Quick outline
- Intro and why newsletters still matter
- What beginners need from a platform
- Short, honest reviews of top platforms
- How to choose one based on your goals
- Simple growth and delivery tips
- Final thoughts and next steps
Why newsletters still matter People keep saying social media is where everything happens. Sure. But newsletters are the place you actually own the conversation. They land in inboxes. They build trust. They let you speak without an algorithm throttling your reach. You know what? That control is quietly powerful. Readers open email because it’s personal. It’s permission-based. That matters when you’re trying to grow a real audience—one that returns, clicks, and cares.
Let me explain the trade-off. Social posts can go viral fast. Emails grow slower. But the relationship you build via email feels closer. It also converts better when you want people to sign up for a course, buy a product, or show up for a webinar. So choosing the right newsletter platform early on is a small decision with outsized returns.
What beginners really need You could get lost in jargon here. But the essentials are simple.
- Easy setup. You want to get going in an afternoon, not a week.
- Good deliverability. Emails must hit the inbox, not the spam folder.
- Affordable pricing. Free or cheap plans matter when you’re starting small.
- Growth features. Simple signup forms, landing pages, and basic automation.
- Clean templates. You don’t need design school to send a newsletter.
- Room to grow. Maybe you start with a free plan, but you should be able to add features later.
There’s a subtle contradiction here: the simplest tools often feel limiting, but that limitation can be freeing. Less choice means you launch faster. And launching is everything at the beginning.
Top picks for beginners
Substack – start fast, write first Substack is the “write and publish” platform many people mention. It’s minimal and focused on writing. You get a landing page, simple analytics, and built-in discovery. If you want to publish long-form content and possibly monetize it with paid subscriptions, Substack makes that easy. Pros
- Extremely simple setup
- Built-in paid subscriptions
- Writer-first experience
Cons
- Limited design control
- Less advanced audience segmentation
Who it’s for: Solo writers, journalists, newsletter-first creators.
ConvertKit – made for creators who want more control ConvertKit began as an email tool for creators and has grown into a flexible platform. It’s more than a simple newsletter tool. It has visual automations, tagging, and landing pages that are still easy to understand. Pros
- Clean interface and automations
- Creator-friendly features like paid content
- Scales with audience
Cons
- Free plan limited in features
- Can feel like more than you need early on
Who it’s for: Creators who plan to sell courses, products, or use more advanced automations later.
MailerLite – simple, cheap, and gets the job done MailerLite is one of those tools that feels like a friend. It gives you solid deliverability, drag-and-drop editors, and landing pages without breaking the bank. The free plan is generous, and upgrades are reasonable. Pros
- User-friendly editor
- Strong free plan
- Affordable paid tiers
Cons
- Some advanced features are less polished
- Support can be slower on free plan
Who it’s for: Beginners who want a balance between simplicity and features.
Mailchimp – familiar but be careful Mailchimp is probably the household name. It’s powerful, but it’s also changed a lot. For simple newsletters, it works fine. For more nuanced audience work, the pricing can creep up and features can feel overwhelming. Pros
- Tons of templates
- Integrations galore
Cons
- Pricing escalates fast
- Interface can feel cluttered
Who it’s for: People who want lots of integrations and a recognizable brand.
Beehiiv – built for growth Beehiiv is newer but built with audience growth in mind. It includes features like referral programs, newsletter analytics, and monetization tools that are simple to use. Pros
- Growth-friendly features like referrals
- Clean analytics
Cons
- Newer platform, fewer integrations
Who it’s for: Those who want to focus on list growth and paid subscriptions.
Ghost – more than a newsletter, it’s a whole site Ghost is different because it’s a publishing platform and a CMS. If you want a blog, newsletter, membership, and a custom site, Ghost is a great option. It can be self-hosted for tech-savvy folks or hosted by Ghost for convenience. Pros
- Complete publishing system
- Great for memberships and paid newsletters
Cons
- Self-hosting requires technical skill
- Hosted plan costs more than simple email tools
Who it’s for: Bloggers and writers who want a custom site with newsletter features.
Buttondown – tiny, tidy, and delightful Buttondown keeps things minimal. The interface is intentionally spare. It’s for people who want to write and send without fuss. There’s a charming indie vibe to it. Pros
- Very simple and lightweight
- Good for plain-text newsletters and simplicity lovers
Cons
- Fewer bells and whistles
Who it’s for: Minimalists who prioritize writing and reader experience over features.
How to pick one without overthinking Here’s the thing: there’s no perfect platform. There’s only what helps you publish consistently. Ask yourself three questions. 1) How fast do I want to launch? If you want it live today, choose Substack or Buttondown. 2) Do I plan to sell stuff later? If yes, ConvertKit or Ghost will save headaches. 3) How much will I customize? If lots, go with Ghost or Mailchimp; if little, pick MailerLite or Substack.
Also think about integration. Will you need forms on a WordPress site? Zapier or built-in integrations matter. If you’re not technical, don’t pick a tool that requires coding to look good.
Simple setup checklist before your first send
- Create a clear signup form and test it.
- Write 3–5 welcome emails or a welcome sequence.
- Set up an unsubscribe page that’s gentle and respectful.
- Authenticate your domain (SPF/DKIM) so your emails land in the inbox.
- Test on mobile and desktop.
Growth moves that actually work (and feel human) You don’t need massive tricks. You need steady habits.
- Offer a useful lead magnet. People trade email for value—don’t be coy.
- Ask friends to forward. Personal asks still work better than automated growth hacks.
- Cross-post short bites on Twitter or LinkedIn with a sign-up link.
- Use an early referral incentive (Beehiiv makes this painless).
- Consistency beats frequency. Send something reliable every week or two.
A little seasonal note: holiday seasons—like late November into December—can be a double-edged sword. People are busy, but they’re also in buying and reading mode. A well-timed mini-series or holiday round-up can bring new subscribers and re-engage the old ones.
Common mistakes beginners make
- Waiting for the perfect design. Don’t. Send something real.
- Ignoring deliverability. Authenticate your sending domain early.
- Sending without a plan. Random emails build random audiences.
- Overcomplicating the signup form. Ask for email and a name—maybe nothing else.
Final thoughts and realistic next steps Here’s the honest verdict. If you want to start fast and focus on writing, Substack or Buttondown will make you happy. If you want control and the potential to sell, ConvertKit or Ghost are better long-term choices. If cost matters and you want steady features, MailerLite is a smart pick. Beehiiv is worth a look if growth features excite you.
Pick something, launch, and iterate. You’ll learn more from your first 10 sends than any comparison article. Seriously. Send your first newsletter, then tweak your signup, then test a subject line. Repeat.
If you want, tell me your goals and budget and I’ll narrow this to two choices for you. Quick and practical. No fluff.
