How to Measure Churn for Publishers

How to Measure Churn for Publishers

I learned how to measure churn while working at a daily newspaper. And yet, when working with digital-first newsrooms, I often come across people looking for help with those calculations. In this guide, I’ve shared 3 different ways to measure churn for publishers across the spectrum: digital-first, newsletter writers, and even creators. Why measuring churn…

Newsletter unsubscribe examples that will help you maintain relationships with your best readers

Newsletter unsubscribe examples that will help you maintain relationships with your best readers

Watching people unsubscribe from your newsletter sucks. In this post, I will share some newsletter unsubscribe examples that will make it easier for you to retain the readers you need to be successful, without dragging down the whole list. I’ve been analyzing the design of the 99 newsletters, and I needed to unsubscribe from one….

For better newsletter testing insights, start with a strong hypothesis

For better newsletter testing insights, start with a strong hypothesis

You know a newsletter isn’t a “set it and forget it” product. To succeed, and to have more impact, you need to test to see what’s working. What is your newsletter testing plan? How often? What’s the last thing you tested? What did you learn? If you aren’t testing, I’m not here to scold you….

Newsletter design tips for journalists and non-designers

Newsletter design tips for journalists and non-designers

Jared Spool says, “Design is the rendering of intent.” In other words, design isn’t decoration. It’s how something works, how it solves problems, how it encourages behaviors — both good and bad. This is especially true for newsletter design. Spool goes on to say, “Anyone who influences what the design becomes is the designer.” You…

How the New York Times used deceptive patterns and spam to reach 17 million newsletter subscribers (and counting)
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How the New York Times used deceptive patterns and spam to reach 17 million newsletter subscribers (and counting)

Note: This post was originally published May 2020. The analysis and screenshots reflect that period in time, but may no longer reflect the current sign-up process. The New York Times got a lot of buzz last week when it claimed a whopping 17 million subscribers to “The Morning.” The thing is? 17 million is a…

Is your newsletter leading people to pay for journalism or a dead end?

Is your newsletter leading people to pay for journalism or a dead end?

We must do a better job of selling journalism. Your livelihood depends on it. My livelihood depends on it. Our communities depend on it. “But Cory, you say, I’m a [your title here]. I’m not a sales & marketing person.” I know! That’s why I want to help guide you to an easier road to…

4 easy ways to get started with newsletter segments

4 easy ways to get started with newsletter segments

A common piece of newsletter advice says to make it personal. Write to a single person. Good advice, but that’s easier said than done. It’s hard. Your list includes all kinds of different people, right? This newsletter was launched as a guide for journalists. Not long after the first one went out, other smart people…