In today’s time, where social media algorithm gods can change in the blink of an eye, having a direct line of communication with your audience is more important than ever.

So here comes newsletters to your rescue — a timeless yet increasingly vital tool for creators looking to maintain control over their audience engagement. 

A well-crafted newsletter can do wonders for building a loyal community, driving traffic, and even generating revenue.

But with so many platforms out there, how do you choose the right one? Whether you’re a seasoned creator or just starting out, selecting the right newsletter platform can make all the difference in how effectively you connect with your audience.

Why does this choice matter?

Because the newsletter platform you choose is more than just a tool; it’s the backbone of your communication strategy.

It determines how easily you can design, deliver, and analyze your content, ensuring that your message reaches the right people at the right time.

And you know what? With deep insights into what creators need to succeed, doola understands that the right tools and strategies are essential to building and sustaining your brand. 

Our expertise not only covers the practical aspects of setting up your business, like forming an LLC, but also extends to guiding you in choosing the platforms that best align with your goals.

In this guide, we’ll break down the top 7 newsletter platforms that can help you elevate your content game.

What Is a Newsletter Platform, and Why Should You Care?

Before we dive into the specifics, let’s first understand what a newsletter platform actually does.

 In simple terms, it’s a service that allows you to create, send, and manage email newsletters. But it’s more than just hitting the send button. 

These platforms help you design your emails, manage your subscriber list, track open rates and clicks, and sometimes even automate the process entirely. 

In a nutshell, they’re your all-in-one toolkit for keeping your audience engaged and growing.

Now, why is it more essential now than ever? 

The answer lies in one word: ownership. Social media algorithms are constantly changing, and what works today might not work tomorrow. Having an email list gives you a direct connection to your audience — one that you control. 

No middleman, no algorithmic gatekeeper, just you and your readers.

Related Read: 12 Best Email Marketing Tools for 2024

The 7 Best Newsletter Platforms for Creators

Here’s our low down on the top 7 newsletter platforms for creators:

1. Substack: The Creator’s Playground

Substack has become a household name in the newsletter world, especially for creators who want to monetize their content with minimal fuss.

It’s a platform built for writers, journalists, and thought leaders who want to turn their newsletters into a profitable venture.

🎯 Prominent Features:

Simplicity and Ease of Use: Substack’s clean, intuitive interface makes it easy to start writing and publishing your newsletter with minimal setup. There’s no need for advanced technical skills, which means you can focus entirely on your content.

Monetization: This tool allows you to offer paid subscriptions to your readers, giving you the opportunity to turn your passion into a revenue stream. The platform handles all the payment processing, making the transition to a paid model seamless.

Integrated Blogging Platform: Substack isn’t just for newsletters; it doubles as a blogging platform where you can publish articles directly to your Substack page. This feature helps you build a broader content hub, driving more engagement.

Community Engagement: It offers tools for community building, such as comment sections and discussion threads, allowing you to foster a deeper connection with your audience.

Hero Feature:

Subscription Model: The ease with which you can monetize your newsletter is Substack’s crown jewel. By setting up paid subscriptions, you can start generating income directly from your most loyal readers, making it a standout choice for those serious about turning their content into a business.

Pricing Information:

Free to Use: Substack doesn’t charge a fee to use the platform. However, they take a 10% commission on any paid subscriptions you generate, so it’s important to factor this into your pricing strategy.

Trial Information:

There’s no trial needed as Substack is free to use. You can start building your audience and experimenting with paid subscriptions whenever you’re ready.

📣 User Verdict:

Substack is an excellent choice for creators who want a straightforward, no-nonsense platform to monetize their content.

The built-in subscription model makes it easy to turn your newsletter into a profitable venture, and the platform’s simplicity is perfect for those who want to focus more on writing and less on technical details. 

However, if you’re looking for advanced features like detailed audience segmentation or automation, you might find Substack a bit limiting. But for writers and journalists, it’s hard to beat Substack’s focused, writer-first approach.

2. Mailchimp: The Veteran That’s Still Got It

Mailchimp is a veteran in the email marketing space, but it’s far from outdated. Known for its robust feature set, Mailchimp is ideal for creators who need more than just a basic newsletter tool.

Whether you’re managing a small list or a massive subscriber base, this newsletter platform has the capabilities to help you grow.

🎯 Prominent Features:

Customizable Templates: Mailchimp offers a wide range of customizable templates, allowing you to create visually appealing newsletters without needing a design background.

