Are you ready to take your newsletter to the next level by incorporating sponsorships?
Before you dive in, it’s crucial to understand the steps involved in securing your first sponsor.
In this post, I’ll guide you through the process, helping you make informed decisions and stand out in the competitive world of newsletter sponsorships.
Why Are Newsletters Attractive to Sponsors?
Newsletters have become a lucrative platform for potential sponsors due to their high return on investment (ROI).
Studies have shown that email campaigns can yield nearly $38 for every $1 invested.
As a newsletter creator, you’re building a valuable asset with a dedicated audience and compelling content.
Step 1: Choose the Type of Sponsored Content There are three main categories for newsletter sponsorships:
- Classifieds: These are short, 1-2 sentence blocks of text with a single trackable link to the sponsor’s product. They are cost-effective but may appear alongside several others.
- Shoutouts: Shoutouts are longer, multi-paragraph blocks placed in the middle of the newsletter. They can include multiple links and may have unique formatting to stand out.
- Deep Dives: This option dedicates most or all of your newsletter’s content to a single company or product, creating a unique edition. Deep dives are premium but should be used judiciously to maintain audience trust.
Step 2: Decide How Much to Charge Sponsors
Choosing the right pricing model is crucial.
Many successful newsletters use a simple “Cost Per Open” (CPO) model, charging around $50 per 1,000 opens based on average open rates.
It’s wise to start with a reasonable base price and gradually increase it as your newsletter grows.
Step 3: Create a Dedicated Sponsorship Page
Compile essential information potential sponsors want to see on a dedicated sponsorship page on your website.
Include audience size, engagement rates, reader demographics, past sponsors, available sponsorship slots, and your contact information.
Make potential sponsors feel confident about their purchase.
Step 4: Make a List of Sponsorship Questions
Filter potential sponsors by asking questions such as whether they align with your readers’ interests, if there’s potential for an ongoing relationship, and whether they’ve sponsored other newsletters.
Trust is paramount in sponsorships.
Step 5: Find and Contact Potential Sponsors
Locating potential sponsors can be time-consuming, but there are networks and directories like these ones here that can help connect you with advertisers.
- Swapstack – Built specifically for newsletter sponsorships. Advertisers pay fees for participating in the network, so writers keep 100% of the revenue.
- Who Sponsors Stuff – A searchable database of companies that have sponsored at least one email newsletter. Useful resource for searching by industry.
- SponsorGap – A service that automates some of the process by enabling advertisers to buy open ad slots in newsletters. Requires a paid membership for writers to participate.
- Hecto – Standard marketplace for potential sponsorships. Free to join but charges a percentage fee.
- Paved – Premium marketplace for email ads that is popular because of its integrations with numerous platforms. Includes opportunities for various sponsored posts and content.
- Letterwell – Search platform for advertisers to find potential newsletters. Publishers can join for free but appear higher in search results for a fee.
Start with free platforms and expand as you gain experience.
Remember, sponsored content is a long-term game in monetizing your newsletter.
Don’t be intimidated to reach out to potential sponsors; they are often creators like you, working hard to build something meaningful.
By partnering together, everyone can win in the world of newsletter sponsorships.
Get started on securing your first sponsorship and start earning more income.
