Imagine this: you open your inbox, and amidst the flood of emails, one subject line catches your eye. You click, curious, and within seconds, you’re hooked—compelling visuals, crisp content, and a clear call to action make you want to engage. That’s the power of a well-crafted newsletter.
Designing one isn’t just about putting together a few paragraphs and a catchy subject line; it’s a delicate blend of art and science. To truly connect with readers and drive results, marketers need to understand what resonates with their audience. In this article, we’ll explore 20 newsletter examples that showcase how modern marketers create content that informs, engages, and delivers on business goals.
20 Inspiring newsletter examples for marketers
Let’s dive into real-world newsletter examples, demonstrating how modern digital marketers use newsletters to achieve outstanding results.
1. Airbnb newsletter
Airbnb's newsletter stands as an epitome of storytelling. It doesn't just announce destinations; it narrates experiences. With enchanting visuals and captivating narratives, it transports readers into different worlds.
This immersive storytelling goes beyond travel inspiration; it creates a deep emotional connection with the Airbnb brand, making readers dream of their next adventure.
Key takeaway: By weaving a narrative into your newsletter, you can forge an emotional connection with your readers, making your brand and email content more memorable. Here, we can also observe the reiteration of their brand identity: “Belong Anywhere” with a compelling subject line, "What's new? Oh, only everything.”
Henceforth, storytelling helps you create a lasting impression beyond a simple transactional message.
2. Apple newsletter
Apple's newsletter is a masterclass in product announcements. It blends simplicity, compelling visuals, and clear explanations to introduce new product features or updates.
Each newsletter feels like an exclusive invitation to discover the latest innovations and important updates. By showcasing sleek product images and concise feature explanations, Apple creates anticipation and excitement among its subscribers, who eagerly await their next newsletter for a glimpse of the future.
Key takeaway: When launching new products or features, focus on clarity and ensure that your audience understands the value they'll gain. Simplicity can be powerful, and well-crafted visuals and design elements can enhance the impact of your product announcements leading to better results.
3. Salesforce newsletter
Salesforce's newsletter exemplifies the incredible potential of strategic collaborations. It regularly features success stories and partnerships with other prominent companies in the tech industry.
These collaborations showcase Salesforce's capabilities and highlight how its solutions seamlessly integrate with other leading platforms. By demonstrating the synergy between Salesforce and its sponsors, such as Accenture, IBM, and DocuSign, the newsletter reinforces its position as an all-encompassing solution provider for businesses.
Key takeaway: Collaborations can be a game-changer for your brand. By partnering with other reputable companies in your type of business or related fields, you can leverage each other's strengths and tap into new audiences.
When exploring collaborations, prioritize partners whose values align with your brand's mission and whose offerings complement your own. Ultimately, these partnerships can open doors to innovative solutions and broader market reach.
4. Spotify newsletter
Spotify's newsletter is a great way to take interactivity to another level. It engages subscribers with personalized playlists, quizzes, and a sense of discovery. It transforms the act of music discovery into a delightful game, encouraging subscribers to explore and engage actively with the platform.
Key takeaway: Interactivity can make your newsletter more engaging and help you gather relevant information on subscriber preferences. Gamification and personalized recommendations are valuable tools to keep subscribers entertained and involved.
Sending Interactive Email Newsletters With AMP Emails
5. Buffer newsletter
Buffer, a renowned name in the social media management sphere, excels in leveraging its newsletter to foster meaningful connections with its audience. Their newsletter is a prime example of effective engagement and value delivery.
Key takeaway: Buffer's success lies in its consistent delivery of educational content. From expert tips on social media strategies to the latest news of industry insights, they ensure their newsletter subscribers stay informed and empowered.
This showcases the significance of providing valuable content to your audience, positioning your brand as a trusted source of industry knowledge.
6. Sephora newsletter
Sephora's newsletter entices subscribers with exclusive offers and promotions. It creates a sense of urgency with limited-time deals and personalized discounts. Subscribers feel like they're part of an exclusive club, gaining access to beauty products and savings not readily available elsewhere.
Key takeaway: Exclusive offers can be potent drivers of conversions. Use urgency and personalization to make your offers irresistible. Building a loyal subscriber base by offering unique value is key to nurturing long-term customer relationships.
7. Neil Patel newsletter
Neil Patel's newsletter positions him as a thought leader in digital marketing. It includes in-depth articles, industry trends, and expert advice.
