Newsletter ads don’t have to suck: how to add sponsors that feel natural (and pay well)
Write For Revenue #7
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I know what you’re thinking:
Advertising sucks.
Those brief but repetitive interruptions on your streaming service (you know, the one you chose to avoid ads in the first place) that get in the middle of your marathon rewatch of The Office?
Or how about those incredibly annoying videos that autoplay at the start of every YouTube video (unless you pay to make them go away)?
It’s true that ads often suck.
But what if you were in control?
What if you could determine which ads your newsletter subscribers see, and could ensure those advertisers are a perfect fit for your audience?
Well, that’s where sponsorships come in.
The Problem: You’re writing consistently, but all revenue is reader-dependant
If you’ve built up a decent audience on Substack, chances are you’re already creating a lot of value, and not just for readers.
Sponsors and brands are always looking for niche publications who are rich in trust, not necessarily in reach.
Unfortunately, most writers don’t know where to start:
What can you charge?
What do you even offer?
Will a sponsor turn your newsletter into an ad?
The truth is, thoughtful sponsorships or affiliate partnerships can add a solid stream of income to your Revenue River (man, I really love that analogy) without ever asking your audience to upgrade to your paid tier.
The Solution: Offer aligned exposure, not just ads
The best sponsorships don’t interrupt your writing like those pesky streaming autoplays or We-Are-Tracking-Your-Every-Move Facebook ads.
Instead, they support it.
You’re not just selling banner space. You’re giving trusted access to a focused, loyal audience, who trust you to expose them to the right brands and businesses only. That’s what sponsors really care about.
And if you choose brands or tools you actually use and believe in, it doesn’t feel like selling out in any way. It feels like service. It feels organic, and natural.
Let’s walk through exactly how to set this up.
This post is part of my ‘Write For Revenue’ series for paid subscribers. Upgrade now to read every new and previous instalment in full. 👇