Learn from Netflix (and write better newsletters)
Do you remember how it feels to start a new series on Netflix?
You watch episode 1. Then episode 2. And suddenly it's 2 a.m. and you've watched 6 episodes in a row.
Why?
Because Netflix has a formula. A structure. A common thread.
Every series has a beginning, a middle and an end. And each episode builds on the previous one.
It's not random. It's planned.
And you can use that exact structure in your newsletters.
The problem with newsletters
I see it all the time.
People sit there on Monday morning thinking: ‘What am I going to write about NOW?’
They have no plan. No list. No structure.
So they rush to write about the first thing that comes to mind. Or whatever they need to sell that week.
And the newsletter? It doesn't turn out very well.
Haste makes waste, as they say.
The result is disjointed emails with no context. Your readers don't feel like they're on a journey with you.
They just get... random tips.
The Netflix method for newsletters
Here's the idea:
Think of your newsletter as Netflix. And your emails as series.
Let me give you an example.
Imagine you want to teach your readers about storytelling.
Instead of writing one long, boring newsletter about it, you create a series of five episodes:
✔ Episode 1: What storytelling is all about (introduction)
✔ Episode 2: A simple formula they can use right away
✔ Episode 3: Case study – how company X used storytelling
✔ Episode 4: Case study – how company Y used storytelling
✔ Episode 5: Future perspective – how to use it going forward
Can you see the difference?
Now you have a common thread. A structure. A plan.
And your readers? They are looking forward to the next ‘section.’
How to get started
Here's what you need to do:
1. Choose a topic
What would you like to teach your readers? Choose something you are passionate about.
2. Decide on the number of episodes
Should it be a mini-series of 3 newsletters? Or a longer series of 7 or 12?
3. Create an outline
Write a headline for each episode. And a short description of what it's about and what value it brings to the reader.
4. Add a cliffhanger (if you want)
Just like Netflix does. End each newsletter with something that makes people look forward to the next instalment.
Except for the last instalment, of course. That's where you conclude the series.
Why it works
When you think in terms of series, you have to plan ahead.
You can't just write in a hurry on Monday morning.
You have to think: Okay, this is episode 3 of 7. What should happen here? How does it build on episode 2? And how does it lead up to episode 4?
You get structure. Your readers get value. And you avoid panic.
Plus, you can go in-depth with one topic instead of jumping from one to another.
It's a win-win.
So here's my challenge for you:
What will be your first Netflix series?
Think about it. Make an outline. And get started.
Your readers are waiting on the sofa.
