Every Monday, I share insights and BTS from our community for newsletter operators. Detailed breakdown on Thursdays.
Tea from my life
I love adult money. Got a Rajnikanth-themed calendar because why not?
Btw, Happy New Year! <3
Analysis in 300 words
I have been reading about newsletter predictions in 2026. A LinkedIn post mentioned CPC (cost-per-click) sponsorship deals are dead in 2026.
It’s hard to say without access to the sponsor results, but let us look at what actually happens with CPC deals:
CPC models are great for small email lists. They help newsletters sustain as a side hustle and generate early revenue.
But CPC models don’t generate a lot of money. Not because the deals are bad (Beehiiv’s ad network gives you $1-4 a click based on the niche) but because early-stage newsletters don’t have the authority yet. They can’t just vouch for a sponsor and get a lot of clicks.
Even if you have authority, you don’t have control over the copy and the volume of unique clicks is not significant.
Once you grow and earn your readers' trust, you will have leverage to pitch sponsors independently.
Where does this leave us?
All of us must do CPC deals in the initial days for two reasons:
Early revenue
Data on ads (you will understand the gap between click behaviours on ads vs your usual links)
Once you believe you have earned your readers' trust, I highly recommend pitching for exclusive partnerships with the products you use and recommend. Especially if you are a creator-led newsletter.
I have been time-tracking for 15 months and have used Rize (time tracking app) for over 6 months. So when I say you should try Rize, you sense a hint of legitimacy in my recommendation, even though you know I make money from them.
I actually closed Rize as a partner last week. Don’t just think this is only for big publications.
Not becoming the creator who vouches for anyone and everyone has great value.
…and that’s where the newsletter sponsorships will head: Exclusivity.
CPC deals will continue to exist as long as they deliver a decent ROI for sponsors from all their portfolio newsletters.
Sneakpeek into the community
I asked Grok to compare my Twitter to similar accounts and it gave a nice analysis of the gap between my account and pioneers in the space.
10/10 recommend.
Marketing resources shared in the community
One of the best essays I have read on improving the quality of life
Guide for prompt engineering if you’re still not into AI.
Advice for generalists who want to join startups (more like how to approach companies by showing value)
Hangouts
This month, we are hosting two private community sessions.
One on visibility. How can you make sure your great work is visible to the audience?
Second is our monthly growth call to talk about January and plan for February.
I’ll host a public session as well. Details next week.
In 10 bullet points or less, what I got done working across four newsletters
Published newsletters in marketing, AI, and coffee niches.
Raised prices of our community subscription by 4x. The community is out of experimental mode, and I now have greater clarity on the offer and its value.
Optimised community onboarding flow to make you feel welcomed.
Explored a new newsletter niche.
Published a database with the best content I consumed in 2025 (ranging from movies to blogs to books).
Started learning SEO.
Personal: Watched House of Cards, New Year's Eve with friends, workout 5x, 85600 steps.
I use Rize to track my time.
If you choose the same, I can get you a 25% discount. Use code: VIKRA
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Love,
Vikra.