The Amy Porterfield Show

Episode: How I Turned My Newsletter Into $300K

Date: November 4, 2025
Host: Amy Porterfield

Episode Overview

In this episode, Amy Porterfield breaks down how she completely reimagined her newsletter, transforming it from a routine broadcast into a highly engaging, story-driven asset that not only boosted audience connection but also directly generated over $300,000 in revenue. Amy candidly shares the journey, strategies, and lessons learned, including how embracing personal storytelling, leveraging data, and experimenting with subject lines changed her results—and how you can apply these lessons to your own email marketing.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. The Evolution of Amy’s Newsletter

• Initial Approach:
  • Early newsletters merely promoted each new podcast episode (00:03–04:20).
  • Worked initially for boosting podcast downloads, but engagement and open rates eventually dropped.
• Change in Attitude on Newsletters:
  • Amy admits she previously discouraged promoting a generic "newsletter" as a lead magnet, recommending more tangible freebies instead (00:06:15).
  • Now, she sees newsletters as thriving and highly effective for engagement and lead generation.

“I do think today newsletters are thriving… I’m taking it back. Because I do think today newsletters are thriving.”
— Amy Porterfield (00:06:04)

2. Why and How the Pivot Happened

• Catalyst:
  • Amy’s copywriter went on maternity leave, forcing her to write the newsletter herself (00:09:15).
  • New CMO Caitlin pushes for urgency and authenticity, encouraging Amy to “just do it messy” (00:10:27).
• Finding Her Voice:
  • Writing herself reconnected Amy to her brand and audience.
  • Realization: The newsletter should be the heartbeat of her brand, not just another item on the to-do list (00:13:50).

“The more I wrote… the more I realized it wasn’t just about filling in for someone else. It was about finding my voice again.”
— Amy Porterfield (00:12:46)

3. The Newsletter Creation Process

• Cadence & Workflow:
  • Amy writes one newsletter at a time, one week in advance, typically on Mondays. Process now takes her about two hours (00:23:30).
  • This workflow allows for timely, relevant, and personal content.
• Structure of Each Newsletter:
  1. Personal Story
     • Every newsletter begins with a story from Amy’s own life, often tying back to business or leadership lessons (00:25:27).
     • Examples: People-pleasing and margaritas; reconnecting with her husband; childhood embarrassment and business insecurity.
  2. Curated Article Links
     • Two articles or videos selected (with help from her CMO), focused on topics like AI or social media trends (00:33:45).
  3. Teaching Segment
     • Practical lesson or tip, sometimes drawn from Amy’s other programs, membership, or recent teachings (00:36:08).
     • Example topics: reviving a cold email list, the real value of “in-between” launch seasons, choosing effective bonuses (00:36:55).
  4. Personal Finds
     • Short, lighter close—sharing favorites, travel hacks, personal recommendations (“a little peek behind the scenes of my personal life, not just my business life”) (00:41:40).
  5. PS Section
     • A gentle nudge to her podcast or, if applicable, a current promotion. Sales are understated and value-based (00:44:00).

4. Using AI as a Creative Partner

• Amy uses ChatGPT not to write the newsletter but to help clarify and condense her voice and stories (00:30:19).
  • She dictates her story, prompts ChatGPT to pull out themes and value, and then extensively edits the output for authenticity.
  • Emphasis: AI is a tool for “clarity,” but connection requires a human touch.

“AI helps me get to clarity faster, but connection still takes time. So if you’re using AI in your own business, that’s the sweet spot to aim for.”
— Amy Porterfield (00:32:58)

5. Data-Driven Iteration

• Every element of the newsletter—subject lines, link quantity, content—gets tracked and analyzed (00:48:03).
• Subject Lines:
  • Experimented with “spicy”/curiosity-driven subject lines, moving beyond safe or generic phrasing.
  • Examples:
    • “Dang, this AI prompt should be illegal” – 35% open rate (00:50:17)
    • “We love the taste of blood in our mouth” – 39% open rate
    • “Text I would send Hobie from the hotel” – 34% open rate
    • “Your cringe” — used to play off a real message from an audience member
    • High-performing subject lines spark curiosity or sound conversational.
  • A/B tested number of links: 5 links performed 152% better in click-through than 3 links (00:57:49).

