the 10 best resources for 15the 10 best resources for 15
In an age dominated by the chaotic algorithms of social media, the humble email newsletter has made a powerful comeback. As of 2025, it stands as one of the most direct, intimate, and reliable channels for creators, journalists, and businesses to connect with their audience. A newsletter is a digital asset you truly own, a direct line to your community that isn’t subject to the whims of a tech giant’s newsfeed. But starting a newsletter is more than just writing; it requires choosing the right platform to power your growth.
The modern newsletter platform is no longer just a tool for sending emails. It’s an all-in-one hub for publishing, monetization, and audience analytics. The “best” platform doesn’t exist; the right choice depends entirely on your primary goal. The first and most critical question you must answer is: What is my business model? Are you selling premium content directly to subscribers, or are you building a free audience to eventually sell a product or service? The answer will immediately point you to the right category of tools
Substack almost single-handedly created the modern paid newsletter boom. Its core value proposition is radical simplicity. You can set up a beautiful publication, import your mailing list, and start writing in under ten minutes.
- What it’s for: Journalists, independent writers, and experts who want a frictionless way to publish and charge for their work.
- Key Features: An incredibly clean writing interface, a seamless system for managing free and paid subscription tiers, and a strong network effect where readers can discover your publication through the Substack ecosystem.
- The Cost: This is Substack’s most debated feature. It is free to use, but if you enable paid subscriptions, Substack takes a 10% cut of your revenue, on top of the standard payment processing fees from Stripe. While this is a great deal when you’re starting, that 10% can become a substantial six-figure sum for a highly successful publication.