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# What I've learned after 20 years of newsletters
- URL: https://www.renehjetting.com/what-ive-learned-after-20-years-of-newsletters/
- Published: 2026-02-07T09:47:17.000Z
- Updated: 2026-02-09T05:56:24.000Z
- Author: René Hjetting
- Tags: Newsletter

**Can we be honest for a moment?**

Most of us spend a lot of time on social media. We post, engage, build followings. And it works – to a certain extent.

But there's something we all notice: We're borrowing space on other people's platforms. Algorithms change. Reach declines. What we built yesterday may be gone tomorrow.

**I've thought a lot about this myself.**

And I've come to the conclusion that newsletters are the most robust channel we can build:

→ 30-60% open rate versus 2-5% on social media  
→ A list we own – no one can take it away from us  
→ We decide when and what we send

The exciting thing is that 5,000 engaged newsletter readers can generate 6-figure annual revenues.

Not because the number is magical, but because engaged readers are fundamentally different from passive followers.

### I'm hosting a webinar where we'll dive into this together:

**The 7 steps to building a newsletter that generates revenue**  
Tuesday, 24 February at 3:00 PM CET

[Read more and sign up for the webinar here](https://www.renehjetting.com/build/)

**What we will cover:**

**1\. Finding the right niche**  
How to identify a niche with willingness to pay – and test the idea before investing months of time.

**2\. The professional foundation**  
What distinguishes a professional newsletter from ‘just sending emails’ – and how we get off to a good start.

**3\. Content that engages**  
A storytelling structure I use myself that makes readers look forward to the next issue.

**4\. Organic growth to 1,000 subscribers**  
The strategies that build a solid foundation – before we even consider spending money.

**5\. When ads make sense**  
The right time to invest in ads – and the platforms that give the best return.

**6\. From readers to revenue**  
Sponsorships and product sales – when each model works best.

**7\. Automation that works**  
The systems that allow the newsletter to run without constant work.

**Is this relevant to you?**

→ You are self-employed and want a channel you own  
→ You are a consultant and want to be less dependent on algorithms  
→ You make a living selling your knowledge and want to build your foundation

**Participation is free.**

I am holding this webinar just this once, and there are a limited number of places.

[Read more and sign up for the webinar here](https://www.renehjetting.com/build/)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/1a/09/1a0934e4-4fb9-4a20-9487-d358009b6c73/content/images/2025/07/Me-and-coffea.jpg-5-1-2-2.webp) 

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