Newsletter Operator

I Helped 100 People Get 1,000 Newsletter Subscribers (Without Ads)

Matt McGarry and Ryan Carr

In this Q&A video, I answer questions about how to start, grow, and monetize a newsletter. I explain how to get 1,000 subscribers in 30 days using my “1K Challenge,” which includes daily posting, commenting, and outreach on platforms like LinkedIn or Instagram. I cover how niche is too niche, why cross-promotions between newsletters work best when both sides match clicks, and how to measure success beyond open rates by focusing on revenue and engagement. I also share thoughts on the future of newsletters— shorter formats, weekly cadence, and using them to drive product or service sales instead of relying only on ads.

FREE Guide: How to get your first 1000 newsletter subscribers in 30 days >>

Episode Questions & Timestamps

00:00 Introduction & Q&A Overview
00:18 Is it possible to get 1,000 subscribers in 30 days?
09:58 How niche is too niche?
11:15 How do you approach partnerships and cross-promotions?
14:28 Can you still trust open rates and click-through rates?
17:32 How many links are too many in a newsletter?
18:20 How can you find and sell the right product to your audience?
21:56 What’s the next big shift in the newsletter industry?
24:19 Is there opportunity for newsletter aggregators?