Advanced Analytics: With Mailchimp, you can dive deep into your email metrics. Track open rates, click-through rates, and even revenue generated from your campaigns to optimize your strategy.

Segmentation and Targeting: One of Mailchimp’s strongest features is its audience segmentation. You can create highly targeted email campaigns based on your subscribers’ behaviors, demographics, and past interactions.

Automation: Mailchimp’s automation tools allow you to set up email sequences, welcome series, and follow-ups that run on autopilot, freeing up your time to focus on content creation.

Hero Feature:

Audience Segmentation: Mailchimp’s powerful segmentation tools allow you to deliver the right message to the right people at the right time. This feature is crucial for creators who want to personalize their content and improve engagement rates.

Pricing Info:

Free Plan Available: Mailchimp offers a free plan for up to 500 subscribers, which is perfect for beginners. Paid plans start at $13/month and scale with your subscriber count, offering more advanced features as you grow.

Trial Information:

The free plan allows you to get a feel for the platform and its capabilities. As your needs expand, you can upgrade to a paid plan that best suits your growing audience.

📣 User Verdict:

Mailchimp is a powerhouse in the email marketing world, offering a range of tools that go beyond simple newsletter creation. 

Its robust analytics, advanced segmentation, and automation features make it ideal for creators who are serious about growing their audience and maximizing engagement. 

However, Mailchimp’s wealth of features can be overwhelming for beginners. If you’re looking for something simpler, you might want to start with a more basic platform before graduating to Mailchimp. 

But for those ready to dive into advanced email marketing, Mailchimp is an excellent choice.

3. ConvertKit: The Creator’s Best Friend

ConvertKit is a platform that was built with creators in mind. Whether you’re a blogger, podcaster, or YouTuber, ConvertKit offers features that make it easy to connect with your audience and grow your subscriber list.

🎯 Prominent Features:

Visual Automation Builder: ConvertKit’s drag-and-drop automation builder allows you to create complex email sequences with ease. This tool is perfect for setting up automated funnels that nurture your subscribers over time.

Subscriber Management: The tool makes it easy to manage your subscribers with tags and segments, allowing you to deliver personalized content to different audience groups.

Customizable Forms and Landing Pages: It provides a variety of forms and landing pages that you can customize to capture more leads and grow your subscriber base.

Email Design: While ConvertKit focuses on simplicity, it doesn’t skimp on design. You can create clean, professional-looking emails that align with your brand.

Hero Feature:

Visual Automation: ConvertKit’s visual automation builder is a standout feature that sets it apart from many other platforms. It allows you to build sophisticated workflows that guide your subscribers through a personalized journey based on their actions and interests.

Pricing Info:

Free Plan: ConvertKit’s free plan offers basic features for up to 1,000 subscribers. Paid plans start at $29/month, offering more advanced features like automation, integrations, and premium support.

Trial Information:

The free plan gives you a good sense of what ConvertKit can do. If you’re serious about growing your audience, upgrading to a paid plan unlocks additional tools that can help you scale.

📣 User Verdict:

ConvertKit is ideal for creators who want powerful automation without the complexity of platforms like Mailchimp. It’s user-friendly and designed with creators in mind, making it easy to build and grow your audience. 

However, if you’re looking for advanced design features or need a broader range of integrations, you might find ConvertKit a bit limited. That said, for creators focused on building relationships and automating their content delivery, ConvertKit is a fantastic option.

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4. Revue: The X (formerly known as Twitter) Powerhouse

Revue, now owned by X (formerly known as Twitter), is a platform designed for writers and content creators who want to integrate their newsletters with their social media presence.

🎯 Prominent Features:

Simple Editor: Revue’s editor is easy to use, allowing you to create newsletters quickly without getting bogged down by unnecessary features.

Twitter Integration: The tool’s seamless integration with Twitter allows you to embed tweets directly into your newsletters and promote your newsletter to your Twitter followers with just a few clicks.

Monetization: It also offers the ability to monetize your newsletter through paid subscriptions, making it a great option for creators who want to turn their content into a revenue stream.

Audience Insights: Revue provides basic analytics to help you understand how your audience is engaging with your content, allowing you to make data-driven decisions.

Hero Feature:

X (Formerly known as Twitter) Integration: The standout feature of Revue is its integration with Twitter. This feature makes it easy for creators who are already active on Twitter to connect with their followers and grow their newsletter audience.

Pricing Info:

Free to Use: Revue is free to use, but it takes a 5% commission on any paid subscriptions you generate. This fee is lower than Substack’s, making it an attractive option if you’re planning to monetize.

