How to Launch and Monetise a Niche Email Newsletter Without a Website

In recent years, niche email newsletters have become a powerful tool for creators seeking direct connections with audiences—without the burden of running a full website. Thanks to platforms like Substack and Beehiiv, individuals can now publish and monetise content professionally, relying solely on email subscriptions. This article explores how to launch such a newsletter in 2025 and earn revenue from it, even if you have no technical background or website.

Choosing the Right Tool for Your Newsletter

Two of the most popular services in 2025 for building email-based publications are Substack and Beehiiv. Both are user-friendly and designed specifically for content creators who want to focus on writing, not web development. Substack has maintained its popularity thanks to its simplicity and built-in monetisation features, while Beehiiv is praised for its segmentation tools and custom referral systems.

Substack allows creators to publish free and paid posts, offer podcasts, and even build a small community using comments and chat features. Beehiiv, on the other hand, positions itself as a growth-oriented tool, with built-in analytics, A/B testing, and integration options for advanced users—making it ideal for those thinking long-term.

When choosing between the two, consider your goals. If you’re aiming to build a loyal community and offer premium content, Substack may suit you better. If you’re planning to scale aggressively and monetise through advanced targeting and referrals, Beehiiv might be the right choice.

Setting Up a Newsletter Account in Minutes

Creating an account on either platform is straightforward. You sign up with your email address, name your newsletter, and choose your first template. No coding or design experience is needed. You’ll be prompted to write a welcome post and set your custom URL (usually newslettername.substack.com or newslettername.beehiiv.com).

Next, personalise your branding by uploading a logo and choosing colours and fonts that match your voice. Most creators also write a short bio and add a profile picture to build trust with readers. Beehiiv offers additional branding options such as featured posts and embedded referral modules.

Both services support integration with Stripe for handling payments. Setting up paid subscriptions typically takes 5–10 minutes if you already have a Stripe account. You can start with free content and gradually introduce paid tiers as your list grows.

Building a Loyal Subscriber Base

The most common challenge for new newsletter creators is building an audience from scratch. In 2025, the most effective strategy is combining organic channels—like LinkedIn, Reddit, and X (formerly Twitter)—with word-of-mouth and strategic partnerships. Many creators also use lead magnets such as free downloads or bonus content to attract first-time readers.

Substack offers built-in discovery features, including a network tab and recommendations from other creators. Beehiiv allows you to run referral campaigns, where readers earn perks for inviting friends. This can significantly speed up early growth.

Regardless of the platform, consistency is key. Commit to a weekly or bi-weekly schedule and set realistic content goals. High-value, topic-focused newsletters outperform general commentary—especially when you’re targeting professionals or hobbyists in niche sectors.

What Makes Readers Stay

Retention depends on delivering reliable, high-quality content that solves a specific need. This can mean curated industry updates, commentary, educational tips, or storytelling—depending on your target audience. Your content should always be actionable, informative, or entertaining.

Engage readers by asking for replies and feedback. Substack’s comment section and Beehiiv’s built-in polls can facilitate two-way communication. Readers are more likely to stay if they feel involved and heard.

It’s also important to keep your email formatting clean. Avoid overloading with images or multiple CTAs. A focused, readable message increases engagement and minimises unsubscribes.

Monetisation Strategies That Work in 2025

There are several proven ways to monetise a niche newsletter in 2025. The most common is a paid subscription model. Substack allows you to set monthly and annual rates, while Beehiiv supports tiered pricing, discounts, and even invite-only paid content.

Sponsorship is another major income stream. Once your list reaches a few thousand subscribers, you can pitch sponsors in your niche, offering ad space or custom placements. Beehiiv also partners with ad marketplaces, streamlining the process for beginners.

You can also earn from affiliate marketing. This involves promoting tools, books, or services relevant to your audience, using affiliate links. Transparency is crucial here—always disclose partnerships and prioritise value over commission.

Tracking Growth and Revenue

Understanding your metrics is vital for sustainable monetisation. Key indicators include open rates, click-through rates, and churn. Substack provides essential analytics on engagement, while Beehiiv adds detailed reports on traffic sources, segment performance, and referral attribution.

Regularly audit your best-performing content and see which topics or formats lead to conversions. Use A/B tests for subject lines, headlines, or email timings to optimise results. Both tools allow easy experimentation without technical know-how.

For paid newsletters, monitor your subscriber lifetime value (LTV) and customer acquisition cost (CAC). These figures help you plan advertising spend and forecast revenue. Many successful newsletters use spreadsheets or connect analytics to tools like Google Sheets for deeper insights.