Content Is Profit: Newsletters 101 Part 2 – How To Build & Monetize Them with Ethan Brooks

Podcast Information:

• Title: Content Is Profit
• Host/Author: BIZBROS
• Episode: Newsletters 101 Part 2: How To Build & Monetize Them with Ethan Brooks
• Release Date: January 9, 2025

Introduction and Series Context

In the second installment of their comprehensive 10-episode series, BIZBROS continue to explore the intricacies of building and monetizing content-driven businesses. Hosted by Luis and Randy, the show promises to delve deep into frameworks, monetization strategies, and growth tactics essential for transforming content into substantial revenue streams.

Guest Introduction: Ethan Brooks

The spotlight of this episode is on Ethan Brooks, a seasoned writer and the newly crowned "King of Newsletters." Ethan brings a wealth of knowledge from his extensive work with prominent companies and his deep dive into the newsletter industry. His expertise is set to provide listeners with actionable insights into crafting successful newsletters that not only engage audiences but also generate significant profit.

Ethan’s Background and Professional Journey [02:55]

Ethan begins by sharing his professional journey:

"I am a writer. My job is writing about businesses and entrepreneurship. I write for a newsletter called Trends, which is the paid newsletter. It's part of The Hustle, another huge newsletter business... I have a minor obsession with how newsletter businesses actually work."
— Ethan Brooks [02:55]

Ethan's role involves identifying emerging opportunities, analyzing where consumers are investing, and uncovering unique business niches. His dedication led him to create a comprehensive guide to the newsletter industry, designed to demystify the business models, financials, and growth strategies underpinning successful newsletters.

The Hustle: From Events to Newsletters [04:33]

Ethan provides an insightful narrative about The Hustle, illustrating its evolution:

"The Hustle actually started as an event company... We had to make all of our money through the newsletter. We had this one daily email... We made a bunch of money through that, making several million dollars a year in ad revenue."
— Ethan Brooks [05:10]

Initially launched by Sam Parr as an event-centric business aimed at entrepreneurs, The Hustle pivoted to focus on newsletters after recognizing the potential for sustained audience engagement and revenue through email-based content.

Monetization Strategies for Newsletters [07:20]

A significant portion of the discussion centers on monetization strategies for newsletters:

"The size of your audience matters less than knowing how to monetize these businesses. You can make lots of money on a small audience if you know the business model."
— Ethan Brooks [07:54]

Ethan outlines three primary ways to monetize newsletters:

1. Free Products Monetized via Ads or Affiliate Deals
2. Low-Priced Subscriptions (Front-End Products)
3. High-Priced Subscriptions (Back-End Products)

He emphasizes that understanding the business model is more crucial than the sheer size of the audience, citing examples of newsletters generating substantial revenue with relatively small subscriber bases.

Adapting Business Models Across Media [18:14]

Ethan discusses the universal applicability of newsletter business models across various media platforms:

"The model is universal. Whether it’s newsletters, TikTok, Instagram... anyone turning attention into money is going to be doing it through this machine."
— Ethan Brooks [23:10]

This insight underscores the versatility of effective monetization strategies, highlighting that mastering the newsletter business model can provide a competitive edge in diverse content-driven industries.

The Importance of Voice and Personality [21:19]

A standout topic is the significance of infusing personality and voice into newsletters:

"Having a voice that relates to other people is so key. It's an underlooked asset that gives you an edge."
— Randy [21:23]

Ethan echoes this sentiment, explaining how a distinct voice enhances the reader’s experience and fosters a loyal audience:

"The product is about the experience of your newsletter... your voice, your editorial strategy, the way you build community."
— Ethan Brooks [23:10]

Building a Media Brand [26:57]

Ethan delves into the concept of media brands, emphasizing the importance of integrating media strategies into traditional business models:

"Even software companies are building media departments because it’s less expensive to hire writers and content creators than to keep putting out ads."
— Ethan Brooks [26:57]

This approach not only diversifies revenue streams but also ensures long-term engagement and brand loyalty.

Key Takeaways and Conclusion

Throughout the episode, Ethan Brooks imparts several crucial lessons for aspiring newsletter creators:

1. Understand Your Business Model: Prioritize monetization strategies over audience size.
2. Infuse Personality: A unique voice differentiates your newsletter in a crowded market.
3. Leverage Existing Assets: Utilize pre-existing networks or businesses to bootstrap your newsletter.
4. Adapt and Pivot: Be prepared to evolve your business model based on market opportunities and feedback.
5. Universal Applicability: Effective monetization strategies can be applied across various media platforms.

As the episode concludes, Luis and Randy express their excitement about the wealth of information shared and tease the continuation of the series, promising deeper dives into growth strategies and actionable insights in subsequent parts.

"This conversation was so long and so juicy that we had to cut it into multiple parts. Make sure you stay tuned for part three of the newsletter series."
— Randy [27:50]

Ethan’s comprehensive guide aims to be the definitive resource in the newsletter industry, positioning him and The Hustle as leading authorities in transforming content into profit.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Ethan Brooks [02:55]:
  "I'm a newsletter writer deep in this space and have like a minor obsession with how newsletter businesses actually work."

• Ethan Brooks [07:54]:
  "The size of your audience matters less than knowing how to monetize these businesses."

• Randy [21:23]:
  "Having a voice that relates to other people is so key. It's an underlooked asset that gives you an edge."

• Ethan Brooks [23:10]:
  "The product is about the experience of your newsletter... your voice, your editorial strategy, the way you build community."

• Ethan Brooks [26:57]:
  "Even software companies are building media departments because it’s less expensive to hire writers and content creators than to keep putting out ads."

Final Thoughts

For entrepreneurs and content creators looking to harness the power of newsletters, this episode provides a treasure trove of strategies and insights. Ethan Brooks’s expertise, combined with the hosts’ engaging discussion, offers a clear roadmap to building, growing, and monetizing successful newsletter ventures. Stay tuned for the next part of the series, where BIZBROS will delve deeper into growth strategies that can propel newsletters to seven and even eight-figure revenues.

Follow Content Is Profit:

• Platforms: Available on all major podcast platforms.
• Social Media: Connect with BIZBROS on their social channels for updates and additional content.
• Support the Show: Share episodes, leave reviews, and engage with the community to help spread the knowledge.

Transform your content into profit with actionable insights from industry leaders like Ethan Brooks on the Content Is Profit podcast.