Trial Information:

Since Revue is free to use, there’s no trial needed. You can start building your newsletter and integrating it with your Twitter presence right away.

📣 User Verdict:

Revue is a perfect fit for creators who are already active on X (formerly known as Twitter) and want a simple, straightforward platform to start their newsletter. The integration with Twitter makes it easy to promote your newsletter and grow your audience organically. 

However, if you’re looking for advanced features or plan to expand beyond X (formerly known as Twitter), Revue might feel a bit limited. But for Twitter-centric creators, it’s an excellent choice that keeps things simple.

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5. Ghost: The Open-Source Dream

Ghost is an open-source platform that has become a favorite among creators who value control and customization. It’s a bit more technical than some of the other options on this list, but the flexibility it offers is unmatched.

🎯 Prominent Features:

Customization: Ghost’s open-source nature allows for extensive customization. You can tweak your newsletter’s design, functionality, and features to suit your exact needs, making it ideal for those who want full control.

Powerful Editor: This platform offers a powerful, distraction-free editor that’s perfect for long-form content. Whether you’re writing a newsletter, blog post, or article, Ghost provides a clean space to focus on your writing.

Membership and Subscription Features: This tool makes it easy to offer memberships and subscriptions to your audience, allowing you to monetize your content through paid tiers or donations.

Integrations: It integrates with a wide range of tools, including Zapier, Stripe, and Google Analytics, making it easy to connect with other platforms you’re already using.

Hero Feature:

Full Control with Open Source: The ability to fully customize and control every aspect of your platform is Ghost’s standout feature. Whether you want to adjust the design, add new features, or integrate with other tools, Ghost gives you the flexibility to build exactly what you need.

Pricing Info:

Self-Hosted Free Option: Ghost’s self-hosted option is free, but you’ll need to cover hosting costs. For those who prefer a managed solution, Ghost Pro starts at $9/month, which includes hosting and additional support.

Trial Information:

Ghost Pro 14-Day Free Trial: Ghost Pro offers a 14-day free trial, giving you ample time to explore its features and see if it’s the right fit for your needs.

📣 User Verdict:

Ghost is an excellent platform for creators who want complete control over their newsletters. Its open-source nature means you can customize everything, but it also means there’s a steeper learning curve. 

If you’re tech-savvy or have access to a developer, Ghost offers unparalleled flexibility. However, for those who prefer a more user-friendly, out-of-the-box solution, the complexity of Ghost might be overwhelming. 

But if customization and control are what you’re after, Ghost is a powerful tool that can grow with you.

6. beehiiv: The New Kid on the Block

beehiiv is one of the newer players in the newsletter space, but it’s quickly making a name for itself with a platform that’s user-friendly and packed with features tailored specifically for creators.

It’s designed to grow with you, offering tools that can scale as your audience does.

🎯 Prominent Features:

Simple Editor: Beehiiv’s editor is straightforward and intuitive, making it easy to create and format your newsletters. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just starting out, the learning curve is minimal.

Powerful Analytics: It provides robust analytics that give you deep insights into how your newsletters are performing. You can track open rates, click-through rates, and subscriber growth, helping you refine your content strategy over time.

Growth Tools: Beehiiv shines when it comes to helping you grow your audience. The platform includes built-in referral programs, allowing you to incentivize your current subscribers to bring in new ones. It also offers advanced monetization options to help you generate revenue from your content.

Seamless Integrations: It also integrates easily with other tools you might already be using, such as Google Analytics, Zapier, and Stripe. This makes it a flexible choice that can fit into your existing workflow.

Customizable Templates: The platform offers a range of customizable templates, so you can create a newsletter that reflects your brand’s personality without spending hours on design.

Hero Feature:

Referral Program: Beehiiv’s standout feature is its referral program. Unlike other platforms where you have to cobble together third-party tools to run a referral campaign, Beehiiv has this feature baked in. 

You can set it up in minutes, offering your subscribers incentives like exclusive content or discounts for referring friends to your newsletter. This organic growth strategy can be a game-changer for creators looking to expand their reach.

Pricing Info:

Free Plan: Beehiiv offers a free plan with basic features, which is perfect for creators who are just starting out and want to test the waters.

Paid Plans: The paid plans start at $49/month, unlocking advanced growth tools like more detailed analytics, additional customization options, and premium support. While it’s on the higher end compared to some other platforms, the investment can be worthwhile if you’re serious about scaling your newsletter.

