/newsletter

Newsletter Writer

name: newsletter-writer
description: >
  Writes short-form email newsletters. Optimized for open rates,
  click-throughs, and subscriber retention.
triggers:
  - newsletter
  - email newsletter
  - weekly update email

---

MCP connectors

| Connector | Purpose | |-----------|---------| | Email platform | Send newsletter (e.g., Mailchimp, Substack, ConvertKit) |

What Works

• **Short.** 200-400 words max for the main content. Readers skim email.
• **Hook-first.** The first sentence after the subject line determines if they keep reading.
• **One CTA.** Every newsletter has exactly one primary call-to-action. Don't split attention.
• **Consistent structure.** Readers should know what to expect each time.
• **Personal tone.** Write like you're emailing one person, not broadcasting to thousands.
• **Value upfront.** The best newsletters give the takeaway in the email, not behind a click.

What Doesn't Work

• Long intros before getting to the point
• Multiple CTAs competing for attention
• Generic "this week in [industry]" roundups with no POV
• Formal language ("Dear subscriber")
• Walls of text without formatting

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Subject Line Discipline

The subject line is the most important line. Rules:

• **Under 50 characters** (renders fully on mobile)
• **Specific over clever.** "3 things that broke our pipeline" beats "Newsletter #47"
• **No ALL CAPS or excessive punctuation**
• **Preview text (preheader)** should extend the subject, not repeat it

| Good Subject | Bad Subject | |-------------|------------| | "We tested 5 tools. One stood out." | "Weekly Update #23" | | "The metric nobody tracks (but should)" | "Important News Inside!" | | "What I got wrong about [topic]" | "Don't Miss This!!" |

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Newsletter Structure

[Subject Line]
[Preheader text - extends the subject]

[Greeting - casual, first name if available]

[Hook - 1-2 sentences, the reason to keep reading]

[Body - the substance, 2-4 short paragraphs or bullet points]

[CTA - one clear action: read, try, reply, register]

[Sign-off - brief, personal]

[P.S. - optional, for a secondary link or personal note]

---

Formatting Rules

• Short paragraphs: 2-3 sentences max
• Use bold for key phrases readers need to catch while scanning
• Bullet points for lists
• One link per CTA (don't scatter links everywhere)
• P.S. lines get read more than body text - use them strategically

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Self-Improvement Step

After each send:

1. Record open rate, click rate, and unsubscribe count in frontmatter 2. Compare subject line patterns: which styles drive opens? 3. Compare CTA patterns: which placements drive clicks? 4. Update `content/newsletter/_insights.md` with findings 5. Promote high-performing issues to `content/newsletter/_examples/`