If you’ve ever wondered whether you should focus on your email newsletter or a content marketing newsletter, you’re not alone. Both matter—but they serve very different purposes. Let me show you through a quick case study.
Case Study: Sarah, a Health Coach
Scenario 1: Email Newsletter
Sarah creates a free 5-day “Healthy Habits Reset” challenge as her lead magnet. People who download it are automatically added to her email newsletter list.
Audience Source: People who have already raised their hand by subscribing.
Content: Weekly emails sharing personal stories, client wins, and practical tips.
Cadence: Every Monday morning.
Result: Sarah’s open rates hover around 45% because readers feel like they know her. They reply, they share their struggles, and several become paying clients.
Key Benefit: The email newsletter nurtures warm leads into loyal clients.
Scenario 2: Content Marketing Newsletter (Substack style)
At the same time, Sarah launches a free newsletter on Substack called “The Everyday Nutritionist.”
Audience Source: Readers discover her through her topic (healthy eating) via SEO, shares, and Substack recommendations.
Content: Deep dives on trending topics, like “Are smoothies actually healthy?” and “Meal prep myths.”
Cadence: Every Thursday afternoon.
Result: Sarah’s subscriber base grows steadily with strangers who didn’t know her before. She positions herself as an authority, gets invited to guest podcasts, and attracts sponsorships.
Key Benefit: The content newsletter builds authority and draws new people into Sarah’s world.
Lessons Learned
Email Newsletter: Best for nurturing the people already inside your circle. Think connection, trust, and conversion.
Content Marketing Newsletter: Best for growing your audience around a clear niche. Think visibility, authority, and reach.
Together, they create a powerful cycle: one deepens trust, the other expands influence.
Takeaway for You
Don’t choose between them—decide which one you need first. If you’re just starting, begin with an email newsletter to nurture your list. Once you have clarity around your niche, layer in a content marketing newsletter to attract new readers.
✨ Question for you: Do you currently run one (or both)? DM me and let me know which feels most aligned for you right now.
