Right — here’s the easy, proper way to get a newsletter up and running without faff. Think simple tools, a tidy signup, a decent template and one automation to start. We’ll keep it mint and sorted.

Pick a tool that won’t give you grey hairs

Use MailerLite, ConvertKit, Brevo (Sendinblue) or Mailchimp — they’re easy, cheap or free to start and have built-in automations and signup forms. If you want extra glue, Zapier or Make can tie things together.

Six steps to crack on

1. Verify your sending domain — set SPF/DKIM so your emails don’t end up in junk.
2. Create a simple signup form — embed it on your site and add a popup for new visitors. Keep it short: name + email.
3. Make a reusable template — header, intro, 2–3 items, call to action. Keep design clean; use your colours and a good preview image.
4. Set a welcome automation — immediate welcome email + a follow-up a few days later. Welcome emails get the best open rates, use them to introduce who you are.
5. Schedule your main send — pick one cadence (weekly or fortnightly). Either schedule it or use RSS-to-email if you publish posts.
6. Test and measure — send test emails, check opens/clicks, tweak subject lines and content. A/B test one thing at a time.

Quick, useful tips

• Use double opt-in for cleaner lists and better deliverability.
• Segment basic groups (new signups, active readers) so your content hits the right people.
• Keep subject lines plain and honest — folks respond to clear value.
• Monitor bounces and unsubscribes — clean your list every few months.

Start small: a tidy signup + a welcome email + a weekly send. Once that’s spot on, you can get fancy with automations, tags and integrations. Getting the crayons out for the design always helps, but first make sure the tech is sorted — then you can be creative.