“Curiosity is powerful. …A great subject line doesn’t just describe what’s inside. It invites someone in.”
— Amy Porterfield (00:54:34)

6. Revenue Results: $300,000+ from Story-Driven Newsletters

• During Digital Course Academy Launch:
  • While many promotional and sales emails went out, Amy continued sending her regular newsletter (01:07:22).
  • September 16 newsletter (“overthinking my launch plan”)—shared her real-time struggle and invited readers to a bootcamp. Result: $191,000 in revenue traced to this newsletter.
  • September 23 newsletter (“accidentally deleted Tony Robbins’ first webinar”)—story about failure and growth, inviting to her webinar. Result: over $92,000 in revenue.
• Key Point:
  • These emails didn’t read as sales pitches; they delivered value and connection, making the calls-to-action feel organic and trustworthy (01:14:00).

“When you lead with connection, people don’t just open your emails, they take action.”
— Amy Porterfield (01:17:53)

7. Closing Advice & Current Best Practices

• Newsletters as Lead Generation:
  • Don't simply tell people to “sign up for my newsletter.” Instead, treat the newsletter signup like a lead magnet—clearly define the benefit and preview the value (01:21:13).
  • Provide a sample edition before sign-up to build trust and expectation.
• Newsletter Promotion Tools:
  • Amy is experimenting with paid ads to grow her newsletter.
  • She recommends cross-promotions and platforms like Substack and Kit Creator Network for additional reach (01:27:15).
• The Power of Connection:
  • Reader replies and ongoing feedback matter as much as acquiring new subscribers—nurture and converse with your list.

“For the first time I have something that—it’s a lead magnet to grow my email list, but I’m equally invested in just engaging with my audience with it.”
— Amy Porterfield (01:23:38)

Notable Quotes & Moments

• Amy on changing her mind about newsletters:

  “I'm taking it back. Because I do think today newsletters are thriving.” (00:06:04)

• On storytelling and connection:

  “Stories are the bridge between what I teach and what people think, feel… every business lesson worth learning starts with a human experience.” (00:29:02)

• On AI’s role:

  “AI helps me get to clarity faster, but connection still takes time.” (00:32:58)

• On authenticity and discomfort:

  “If your subject line feels slightly uncomfortable to send, that's probably a good sign.” (00:56:24)

• On newsletter as a business driver:

  “A personal story-driven newsletter isn't just good for engagement, it drives real revenue. Because when you lead with connection, people don't just open your emails, they take action.” (01:17:53)

Timestamps for Important Segments

• 00:01 – Introduction & newsletter evolution
• 00:06:04 – Changing perspectives on newsletters as a lead magnet
• 00:09:15 – The catalyst: copywriter’s leave and finding her voice
• 00:23:30 – Amy’s current newsletter writing workflow
• 00:25:27 – Importance of starting with a personal story
• 00:32:58 – Using ChatGPT as a creative partner
• 00:36:08 – Adding teaching moments & “how-to” content
• 00:41:40 – Amy’s “personal finds” and closing touches
• 00:48:03 – Data-driven newsletter optimization
• 00:50:17 – Examples of curiosity-driven “spicy” subject lines
• 00:57:49 – A/B testing the number of newsletter links
• 01:07:22 – Revenue case study: $300K from two newsletters
• 01:21:13 – Treating newsletter signup as a lead magnet
• 01:27:15 – Promotion tools and newsletter “moment” in the industry
• 01:29:00 – Closing thoughts and call to action

Final Takeaways

• Newsletters are (still) powerful when they are deeply personal, value-rich, and story-driven.
• Human connection and authenticity dramatically outperform routine, automated messaging—both in engagement and revenue.
• Treat your newsletter like a lead magnet: Preview, promise, and deliver value every time.
• Experiment and analyze—from subject lines to link quantity, data can reveal what works for your unique audience.
• Your personal story is your most powerful business strategy.

To see Amy’s newsletter structure in action or to subscribe: amyporterfield.com/newsletter