Why Your Newsletter Can (and Should) Make Money

If big creators can make money from their newsletters, why shouldn’t we?

Codie Sanchez, an entrepreneur known for turning “boring” businesses into gold mines, often says your newsletter is an asset. She built her own into a multi-million-dollar business by treating it like one. And she’s right — your email list isn’t just a collection of names; it’s prime real estate where trust, voice, and value come together.

That’s what got me thinking: if big creators can make money from their newsletters, why shouldn’t small businesses and solopreneurs? Platforms like Beehiiv now make it easy to connect with ad partners, earn from affiliate links, and monetize without selling out your integrity. You can literally get matched with brands or other creators who align with your vibe and values.

So, let’s talk about how to do it in a way that feels authentic, not awkward.

Three Steps to Turn Your Newsletter Into Income

1. Curate, don’t push.

No one likes an inbox full of sales pitches. The goal isn’t to become a walking billboard; it’s to share products you actually use and love. Think of it as curating, not promoting.

In my case, I’ve occasionally highlighted brands and tools I personally use, not because they pay me (yet), but because they’re worth sharing. Magazines and newspapers have always used ads to support their work, so there’s no shame in doing it as an independent creator. When you do it right, it feels more like a recommendation than an ad.

2. Build real relationships with advertisers.

A great example of this is Joey Swoll, a fitness creator known for promoting kindness and accountability in gym culture. Recently, he swapped shout-outs with a competing brand, each sent the other their products, and both gave honest, positive reviews. That’s not competition; that’s collaboration.

You can do the same by partnering with other small businesses. Feature each other’s work in your newsletters, share links, and grow together. It’s community marketing — not corporate marketing, and it works.

3. Use smart platforms to make it seamless.

If you’re wondering how to find the right ad partners or affiliates, platforms like Beehiiv, ConvertKit, and Substack can help. They help connect you to ad networks, recommend sponsors, and even track your affiliate earnings. Once you have a consistent readership, you can choose who to work with and what to promote.

As Codie Sanchez says, “You don’t need millions of followers, you need a few thousand who trust you.” That trust is your currency. Use it wisely, and it’ll pay you back in real dollars.

Why This Matters

Small businesses have always relied on word-of-mouth, but now that word-of-mouth happens online — in your inbox. When you share products and brands that make sense for your audience, everyone wins:

• You earn income.

• Your audience discovers things they’ll actually love.

• Your partners gain loyal customers.

That’s the kind of marketing I believe in — genuine, collaborative, and built on integrity.

My Takeaway

I’ll be honest: I never thought I’d consider ads in my own newsletter. But when they align with my values and benefit my readers, why not? We’ve been recommending our favorite things to friends for years; now we just have the tools to make that effort sustainable.

So, if you’re sitting on a newsletter or planning to start one, this might be your nudge. You don’t need to wait for a massive following. You just need your voice, your values, and the right platform to help you connect with brands that fit.

It’s time for small creators and business owners to take up digital space and get paid for it.

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