HELP MY NEWSLETTER

Triage for sick newsletters that should be printing money

Sponsors

Proof

Pricing

Fit
Can I explain your audience in one sentence to my boss without lying?

Proof
Do you show outcomes, not vibes? Clicks, replies, conversions, or at least consistent engagement.

Repeatability
If I buy one placement, can I buy four more and expect similar quality?

• Your audience description is broad enough to fit a billboard
• Your ad placement changes every issue
• You cannot show a recent example issue that looks sponsor-safe
• You quote a price with no anchor, no package, no reporting plan
• You promise conversions and cannot define the funnel

Pass-fail checklist

Mark each as YES or NO:

1) My audience fits in one sentence.
Example: “Bootstrapped operators building newsletters and paid communities.”

2) I have a consistent ad slot location.
Same section, same format, same visual weight.

3) I can show 2 recent example issues that look sponsor-safe.
Not perfect. Just clean, readable, and consistent.

4) I can report something real.
At minimum: clicks. Better: signups, purchases, booked calls, or tracked conversions.

5) I know what I am selling.
One placement, bundle, or package. Not “we can do whatever.”

6) My link tracking is not a mystery.
UTM tags, redirect link, or at least consistent click reporting.

The rule

If a sponsor asks “what do I get?” and you need a paragraph to explain it, you are not ready yet. Make it simple enough that a tired marketing manager can say yes.

Pass-fail checklist

Mark each as YES or NO:

1) My audience fits in one sentence.
Example: “Bootstrapped operators building newsletters and paid communities.”

2) I have a consistent ad slot location.
Same section, same format, same visual weight.

3) I can show 2 recent example issues that look sponsor-safe.
Not perfect. Just clean, readable, and consistent.

4) I can report something real.
At minimum: clicks. Better: signups, purchases, booked calls, or tracked conversions.

5) I know what I am selling.
One placement, bundle, or package. Not “we can do whatever.”

6) My link tracking is not a mystery.
UTM tags, redirect link, or at least consistent click reporting.

The rule

If a sponsor asks “what do I get?” and you need a paragraph to explain it, you are not ready yet. Make it simple enough that a tired marketing manager can say yes.

The simple package stack
Use this until you earn the right to get fancy:

• 1x placement (test buy)
• 4x bundle (best value, same slot each week)
• 4x bundle + add-on (social post or dedicated send)

Your first goal is not maximizing rate. Your first goal is proving repeatable performance. After that, you can raise prices without panic.

Run it in 5 minutes. Save your output. Use it as your pricing anchor.

Participation challenge: Run the tool, then reply with your result in this format:
List size | Niche | 1x rate | 4x bundle rate

Subject: Quick fit for [Brand] and [Newsletter]?

1) I write to [one-sentence audience].
2) Recent sponsors have used placements to drive [result type].
3) I have a consistent slot in every issue and report clicks after each send.
4) I have availability for [date range]. Here are 1x and 4x options.
5) Want me to send example issues and confirm fit?

If you cannot fill those five lines honestly, go back to the scorecard and fix the system first.

[ ] Lock one consistent ad slot location in your issue

[ ] Write your one-sentence audience description

[ ] Pick 2 sponsor-safe example issues (recent, clean, consistent)

[ ] Run the Ad Rates Tool and set 1x + 4x bundle pricing

Expected outcome

You stop “thinking about sponsors” and start operating like someone sponsors can actually buy.

Hit reply with your gut-check number (1-5) and your rate output format. I read every response.