5 ways to make your newsletter impossible to ignore

We’ve all heard the same regurgitated shite about newsletters: Write consistently. Use catchy subject lines. Know your audience.

Yawn. What does that actually mean to me, as a freelancer, as a writer? Sure, write consistently… and then what?

If you’re like me, you’re tired of advice that feels more like “this sounds smart!” and less like “this is practical, I can use this right now.”

So, I dug deeper. I found five pieces of advice from creators who actually get it. Each one flips the script, tossing convention out the window and delivering the spark you need to make your work feel alive again.

Enjoy.

Don’t call it a newsletter

Tobias van Schneider doesn’t send a newsletter. He sends a “secret weekly dispatch.” That’s not just branding fluff—it’s a mindset shift. The word “newsletter” feels stiff, corporate, and transactional. Tobias wanted to create something that felt personal, exclusive, and a little bit mischievous.

Why it works:

• People don’t want to feel like subscribers; they want to feel like insiders.

• It’s not about what you send—it’s about how you frame it.

Your Move: Rename your newsletter to reflect its vibe. Call it a “love letter,” a “creator’s log,” or a “scribbled manifesto.” Make it a place people brag about discovering.

Find your voice by rejecting the norm

Alexandra Franzen, an acclaimed author and newsletter creator, embraces the power of saying no. When she started her newsletter, she focused on rejecting traditional advice and staying true to her unique writing voice. Instead of chasing trends or trying to please everyone, she doubled down on what made her work stand out—authenticity and specificity.

Why it works:

• Readers want something that punches them in the gut—real, raw, and far from cookie-cutter.

• By focusing on your strengths, you naturally attract the right audience.

Your Move: Identify one piece of conventional advice you’re tempted to follow—and reject it. Instead, lean into what makes your perspective unique. For example, write shorter, deeply personal pieces instead of long-form content, or share something that feels vulnerable instead of polished. Frame it as a solution or tool that rethinks how newsletters should be done. Bonus points if you create a buzz-worthy “hook” (e.g., “The 5-minute newsletter that reprograms your brain”).

Ask a good question in your welcome email

Dan Oshinsky, founder of Inbox Collective, swears by the power of a killer welcome email. His secret? Asking subscribers an oddly specific question that begs for a reply. For example: “If you had to describe your life’s mission in three emojis, what would they be?”

Why it works:

• It creates an instant connection. (People love talking about themselves.)

• You’ll get insight into what your audience cares about.

Your Move: Ask a question that makes your reader stop scrolling and actually think. If you’re writing about design, ask: “What’s the ugliest font you secretly love?” Make it fun. Make it human.

Subtract, don’t add

When people think about improving their newsletters, they often add more: more content, more images, more “freebies.” Dan Oshinsky’s advice flips that on its head. He suggests stripping out the excess to amplify what truly matters.

Why it works:

• Simplicity = clarity. When you subtract noise, your message gets louder.

• Readers are busy. They’ll thank you for being concise.

Your Move: Audit your newsletter. Cut anything that doesn’t serve your core purpose. Could you remove an entire section? Trim your intro? Kill a feature that’s just… there? Subtracting isn’t simplifying. It’s sharpening your edge.

Treat your first 10 subscribers like VIPs

Josh Spector knows the power of the first 10. His advice? Treat your earliest subscribers like royalty. Reply to every email. Ask for their opinions. Make them feel like co-creators of your work.

Why it works:

• These early adopters become superfans—and superfans spread the word.

• Genuine connection is rare and priceless.

Your Move: Start small and go deep. Ask your first 10 subscribers what they love, what they want more of, and what they’d change. Build something that feels like a handwritten note, sealed with care.

Let’s burn the playbook

Here’s the truth: The world’s inboxes are drowning in sameness. Don’t add to the pile. It needs creators who dare to rip up the rulebook and start fresh.

So rename your “newsletter.” Launch it somewhere unexpected. Ask your audience weird, wonderful questions. Strip it down to its essence. And pour your heart into the first 10 people who give a damn.

You don’t need to follow the rules. You just need to follow what feels right.

Now go. And make something impossible to ignore.