Key takeaway: Establish yourself as a thought leader in the industry by sharing valuable insights and expertise through your newsletter. Offer in-depth content that educates and informs your subscribers, enhancing your credibility and authority.
8. Starbucks newsletter
Starbucks’s newsletter often features seasonal promotions and limited-time offerings. It creates a sense of anticipation and excitement around special products, such as holiday-themed drinks.
Key takeaway: Capitalize on seasonal trends and holidays in your newsletter campaigns. Promote seasonal offerings, limited-time discounts, or holiday-themed content to capture the spirit of the moment and drive sales.
9. Netflix newsletter
Netflix's newsletter provides personalized recommendations based on a subscriber's viewing history and preferences. It showcases a curated list of content tailored to individual tastes.
Key takeaway: Utilize subscriber data to offer personalized recommendations. Tailored content not only enhances engagement but also increases the likelihood of conversions. By understanding your audience's preferences, you can deliver content that aligns with their interests.
10. TED newsletter
TED's newsletter shares thought-provoking talks on diverse topics. It empowers subscribers with a daily dose of knowledge and inspiration.
Key takeaway: Providing valuable, thought-provoking content can keep your audience engaged and loyal. Consider how you can share educational or inspirational content relevant to your niche.
11. Mailmodo newsletter
Mailmodo newsletter combines informative content with actionable insights. Instead of overwhelming readers with lengthy articles, our newsletter presents concise summaries on email marketing features, including case studies, best practices, and tips for leveraging our unique features like interactive emails.
Key takeaway: Providing targeted, actionable insights that directly address your audience's challenges can significantly enhance engagement and build loyalty. Focus on sharing real-world applications and success stories to resonate with your subscribers and drive their success in your niche.
12. Total Anarchy by Ann Handley
Ann Handley's "Total Anarchy" newsletter proves that a personal touch works wonders in email marketing. By adding anecdotes and speaking directly to subscribers, Ann sets a great example for authentic communication. Her approach encourages marketers to inject personality into their newsletters.
Key takeaway: Authenticity and a personal touch can make your newsletter more relatable and engaging. Sharing anecdotes and speaking directly to your audience helps build trust and establish a genuine connection.
13. GatherContent by Rob Mills
Rob Mills' newsletter from GatherContent keeps it simple and brand-focused. It's short, to the point, and stays true to the brand's identity. This type of straightforward communication makes it easy for subscribers to get value from the content.
Key takeaway: Keep your newsletters simple and aligned with your brand’s identity. A concise and focused approach ensures that readers can quickly extract value without feeling overwhelmed.
14. Everyone Hates Marketers
Louis Grenier's newsletter challenges conventional marketing wisdom with a contrarian perspective. As the host of a popular podcast, Grenier shares unique insights and personal stories, offering a refreshing take on marketing.
Key takeaway: Challenging conventional wisdom can set your newsletter apart. Offering unique insights or contrarian views helps capture attention and position your brand as a thought leader in your niche.
15. Go-To-Millions
Ari Murray's Go-To-Millions newsletter offers monetization tips and marketing strategies for entrepreneurs. Murray shares curated lists and personal anecdotes, providing actionable advice for growing businesses.
Key takeaway: Providing actionable advice tailored to your audience’s goals is a powerful way to keep them engaged. Personal anecdotes and curated content add value and make the information relatable.
16. Atlas Obscura
Offering more than just travel tips, Atlas Obscura delivers captivating stories from around the world. Perfect for frequent travelers, it explores off-beat destinations with intriguing narratives.
This newsletter is great at writing catchy headlines and uncovering fascinating details like library apartments and haunted coffee. It has a unique storytelling style that keeps the readers hooked.
Key takeaway: Unique storytelling and intriguing narratives can transform a newsletter from informative to captivating. By uncovering lesser-known details, you can inspire curiosity and foster a sense of discovery among your readers.
17. Why We Buy
Catering to marketers and business owners, Why We Buy delves into the psychology behind consumer behavior. Through real-life examples and practical tips, it helps marketers understand their audience on a deeper level. The newsletter is fun, bite-sized, and barely takes 4 minutes to read.
Key takeaway: Dive into your audience’s psychology to deliver content that resonates. Bite-sized, actionable insights presented in an engaging format can keep readers interested and eager for more.
