How to Land Your First Newsletter Sponsor
Most independent writers wait too long to pitch sponsors, assuming they need a huge list first. They don't.
Start with your engagement, not your size
A 2,000-subscriber list with a 55% open rate is a better pitch than 20,000 subscribers nobody reads. Lead with that.
Price it simply
A flat CPM (cost per thousand opens) is the easiest structure for a first deal. $20-$40 CPM is a reasonable starting range for a niche, engaged audience.
Where to find sponsors
- Companies you already use and like
- Sponsors of newsletters similar in size to yours
- Marketplaces built for newsletter sponsorships
The first deal is always the hardest. After that, you have a case study.