A typical newsletter worldwide that's still open after three years brings in $3.3k a month ($39.5k a year) and keeps about $58 of every $100. That leaves about $22.9k a year.
The top 10% make more than $16.4k a month. The bottom 10% make under $664.
Thinking of starting a newsletter?
- Typical cost to start
- $1.1k
- Still open after 3 years
- 55%
Monthly revenue by year
For businesses still trading at each point.
| Year | Bottom 25% | Typical | Top 25% | Top 10% |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | $500 | $1,400 | $3,600 | $8,300 |
| Year 3 | $1,400 | $3,300 | $7,700 | $16,400 |
| Year 5 | $1,800 | $4,300 | $10,300 | $22,700 |
Year 3 monthly revenue
How much does it cost to start?
Typical cost to start: $1,100.
| Item | Typical cost |
|---|---|
| Newsletter platform, first year | $300 |
| Growth: swaps & ads | $300 |
| Design & logo | $300 |
| Working capital | $100 |
Where the money goes
Share of revenue for a typical business in year three.
How many survive?
55% are still trading after three years, and 46% after five. These are the reasons owners gave for closing:
What the successful ones do
- Wrote for one clear group of readers
- Mixed paid subscriptions with sponsors
- Sent on the same day and time every week
Verified newsletters on HumDays
The Small Print
“One email every Tuesday at 6am, for four years. Being on time is the whole product.”
Questions people ask
Is a newsletter profitable?
Usually, if it survives. A typical newsletter worldwide keeps about $58 of every $100 in sales by year three, which on typical sales leaves about $22.9k a year. 45% close within three years.
How much does it cost to start a newsletter?
The typical cost to start is $1k. The biggest items are newsletter platform, first year and growth: swaps & ads.
How long until a newsletter makes a profit?
A typical business had its first profitable month after 6 months. Side-hustle starts took about two months longer.
Why do newsletters fail?
The most common reason owners give is “not enough paying readers” (36% of closures), followed by “owner burnout” (24%).
Is a newsletter seasonal?
Sign-ups peak in January. Survivors plan cash around the quiet months.
Ask paid newsletter owners
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