How to Start a Newsletter in 2026: A Step-by-Step Guide for Beginners
TL;DR
To start a newsletter in 2026: (1) pick a specific topic and audience, (2) choose a free platform — beehiiv Free (up to 2,500 subscribers, unlimited sends, website included), Kit's free plan (up to 10,000 subscribers) or Substack (free, 10% cut if you charge), (3) set up a signup page and a welcome email, (4) commit to a realistic schedule, (5) grow through recommendations and existing channels, and (6) add monetization (ads, paid tiers, products) once you have engaged readers.
How this article was made: This guide is research-based. Platform facts come from official pages checked on October 12, 2026. The step-by-step advice is general guidance, not results from our own newsletter.
Starting a newsletter takes less money and tech skill than ever. Here's a clear path from idea to first issue.
Step 1: Pick a specific topic and reader
"Productivity tips" is crowded. "Productivity for freelance designers" gives people a reason to choose you. Write one sentence about who it's for and what they get: "Every Friday, freelance designers get 3 tools and 1 client-getting idea."
Step 2: Choose a free platform
| beehiiv Free | Kit Newsletter (free) | Substack | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Subscriber limit | 2,500 | 10,000 | No limit |
| Sends | Unlimited | Unlimited broadcasts | — |
| Website included | Yes | Landing pages and forms | Publication site |
| Earning later | Paid subs (0% cut) and ads on Lite and up | Products and subs, 3.5% + 30¢ | Paid subs, 10% cut |
Our quick take: beehiiv if you want a website and room to monetize on one platform (free plan explained), Kit for automations and the biggest free list (Kit review), and Substack for zero fixed cost (beehiiv vs Substack).
Start free on beehiiv (affiliate link) Start free on Kit
If you also plan to sell a course or digital product, systeme.io has a free plan with 2,000 contacts, unlimited emails, sales funnels and 1 course (systeme.io review).
Start free on systeme.io (affiliate link)
Step 3: Set up signup and a welcome email
- Create a simple signup page that says who it's for, what they get, and how often.
- Write a welcome email: say thanks, set expectations, and link to your best piece. On Kit's free plan you get one basic visual automation. On beehiiv, automations start on Lite.
Step 4: Write and send issue #1
Keep it focused: one main idea, a few useful links, and one question that invites replies. Send a test to yourself first.
Step 5: Grow
- Share each issue where your readers already spend time, and follow each community's self-promotion rules.
- Use recommendation networks. beehiiv includes one on every plan.
- Swap recommendations with newsletters in your niche.
Step 6: Monetize when you have engaged readers
Options include sponsorships and ad networks, paid tiers, digital products and affiliate links. Disclose affiliate links clearly, as the FTC expects. Compare platform fees before you start charging (best newsletter platforms).
Sources (checked October 12, 2026)
- https://systeme.io/pricing
- https://www.beehiiv.com/pricing · https://kit.com/pricing
- https://support.substack.com/hc/en-us/articles/360037607131-How-much-does-Substack-cost
- https://www.ftc.gov/business-guidance/resources/ftcs-endorsement-guides-what-people-are-asking
- https://www.beehiiv.com/support/article/13091611134103
FAQ
Can I start a newsletter for free?
Yes. beehiiv Free (up to 2,500 subscribers), Kit's Newsletter plan (up to 10,000 subscribers) and Substack (free at any size, 10% only on paid subscriptions) all let you start at $0.
Which platform should a beginner choose?
If you want a website and future ad or paid-tier income in one place, beehiiv. If you want the largest free list and email automations, Kit. If you want zero fixed cost and simple writing, Substack.
How often should I send?
There's no official rule. Choose a schedule you can keep consistently, such as weekly, and tell readers what to expect when they sign up.
Do I need to disclose affiliate links in my newsletter?
If you earn from recommendations, the FTC expects clear and conspicuous disclosure near the recommendation. beehiiv's partner terms also require disclosure of partner links.