18. Quartz Daily Brief
Quartz Daily Brief provides a no-nonsense approach to news, delivering need-to-know information in a concise and engaging format. It has sections covering top stories, what to watch for, and surprising discoveries. This format keeps readers informed without overwhelming them. Its use of visuals and formal yet provocative tone sets it apart from other newsletters.
Key takeaway: A concise format with clear sections can make even complex topics accessible. Leveraging visuals and maintaining a provocative yet professional tone can set your newsletter apart in a crowded inbox.
19. Workable
Workable's newsletter impresses with its consistent branding and engaging content. They maintain a personal touch where you can see the image of the sender too. The tone is actionable, addressing problems and offering solutions backed by data. The clear CTAs drive action effectively. It's a great model for businesses aiming to drive blog traffic organically.
Key takeaway: Strong branding and actionable content can elevate your newsletter’s impact. Addressing specific problems with data-backed solutions and clear CTAs helps drive meaningful engagement and results.
20. Sunday Branding
Nik Sharma's Sunday Branding Newsletter is a treasure trove for ecommerce and direct-to-consumer (DTC) brands. Subscribers receive a free slide deck on launching a successful DTC brand, offering immense value from the start. Sharma's expertise and practical advice make this newsletter stand out.
Key takeaway: Offering valuable resources upfront builds trust and establishes authority. Sharing practical advice and industry expertise positions your newsletter as an essential tool for your audience.
Future trends in newsletters
As email marketing continues to evolve, newsletters are becoming increasingly dynamic and impactful. Drawing inspiration from the 20 examples discussed, here are key trends shaping the future of newsletters:
1. Hyper-personalization
The future of newsletters lies in delivering highly tailored content. AI-driven tools will refine personalization, ensuring every email resonates with the recipient's unique preferences, behaviors, and interests. Brands like Netflix and Spotify have set the standard for personalized recommendations, and this trend will only grow stronger.
2. Interactive experiences
Static emails are giving way to interactive newsletters. Features like quizzes, polls, and surveys will engage subscribers, making the email experience more immersive. Tools such as Mailmodo enable brands to incorporate these elements seamlessly, driving higher engagement and actionable insights.
3. User-generated content (UGC)
UGC will play a pivotal role in building authenticity and trust. Brands like Sephora and Starbucks have successfully leveraged customer reviews, stories, and creations to strengthen their connection with subscribers. Expect to see more newsletters featuring social media highlights, customer shoutouts, and campaign-driven UGC.
4. Visual storytelling
With shrinking attention spans, compelling visuals are becoming essential. Newsletters like Airbnb's and Atlas Obscura's demonstrate the power of visual storytelling through stunning images and well-crafted layouts. The future will see a surge in video content, infographics, and animated elements to enhance storytelling.
5. Data-driven insights and thought leadership
Newsletters will increasingly become platforms for sharing actionable insights and expertise. Brands like Neil Patel and Why We Buy exemplify how educational content can establish authority. Data-driven strategies will help marketers fine-tune their campaigns, ensuring newsletters provide value while aligning with business goals.
6. Gamification
Inspired by newsletters like Spotify, gamified elements such as achievements, challenges, or progress trackers will become more prevalent. Gamification not only boosts engagement but also creates a sense of reward, encouraging subscribers to interact with the brand consistently.
7. Seamless integration of branding
Newsletters will evolve to be more than a communication tool—they will become an extension of a brand’s identity. Companies like Apple and Workable demonstrate how consistent design and tone create a memorable experience. The future will see brands using newsletters as a key touchpoint to reinforce their identity.
8. Seasonal and time-sensitive content
Seasonal trends and limited-time offers, as utilized by Starbucks and Sephora, will continue to thrive. Marketers will craft campaigns that leverage holidays, trends, or industry events to capture subscribers’ attention and drive urgency.
9. Bite-sized and value-driven content
Newsletters like Quartz Daily Brief highlight the effectiveness of concise, segmented content. Readers will expect easily digestible information with clear takeaways, ensuring they get value in minutes.
10. Focus on emotional connection
Brands like Total Anarchy and Airbnb illustrate the importance of creating emotional connections through storytelling and authentic communication. Newsletters will focus more on forging deep, lasting relationships by humanizing the brand.
Final takeaway
Newsletters are more than just messages; they are a canvas for creativity and strategy. Drawing insights from these examples, you can create newsletters that capture attention, foster long-lasting relationships, and drive outstanding results.
So, let these newsletter examples guide your journey as you master the art of crafting compelling newsletters.
