As I’ve become a professional independent writer, I’ve studied a lot of other creators to see how they run their businesses. You don’t need to recreate the wheel! These free newsletters offer a lot of knowledge about building an independent business.
1. Creator Spotlight
This is my favorite newsletter on the market right now. I open it every time it’s in my inbox. I cannot believe it’s free. Creator Spotlight also stands evident to the fact that newsletters don’t have to be ugly. I especially love the issues on Cheapskate London and Naptown Scoop.
2. Newsletter Operator
There’s always helpful DIY tips on how to make your newsletter better, and some overall news about the newsletter industry itself. Every creator or freelancer should have their own website and newsletter, and this is where you’ll learn about how to connect with your audience without relying on an algorithm.
3. Creator Science
Another email I open without fail because there’s always some brilliant insights included. Jay knows how to build a creator business and has rock solid advice. I can also vouch for his masterclasses on building communities. Whenever I hear him speak, I end up with five pages of notes. I’m so glad he distills some of that knowledge into a weekly newsletter.
4. The Creator’s Toolbox
I always find a new tool to use here, or some tips about how to use something better. Working solo means that I need to know about tools that make my life easier.
5. Growth in Reverse
I read every issue! Chenell profiles large and small creators to learn about how they grew their businesses and how you can do the same.
6. Creators Getting Paid
Michelle shares case studies, growth strategies, and insights on building your own business.
7. Ultimate Tools
Okay, this newsletter also recommends tools, but I love the ongoing trends and news included in every edition. It’s also specifically about marketing, which is something every freelancer and creator needs to know about!
8. Mindset Mastery
Being self-employed in any way requires balance and staying sane even when chaos is all around you. Jenni shares amazing tips about staying mentally and emotionally well while building your own business.
9. Journalists Pay Themselves
Written by the one and only Lex Roman, Journalists Pay Themselves chronicles how worker-owned publications work and how journalists can make a living working independently. If you’ve ever thought about starting a local newsletter or working independently, subscribing to Journalists Pay Themselves is a no brainer. I especially liked her piece on Oliver Darcy starting Status on beehiiv.
10. Not the Same Old Tools
Huge fan of looking through past newsletter editions to find new tools. I like things that make my life easier!
11. Total Annarchy by Ann Handley
Ann takes her sharp pen and slices through marketing bullshit every single week and I love it so much. On a serious note though, you will learn so much about content marketing from her.
12. Low Energy Leads
How do creators find clients? Low Energy Lead answers all of those questions. Whether you’re building a newsletter or freelancing for the first time, Low Energy Leads will help you find a new way to connect with people.
13. Creator Wizard
Justin Moore is single handedly responsible for me taking sponsorships seriously and making them a part of my business. If you’re not a newsletter person, then please subscribe to his YouTube.
14. Link in Bio
Link in Bio chronicles the business of social media. It has resources for social media managers and features free weekly interviews with professional social media people. It’s most helpful if you want to work in social media, but I think anyone interested in monetizing their social media can learn from Link in Bio.
15. The Tilt
A twice weekly newsletter for anyone working in content. The Tilt always includes information on social media changes, the business of content, and helpful resources.
16. Tubefilter
Tubefilter always has ongoing creator news. It’s probably best for influencers and people interested in social media.
17. Freelance Opportunities!
Let’s be real, you will probably need to make some money as you build an independent business. A lot of creators (including people mentioned above) started as freelancers or freelanced on the side. My newsletter shares paid opportunities so you can make money wherever you are in your career and wherever you are in the world.
18. The Loaf
I don’t think there’s a better name for a newsletter. If a company called Creator Bread didn’t name its newsletter The Loaf it would be a crime against humanity. The Loaf talks a lot about the financial realities of being independent and shares financial advice.
19. Frootful Creator
I love using Passionfroot to manage my sponsorships. Though Frootful Creator is no longer published regularly, it’s archives provide a lot of value. Passionfroot’s podcast, Creators on Air, is also a study in going solo.
20. Newsletter Business
I think every creator should have a newsletter. I invested a lot of time and energy on Twitter only to watch it become a shell of itself. When you have a newsletter, you own your audience and can make more revenue than you can with social media alone. Newsletter Business shares tactics and insights to grow your newsletter.
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Kaitlyn Arford 