(YOUR WEEKLY NOTE FROM ANGELINE)

Hello Reader,

If you’re a coach or speaker who wants to start sending newsletters but are overwhelmed by all the options, I get it. You’re not ready to commit to paying for something you haven’t tested yet.

I've created a simple decision framework for you.

Let’s assume you have between 0-500 emails on your list and want to start sending regular communication. You need these THREE things at MINIMUM:

1. A single web page with a form for people to sign up for your newsletter
2. Deliver lead magnets (like a free PDF guide) and grow your email list
3. Auto-send welcome emails when people sign up, for that warmth factor

Almost all email marketing platforms have 7-30 day free trials, but that’s too short to really know if a platform works for you. My approach is to look for a free tier with the features I need, so I can test it thoroughly without worrying about the clock ticking.

With the above in mind, here are the 5 features you MUST consider when deciding which free tier to invest your time and energy in:

1. Ease of use

By far, the most common comment I hear about email platforms is how easy they are to use, especially when creating newsletters. Coaches wants something that feels intuitive to work in and easy to change or add design elements. This is very personal because so much depends on what you like and are used to.

This is why I advocate signing up for a free tier—so you can get your hands on it and truly “feel it out.”

2. Custom landing pages

You need a web page where people can sign up for your newsletter or lead magnets. These are generally called landing pages or web form. Some platforms give you unlimited landing pages for free. Others cap how many you get on the free tier.

You need a minimum of 1 for newsletter sign up, plus 1 landing page per lead magnet.

3. Automation

Automation handles your welcome emails, email series, and lead magnet delivery automatically.

Some platforms make you upgrade to access automation. Others include templated automation in the free tier so you’re not building everything from scratch.

The bare minimum is to have automation so you can auto-send the welcome email when people opt in for your newsletter.

Here’s the catch: Automation is typically only available on paid plans. Only two platforms—MailerLite and Kit—provide limited automation on their free tier.

4. Segmentation

You need to separate subscribers into different groups to send targeted messages. Not everyone on your list needs every email you send. This is important for coaches and speakers who have several service lines targeted at different audiences.

This is generally done through “tagging” subscribers.

Make sure the free tier includes basic segmentation so you can send relevant emails to the right client groups.

5. Basic analytics

You need to see number of opt-ins, email sends, opens, and clicks so you know how your newsletter or lead magnets are performing.

Most platforms include this in the free tier, but check to make sure you’re not limited to just 30 days of data.

6. Digital product capability (bonus)

Does the platform make it easy to sell digital products and collect payments?

This isn’t essential when you’re starting out, but it becomes valuable as you expand your offerings. Some platforms charge separately for this. Some have a cap of 1 product on the free tier.

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What I recommend: If you’re looking for a newsletter platform that gets you the foundational features you need to launch your newsletter and grow it through lead magnets, then Kit’s free “newsletter” tier is the right decision.

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Want help setting it up?

I’m launching a self-paced mini-course this week that shows you how to use Kit’s free tier to:

1. Create a newsletter sign-up page
2. Create a welcome email
3. Auto-send that welcome email when people sign up

The course includes step-by-step videos walking you through each setup.

Watch for the announcement in the next couple of days. If you want me to let you know the moment it launches, just hit reply with "me me me!"

Speaking of newsletters, if you love visual diagrams, check out my friend Eva Robboy newsletter "Visual Communicator."

It's for those with thoughts stuck in their head who want to use visuals to explain them clearly. No design experience needed.

Eva delivers fun visual tips straight to your inbox. You should totally check it out and sign up here: https://learn-visual-communication.beehiiv.com/​

Stay tuned for my mid week email announcing my course.

And for those who are celebrating Thanksgiving, may gratitude surrounds you and your loved ones.