How to turn readers into paying subscribers

TOP NEWS

1. Media agencies develop new multicultural marketing strategies - Agencies like Sensis are expanding multicultural marketing despite targeting challenges. While spending rises, social platforms restrict ethnic targeting. This forces a strategic pivot, says Sensis' Jose Villa. Still, diverse audiences represent a huge opportunity. So brands must persist in multicultural efforts beyond annual cultural moments.
2. 5 Newsletters Took A Break From Publishing - Taking time off running a newsletter solo can feel risky, but self-care wins. Though tough calls abound, experiences like Motherly's Erica Johnson's show audiences stay loyal. Despite initial unsubscribes, comebacks post-leave can roar back. So although revenue may dip, have faith that your readers will welcome a replenished you. Publishers say to put yourself first - your inbox will keep.
3. Betr is using content to lower its customer acquisition costs - Jake Paul's Betr is scoring big with content, flooding YouTube daily since launch. The brand awareness has led to a $0 customer acquisition cost. Rivals FanDuel and DraftKings are also splurging on video and podcasts. For sports betting's new players, content cuts through the noise.
4. The New York Times is making connections with puzzles and games - Puzzles and games have long been a newspaper staple, but none have capitalized on the digital potential like The New York Times. Word games drive subscriber retention, with Wordle still the crown jewel after its acquisition. Now Connections may be the next hit, asking users to categorize words.
5. A System for Capturing your ideas and using them to create content - Creating consistent content is key but tough. Brian Peters has refined his system for years to use captured ideas. First, capture ideas everywhere, then categorize weekly to pick the best. Finally, batch create and schedule content. This workflow takes the stress out of regular posting.
6. The big question for publishers: how to make readers pay? Veselin Vackov says successful models offer added value - readers want immediate relevance for their investment. Tactics like niches, bundles, and memberships abound, but the key is articulating your extra value. News alone may not be enough anymore. Savvy publishers are exploring educational offerings to boost engagement and revenue.
7. Michael Houck scaled his newsletter to 80k subscribers and $1 million in just one year. He's acquired other newsletters too. Learn the strategies behind his growth.

THE LATEST AT LETTERHEAD

Curating content for your newsletters manually is a time-consuming and error-prone process.

Our latest video tutorial shows you how to integrate Zapier with Letterhead, automating the content curation process, specifically, you can have submissions from Google Forms—or any platform of your choice—feed directly into your Letterhead curation queue.

Automate things like:

• Subscriber tagging
• Curation of newly published posts from CMS
• Feedback collection
• Social media posts using the "newsletter published" trigger to promote your latest edition

Eliminate the hassle of manual content collection, improving the efficiency of your newsletter creation process.

Because smart newsletters let automation do the work for you. ??

Smart is asking for references.

Don't take our word for it.

We have been VERY happy with the outcome: everything is being delivered properly and our open rate is amazing, between 35% and 55% on average, higher than ever before."

- Carolyn Haslam | Communications & Operations at Sensi Media

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IN THEIR OWN WORDS

Have you ever felt locked into a product you just can't quit? Welcome to the world of lock-in effects

I recently came across an insightful article by Lennar Schneider that discusses how leading companies ethically leverage lock-in effects to foster retention.

The blog examines 9 types of lock-in effects, but I'll highlight 3 that stood out:

First, ecosystem lock-in builds loyalty through interoperable products and services, like how Apple devices and software work seamlessly together. Make it easy for customers to stay with you by offering complementary products with extra value.

Second, personalization lock-in happens when you use data to tailor recommendations to each customer over time. Services like Spotify become hard to leave because competitors can't match their personalized offerings immediately.

Finally, public commitment reinforces identity and loyalty, like when fans represent a brand on social media. Getting customers to endorse you publicly makes it harder for them to switch later.

While lock-in effects can frustrate customers if overdone, innovative brands use them ethically to cultivate lasting relationships. Implement them strategically, not excessively.

TOOLS AND READS THAT CAUGHT OUR ATTENTION

Discover valuable tools and tutorials for newsletter, media, marketing, and growth:

• The Ultimate Guide to Monetizing Your Brand as a Creator + Expert Advice
• How to create Ads that drive $200,000 in revenue
• Nira - Free templates for getting work done

?? Got a remarkable article or newsletter to share? Submit your best work and get featured.

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