche industry newsletters and multimedia ventures. This not only creates new growth paths but also helps shield the business from unpredictable market changes [7].
These takeaways offer useful strategies for building profitable newsletters, setting the stage for what's next.
Conclusion
The world of profitable newsletters in 2024 shows a clear recipe for success: combining diverse revenue streams, keeping readers engaged, and leveraging technology effectively. Examples like Morning Brew, Newcomer, and 1440 demonstrate how these elements work together to build sustainable and thriving businesses.
Here’s what stands out:
Diversified Revenue Streams
Mixing ads, subscriptions, and other income sources helps newsletters grow while staying steady. For instance, Morning Brew’s expansion into niche newsletters and multimedia content highlights how well this strategy works [4][5].
Audience-Focused Content
The best-performing newsletters put their readers first. By using feedback and segmented content strategies, they build loyal audiences and drive long-term growth [1].
Smart Use of Technology
AI tools are reshaping newsletter creation and operations, boosting efficiency without sacrificing quality. However, the most successful newsletters still rely on human oversight to keep content accurate and engaging [3].
If you’re aiming to follow in their footsteps, focus on these key areas:
- Deliver consistent, high-value content to grow a loyal subscriber base.
- Explore multiple revenue options like sponsorships and subscriptions while maintaining content quality.
- Tailor your content to specific audience segments to stand out and build stronger connections.
FAQs
What newsletters make the most money?
Newsletters like Morning Brew, Newcomer, and 1440 are highly profitable, thanks to their use of ad revenue, subscription models, or a mix of both. Other examples, such as Going (focusing on travel deals) and Lenny's Newsletter (covering tech and product management), succeed by offering niche content and tailored monetization strategies [1][2].
How much do advertisers pay for newsletters?
Newsletter advertising rates in 2024 depend on engagement metrics:
| Pricing Model | Cost Range | Details |
|---|---|---|
| CPM (Cost per Mille) | $15-$30 per 1,000 opens | Ideal for top sponsorship spots |
| CPC (Cost per Click) | $1-$5 per click | Based on ad performance |
Key factors affecting these rates include:
- Audience engagement levels
- Quality and specificity of the niche
- Subscriber list size and ad placement options
