How Much Does It Cost To Run An Email Newsletter?

Introduction.

Running an email newsletter has become one of the most popular ways to build relationships with an audience.

But let’s face it—cost is a key question that comes up before starting one. How much will it take to get an email newsletter up and running?

In this guide, I’ll break it all down: the essential expenses, optional costs, and what factors can change your total.

By the end, you’ll have a clear idea of what you might need to budget. I’ve kept things straightforward and easy to understand—no confusing jargon here!

Why Email Newsletters Matter

Before diving into costs, let’s talk about why email newsletters are worth considering.

High ROI (Return on Investment): Email marketing can bring an average return of $36 for every $1 spent. It’s one of the most cost-effective ways to connect directly with your audience. (Source: Litmus)
Ownership of Your List: Unlike social media followers, your email list is yours. Platforms can change algorithms or policies, but your email list stays under your control.
Personalized Communication: Newsletters let you build stronger relationships by sending personalized messages tailored to your audience’s needs or interests.

Now, let’s figure out how much money you’ll need to set this up.

Basic Costs of Running an Email Newsletter

Here’s a breakdown of the main components that go into running an email newsletter:

1. Email Marketing Platform

This is where you’ll manage your email list, design newsletters, and send them out. Costs vary based on the size of your email list and the features you need.

Free Plans: Platforms like Mailchimp, Sendinblue, and MailerLite offer free plans, usually for up to 500-1,000 subscribers.
Paid Plans: As your list grows or you want advanced features (like automation), expect to pay $10–$50/month for platforms like ConvertKit or ActiveCampaign.

2. Domain and Email Address

To look professional, it’s smart to have a custom domain and email address (e.g., [email protected]). Many email platforms require this to avoid spam filters.

Custom Domain: $10–$15/year from providers like Google Domains or Namecheap.
Professional Email Address: Around $6/month with services like Google Workspace.

3. Content Creation

Whether it’s writing the newsletter yourself or hiring someone to do it, there’s a time or financial cost involved.

DIY Approach: Free but requires your time.
Outsourcing: Freelance writers might charge $50–$500 per newsletter, depending on length and complexity.

4. Graphic Design

Visuals can make a big difference in how engaging your newsletter looks.

Free Tools: Canva offers free templates that are easy to use.
Paid Subscriptions: Canva Pro is $12.99/month, or you can hire a designer for $50–$200 per project.

Optional Costs to Consider

1. Automation and Analytics

If you want detailed analytics or automated sequences (like welcome emails), you may need to upgrade your email platform. This can add $20–$100/month.

2. Integrations and Plugins

Need your newsletter to integrate with e-commerce platforms, CRM tools, or social media? Some integrations come at an extra cost.

3. Promoting Your Newsletter

To grow your subscriber list, you might invest in ads on platforms like Facebook or Instagram. Typical costs vary widely but can start as low as $50/month.

4. Specialized Tools

Tools for A/B testing, advanced personalization, or audience segmentation could cost an additional $10–$30/month.

Factors That Can Affect Costs

List Size: Most platforms charge based on how many subscribers you have. A larger list means higher costs.
Frequency of Emails: Sending daily emails might cost more than weekly ones due to higher email limits on certain plans.
Content Quality: Investing in better writing or design can increase costs but might lead to better results.

Example Budgets

Beginner with a Small List:

Email platform (free plan): $0
Domain and email address: $6/month
Canva (free): $0
Total: $6/month

Intermediate with Growing Needs:

Email platform (paid): $25/month
Domain and email address: $6/month
Canva Pro: $12.99/month
Total: $44/month

Professional Setup:

Email platform (premium): $50/month
Domain and email address: $6/month
Freelance writer: $200/newsletter (4 newsletters/month = $800)
Total: $856/month

FAQs

1. Can I run a newsletter for free?

Yes! If you’re just starting, many platforms offer free plans. However, investing in tools like a custom email address or better designs can make your newsletter more effective.

2. How can I keep costs low?

Stick with free plans for email platforms, write your content, and use free design tools like Canva. Upgrade only when your newsletter grows.

3. Is it worth spending money on a newsletter?

Absolutely. Newsletters often deliver a high ROI. Even small investments can lead to significant engagement and conversions.

Wrapping Up

So, how much does it cost to run an email newsletter? It depends on your goals, tools, and approach. You can start for as little as $6/month or scale up with more features and professional help.

What’s your next step—ready to launch your newsletter or curious about how to make it stand out?