How to Start a Newsletter on Beehiiv in 2026 (Step-by-Step)
Most people think starting a newsletter is complicated. It's not. You can have a live newsletter accepting subscribers in about 30 minutes—if you follow the right steps in the right order.
Here's exactly how to do it on Beehiiv, the platform I recommend for solopreneurs who want to build and monetize an email list.
---
Before You Start: The Two Decisions That Matter
Before you touch any platform, decide two things:
1. Your niche: Be specific. "Business" is not a niche. "AI tools for freelance writers" is. "Passive income for 9-to-5 employees" is. The more specific your niche, the easier everything else becomes—content ideas, audience targeting, monetization.
2. Your publishing cadence: Weekly is the sweet spot for most solopreneurs. Bi-weekly if you're time-constrained. Daily only if you're very committed and your content format warrants it. Pick something you can sustain for 6 months, not something that sounds impressive.
Got those? Let's build.
---
Step 1: Create Your Beehiiv Account
Go to [beehiiv.com][Get BEEHIIV] and click "Get Started Free."
The free plan (Launch) supports up to 2,500 subscribers with core features. You won't need a paid plan until you're ready to monetize or add a custom domain.
Fill in your publication name, description, and the basics. Don't overthink the name—you can change it later.
---
Step 2: Configure Your Publication Settings
Once inside, head to Settings and work through these in order:
Publication Details:
- Publication name (visible to subscribers)
- Description (shown on your subscribe page)
- Profile photo or logo (even a simple text logo works)
- Your website URL if you have one
Add 3-5 bullet points answering: What will subscribers learn? How often do you send? Why should they trust you?
Custom Domain (optional, paid plan required): If you're serious, get a custom domain. newsletter.yourdomain.com or just yourdomain.com. This matters for brand perception and email deliverability long-term.
---
Step 3: Set Up Your Welcome Email
This is the most-read email you will ever send. Every new subscriber gets it. Don't skip it or use Beehiiv's default.
Your welcome email should:
- Confirm they made a good decision joining
- Tell them exactly what to expect (topic, frequency)
- Deliver your lead magnet if you have one
- Include a reply prompt ("Hit reply and tell me the #1 thing you're struggling with")
---
Step 4: Customize Your Email Design
Go to Design Settings and configure:
- Brand colors: Pick 1-2 colors. Keep it clean.
- Font: Beehiiv's default fonts are fine. Don't overthink this.
- Header/logo: Upload your logo or set a text header
- Email footer: Required—include your name, address (required by CAN-SPAM/GDPR), and unsubscribe link (Beehiiv adds this automatically)
---
Step 5: Write and Send Your First Issue
Go to New Post and write your first newsletter.
Structure that works: 1. Brief intro (2-3 sentences, personal tone) 2. The main content (whatever you promised in your niche) 3. One call to action (reply, share, click a link) 4. Your sign-off
Don't try to make Issue #1 perfect. Send it. The learning comes from doing.
Before sending:
- Send a test email to yourself
- Check it on mobile (most opens happen on phones)
- Proofread one final time
---
Step 6: Get Your First 100 Subscribers
The platform won't grow your list for you. Here's what actually works in 2026:
Start with your existing network: Email everyone you know who's relevant to your niche. LinkedIn connections, email contacts, Twitter/X followers. A personal ask outperforms any ad campaign for the first 100.
Post your subscribe link on social: Write a thread or post explaining what you're building and why. Include a specific reason to subscribe today.
Write SEO content: Publish blog posts targeting keywords your audience searches. Each post should have a newsletter signup CTA. This is slow but compounds.
Use Beehiiv Boosts: Once you're on a paid plan, you can pay other newsletters $1-3 per new subscriber to recommend you. This is the fastest way to grow with quality subscribers.
Guest post or collaborate: Find other newsletters in complementary niches and offer to write a guest issue or do a cross-promotion.
---
Step 7: Turn On Monetization
Once you have 500+ engaged subscribers, turn on monetization:
Beehiiv Ad Network: Go to Monetize → Ad Network and apply. Approval usually takes a few days. Once approved, toggle it on and start earning from sponsored placements without any sales work.
Boosts Earnings: Go to Monetize → Boosts and set your recommended newsletters and price per new subscriber. Earn when subscribers from your list confirm their signup elsewhere.
Premium Subscriptions: If you want to charge for premium content, go to Monetize → Premium and configure your pricing and gated content.
---
The 30-Day Checklist
| Week | Focus |
|---|---|
| Week 1 | Setup complete, welcome email live, first issue sent |
| Week 2 | Share with personal network, get first 10-25 subscribers |
| Week 3 | Second and third issues sent, refining your format |
| Week 4 | Post subscribe link publicly, SEO content plan started |
By Day 30 you should have at least 25-50 subscribers if you've done the outreach. That's enough to learn from. It's not enough to stop.
---
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Waiting until it's "ready." There is no ready. Publish and iterate.
Choosing too broad a topic. If you can't describe your newsletter in one sentence to a stranger, it's too vague.
Publishing inconsistently. One subscriber who opens every issue is worth more than ten who signed up and forgot about you. Consistency builds the habit on both ends.
Ignoring replies. Early subscribers who reply are your most valuable asset. Respond to every single one.
---
[Start your free Beehiiv newsletter →][Get BEEHIIV]
---
→ Subscribe to The AI Stack Weekly for newsletter growth tactics and tool reviews every week: https://theaistack.beehiiv.com
150 Power Prompts for Solopreneurs — $29
153 structured, ready-to-use AI prompts for content, sales, strategy, and automation.
Works with Claude, ChatGPT, and every major AI tool.