Day #1 Newsletters 101

Day #1 Homework

1. Decide on your newsletter topic. Research markets like Paved to see what other newsletters are doing. 
2. Research available domain names. I use and recommend WPX for hosting. Get 25% off with code Q7AMIWU8J31E1 at checkout.
3. Create a free Kit account. This is the email marketing software we will use for the rest of the challenge (I've used it since 2017).
4. Create a free Sparkloop account.
5. Create a free Paved account.
6. [Optional] Check the done for you website option here. Get a website with over $1,700 in plugins for a one time payment of $299 (with coupon code CHALLENGE). 

Opening & Introduction (0:00-5:00)

• First ever email marketing challenge with 152 registered participants
• Recommends watching replays immediately after live sessions
• Focus on newsletter-style email marketing vs traditional product follow-ups

About the Instructor (5:00-10:00)

• Nate McCallister, full-time internet marketer for 10+ years
• Multiple seven figures in email marketing profits
• Sent thousands of broadcasts to millions of subscribers
• Based in Columbus, Ohio area

Challenge Overview (10:00-15:00)

5-Day Structure:

• Day 1: Topic selection
• Day 2: Tech setup (critical - don't miss)
• Day 3: Creating your newsletter content
• Day 4: List growth strategies
• Day 5: AI automations and email sequences

Monetization Methods (15:00-25:00)

Core Ways to Monetize Newsletters:

1. Tip Jar - Not recommended except for nonprofits
2. Affiliate Products - Favorite method, no support needed
3. Your Own Products - Most lucrative, preferably digital
4. Subscription Access - $5-$7,500/month potential
5. Ad Space/Solo Broadcasts - $50-$7,500 per placement

Topic Selection Criteria (25:00-35:00)

Essential Requirements:

• Audience with spending power and desire to spend
• Ever-evolving topic (AI, local news, running, etc.)
• Not trending downward (avoid dying niches like traditional SEO)
• Not too broad, not too specific
• Preferably something that interests you

Platform Demonstrations (35:00-50:00)

Paved Marketplace:

• Shows successful newsletters and their rates
• Example: Some charge $5,000+ for sponsorships
• Verify actual sales and "would sponsor again" ratings
• Research competitors and their pricing

Spark Loop:

• Game-changing tool most people don't know about
• Two functions: Get paid to refer newsletters, pay for referrals
• Average $0.80-$8.00 per subscriber
• Quality subscribers (only stay if they open emails)
• Can target specific demographics and locations

Important Warnings (50:00-55:00)

• Never buy email lists in bulk - ruins sender reputation
• Maintain high sender reputation using Google Postmaster Tools
• Build newsletter as separate business for potential exit
• Set up separate affiliate accounts for each newsletter

Homework Assignments (55:00-60:00)

1. Decide on newsletter topic - Email instructor for validation
2. Research domain name availability
3. Sign up for required tools:
   • Kit (email service)
   • Spark Loop (referral network)
   • Paved (ad marketplace)
4. Optional: WordPress bundle for $299 (with coupon "challenge")

Key Success Factors

• Email marketing having a "renaissance"
• Only owned traffic source (can't be taken away)
• Newsletters can sell for hundreds of thousands to millions
• Consistency is crucial - weekly themed newsletters work best
• Focus on building real relationships with subscribers

The instructor emphasizes that choosing the right topic is critical - "if you start on the wrong path, it doesn't matter" how much work you put in.