Trial Information:

Beehiiv doesn’t have a traditional trial since the free plan gives you access to the core features. However, you can upgrade to the paid plans at any time as your needs grow.

📣 User Verdict:

Beehiiv is an excellent choice for creators who are focused on growth and want a platform that can scale with them. The built-in referral program is a major draw, allowing you to grow your audience organically without relying solely on paid promotions. 

The platform’s user-friendly interface makes it accessible, even if you’re not tech-savvy, and the powerful analytics tools give you the insights needed to refine your content and strategy.

That said, Beehiiv’s pricing might be a bit steep if you’re just starting out and don’t yet need the advanced features. But for those who are committed to growing their audience and monetizing their content, the investment can pay off. 

It’s also worth noting that while Beehiiv is feature-rich, it’s still a relatively new platform, so there might be occasional growing pains as they continue to develop and refine their offerings.

In summary, if you’re looking for a platform that offers both simplicity and powerful growth tools, Beehiiv is worth considering — especially if you’re planning to scale your newsletter and turn it into a significant revenue stream.

7. SendFox: The Budget-Friendly Option

If you’re looking for a budget-friendly newsletter platform that doesn’t skimp on features, SendFox might be the perfect fit. It’s designed specifically for creators who want to grow their audience without breaking the bank.

🎯 Prominent Features:

Affordable Pricing: SendFox is one of the most budget-friendly options available, offering a lifetime plan for a one-time fee, making it ideal for creators who want to keep costs low.

Automation: Despite its low cost, SendFox includes essential automation features, allowing you to set up email sequences and drip campaigns to nurture your audience.

Easy-to-Use Editor: The platform offers a simple, no-frills editor that lets you create and send newsletters quickly. It’s perfect for creators who value ease of use over fancy design features.

List Building Tools: SendFox includes basic list-building tools that make it easy to grow your subscriber base, including forms and landing pages.

Hero Feature:

Lifetime Plan: SendFox’s standout feature is its pricing model. For a one-time payment, you get lifetime access to its core features, which is a huge advantage for creators who want a cost-effective solution without recurring monthly fees.

Pricing Info:

Lifetime Deal: SendFox offers a lifetime deal for a one-time payment of $49. This gives you access to the platform’s core features without any ongoing costs, making it one of the most affordable options on the market.

Trial Information:

No Trial Needed: Since SendFox operates on a one-time payment model, there’s no need for a trial. You pay once and get access for life.

📣 User Verdict:

SendFox is perfect for creators who are just starting out or who need a budget-friendly option that still offers essential features. The platform’s lifetime deal is particularly attractive, making it a cost-effective choice for those who want to avoid ongoing subscription fees. 

However, because of its simplicity and limited features, SendFox might not be the best fit for creators who need advanced tools or plan to scale rapidly.

But for those who need a straightforward, affordable solution, SendFox is hard to beat.

Finding the Perfect Newsletter Platform to Grow Your Audience With doola

Creating a newsletter isn’t just about sharing content — it’s about building a connection. You’ve likely poured hours into crafting every word, making sure each email reflects your voice and vision. 

And as your audience grows, you start to see that this is more than just a side project.

Choosing the right newsletter platform is a big decision, and we know it can feel overwhelming. You want something that’s easy to use but also powerful enough to grow with you as you expand your reach.

Maybe you’ve already tried a few platforms, testing the waters, and figuring out what works best for you and your audience. 

It’s all part of the process, and each step gets you closer to where you want to be. So keep trying.

And then, one day, you realize: this is more than just a newsletter. It’s becoming something bigger.

At the back of your mind, maybe you’re planning to do many things — monetize your content, collaborate with other creators, or even start new projects that take your brand to the next level. The idea of turning this passion into a full-fledged business starts to take shape.

That’s where doola comes in.

We understand the journey you’re on because we’ve helped countless creators like you turn their dreams into reality.

We know that setting up an LLC isn’t just about paperwork — it’s about making your business official, giving you the freedom to expand, collaborate, and monetize with confidence. 

Whether you need help picking the perfect business name for your new venture, registering your LLC, or navigating the maze of taxes and legalities, doola is there every step of the way, so you can stay focused on creating amazing content and engaging with your audience.

And as you continue to grow your newsletter and explore new opportunities, remember that you don’t have to do it all alone.

When you’re ready to take that next step, doola is here to help you make the transition from creator to business owner as smooth and stress-free as possible. 

Ready to get started? Schedule a free consultation with doola today.