What Is a Newsletter and Why Should I Use One on My Website?

If you’ve ever wondered “what is a newsletter?” — you’re in the right place. Think of a newsletter as a friendly, regular message you send to people who’ve already shown interest in your site, product, or content. It’s not a one-off ad; it’s a relationship-builder. In this post I’ll explain what newsletters do, why they matter for your website, and how to get started without feeling overwhelmed.

Newsletter basics: what it is, simply

A newsletter is typically an email sent on a schedule (weekly, monthly, or irregularly) to subscribers. It can include updates, curated content, promotions, tips, or behind-the-scenes stories. The key is permission: people opt in, which makes newsletters a direct, personal way to reach an audience that already cares.

Why use a newsletter on your website?

There are a few simple reasons I recommend adding one to most websites:

• Direct access to your audience. Social media algorithms change overnight, but email goes straight to someone’s inbox. That reliability is huge when you want steady traffic or conversions.
• Better engagement. Subscribers chose you — they’re more likely to open, click, and take action than random visitors.
• Ownership of your audience. Your email list is yours. You don’t depend on third-party platforms the same way you do with social networks.
• Higher conversion rates. Newsletters often convert better than ads because of trust and repeated exposure.
• Cost-effective marketing. Compared to paid channels, email marketing can be very affordable with a strong ROI.

Real-world example

Imagine you run a small blog about backyard gardening. You publish two posts a month. With a newsletter, you can highlight new posts, share quick seasonal tips, promote an e-book, or offer a discount on supplies. A loyal subscriber who gets your tips regularly is much more likely to buy through your affiliate links or recommend your content to friends.

Common newsletter types

Not every newsletter needs to be the same. Here are formats I’ve seen work well:

• Curated digest: A roundup of great content (your posts + other resources).
• Educational series: A multi-email course that teaches one skill over several messages.
• Product updates & promos: New releases, discounts, and restocks.
• Behind-the-scenes: Personal stories or company updates that build trust.

How a newsletter helps SEO and website growth

While newsletters themselves don’t directly improve search rankings, they help in ways that matter to SEO:

• Repeat traffic: Email drives visitors back to your site, increasing pageviews and user signals.
• Content amplification: New posts promoted via email get immediate readership — that initial surge can lead to social shares and backlinks.
• Lower bounce rate: Targeted emails bring engaged readers who spend more time on the site.

How to start a newsletter (quick and painless)

Starting doesn’t have to be scary. Here’s a simple path I’d follow if I were doing it this afternoon:

1. Choose a tool: Mailchimp and HubSpot are popular — Mailchimp is friendly for beginners, while HubSpot integrates well if you already use CRM tools. Check out Mailchimp or HubSpot Email Marketing for options.
2. Create a signup form: Add a simple form to your homepage or a dedicated signup page. No need for 12 fields — name and email will do.
3. Offer value: Give a reason to subscribe. A free checklist, a short email course, or exclusive tips work great.
4. Plan your first 3 emails: Intro, useful content, and a small ask (like follow a post or try a product).
5. Send consistently: Pick a rhythm and stick to it. Inconsistency kills trust faster than frequent emailing.

Need inspiration?

Peek at templates or examples to get unstuck — many sites publish newsletter templates or examples you can adapt. If you want broader strategy, our email marketing tips post dives into segmentation and subject lines.

Best practices that feel human (not spammy)

My top practical tips:

• Use friendly subject lines: Treat it like a message from a person, not a billboard.
• Keep it skimmable: Short paragraphs, clear headings, and one call-to-action per email.
• Respect frequency: Ask subscribers how often they want to hear from you.
• Segment: Group subscribers by interest so you don’t send irrelevant offers.
• Measure: Look at open and click rates, then tweak content based on what resonates.

Is it worth the effort?

Yes — but only if you treat it like a relationship, not a broadcast channel. A neglected list becomes a liability; a thoughtful list becomes one of your most valuable business assets. If you’re building a brand, selling products, or creating content that people care about, a newsletter is an efficient way to keep that conversation going.

Further reading

If you want to learn more about the history and mechanics of email newsletters, Wikipedia has a solid primer at Email Newsletter. For setup guides and best practices, check the developers and marketing platforms mentioned above.

Final thoughts

Starting a newsletter might feel like one more thing on your plate, but it’s one of the most direct ways to build an engaged audience. Start small, deliver consistent value, and you’ll be surprised how a modest email list can translate into loyalty, traffic, and sales. If you want, I can help you outline your first three newsletter emails — tell me what your website is about and I’ll draft them.