Email Newsletters That People Actually Want to Read

Email Newsletters That People Actually Want to Read

Email is old school, but it’s still one of the most powerful tools in your content marketing arsenal. The catch? Most email newsletters suck. They’re either too salesy, too long, or just plain boring.

In 2025, inboxes are more crowded than ever. So if you want your emails to get opened, read, and loved (yes, loved), you’ve got to craft newsletters people actually look forward to.

Let’s talk about how to make that happen.

Why Newsletters Still Work

Despite all the new platforms, email consistently delivers:

The average ROI for email marketing is $36 for every $1 spent
Your email list is an owned audience—you’re not renting attention from an algorithm
Email drives traffic, conversions, AND brand loyalty

But it’s only effective if people read it.

What Makes a Newsletter Worth Reading?

There are thousands of newsletters out there—so what makes yours stand out?

Here’s the secret:
Stop writing emails that sound like marketing. Start writing like a real person talking to real people.

Here are the key ingredients:

1. A Clear Purpose

What’s the goal of your newsletter? To:

Educate?
Inspire?
Entertain?
Curate?

Pick a lane, and make that purpose obvious in every edition.

2. A Killer Subject Line

This is your first impression. Be specific, playful, or create curiosity. Some examples:

“I messed up—and here’s what I learned”
“3 tools I can’t stop using this month”
“The #1 mistake content creators keep making”

Think like a headline writer, not a marketer.

3. A Personal, Conversational Voice

People don’t want corporate copy. They want human stories, insights, and tone. Use:

First-person language
Short, punchy sentences
Humor, honesty, and empathy

4. Skimmable Structure

Wall of text = instant delete. Use:

Headings and subheadings
Bullet points and bolding
Short paragraphs
Visuals or emojis (if on-brand)

5. Consistent Format (That’s Actually Useful)

People like knowing what to expect. Try formats like:

5 Things I Learned This Week
Tool of the Month + Quick Tip
Mini Case Study + Takeaway
What We’re Reading (And Why It Matters)

Consistency breeds trust and habit.

Tools to Make Email Newsletters Easier

You don’t need a massive tech stack. Here are a few tools that’ll help:

Email Platforms:

ConvertKit – Great for creators and segmentation
Mailchimp – User-friendly with built-in analytics
Beehiiv – Built for newsletter growth
Substack – Simple publishing and monetization

Writing & Design:

Canva – Newsletter graphics and templates
Grammarly – Tone and grammar check
ChatGPT – Brainstorm subject lines, formats, or draft content
Unsplash – High-quality free images

Tips to Increase Engagement

Ask for replies: Start conversations by including questions
Use your name, not just your brand: Build familiarity and personal connection
Include one clear CTA: Don’t overwhelm with five different links
Segment your list: Send the right content to the right people
Send regularly: Weekly, bi-weekly, monthly—just be consistent

Examples of Great Newsletters

Need inspo? Here are some newsletters people love:

The Hustle – Business news with personality
Dense Discovery – Curated tools + thoughtful links
TLDR – Bite-sized tech news
Ann Handley’s Newsletter – Smart, funny, and insightful writing
Morning Brew – Conversational news that’s easy to digest

Study these to see what makes them work: clear voice, strong formatting, and a deep understanding of their audience.

Final Thoughts

The best newsletters feel less like marketing and more like a trusted friend showing up in your inbox.

When you prioritize value, voice, and consistency, you’ll turn passive subscribers into loyal fans who actually want to hear from you.