In today’s fast-moving digital world, founders are taking a more direct approach to engaging with their communities. Instead of relying on PR agencies or detached marketing strategies, many startups now use newsletters as a channel for founder-led updates, product launches, and behind-the-scenes storytelling. These email campaigns not only help build trust but also create a personal connection between the founder and early adopters, partners, and investors.
TLDR
If you’re a startup founder looking to build relationships through authentic email communication, you’ll want a newsletter platform that aligns with your goals. This article highlights the top 8 newsletter tools startups use for founder-led updates and launches. Whether you’re looking for simplicity, interactivity, or powerful tracking features, there’s a tool on this list for you. Get the rundown on each, including pros, cons, and best uses, so you can make the right choice for your growing business.
1. Substack
Substack has become the go-to option for founders who want a straightforward, content-first approach. This platform makes it easy to publish posts, manage subscribers, and offer paid subscriptions without complex setups.
- Best for: Founders who prioritize content and want a simple, editorial-like experience.
- Pros: Easy to use, built-in distribution, supports podcasts, option for paid subscriptions.
- Cons: Limited customization, fewer CRM tools.
2. ConvertKit
Originally designed for creators, ConvertKit has developed into a strong contender for startups that require advanced automation with a personal touch. It offers segmentation, automated sequences, and landing page builders.
- Best for: Startups with growing email lists and complex funnel needs.
- Pros: Visual automations, landing pages, tagging, and segmentation options.
- Cons: Pricing can escalate quickly as you scale.
3. Beehiiv
Beehiiv, founded by ex-Morning Brew team members, is tailored for newsletter growth. It’s gaining popularity among founders who want built-in referral systems and real-time growth analytics.
- Best for: Startups looking to grow their subscriber base fast through referrals and analytics.
- Pros: Growth tools, analytics dashboard, monetization features, clean UI.
- Cons: Newer platform, fewer integration options.
4. Mailchimp
A classic in the email marketing world, Mailchimp offers a full suite of marketing tools. While traditionally used by larger companies, small startups still gravitate to it for its built-in design and tracking capabilities.
- Best for: Startups already using a broader marketing strategy and need more than just email.
- Pros: Powerful analytics, templates, A/B testing, CRM integration.
- Cons: Can be overwhelming for new founders, expensive as contacts grow.
5. Buttondown
Buttondown is a minimalist email platform beloved by indie hackers and solo founders. It emphasizes markdown support, privacy, and fast load times.
- Best for: Technical founders and minimalists who want full control over the look and feel of their emails.
- Pros: Markdown support, low-key UI, privacy-focused, inexpensive.
- Cons: Limited visual customization, small community.
6. Ghost
Ghost isn’t just an email tool—it’s a full publishing platform that helps startups own their content. Emails are just one piece of their content stack, which can include a website, blog, and newsletters all in one.
- Best for: Startups looking to run a blog, community site, and newsletter from the same platform.
- Pros: Open-source, customizable themes, membership support.
- Cons: Requires setup and maintenance, may need technical skill.
7. Klaviyo
Best known for eCommerce, Klaviyo is used by product-focused startups wanting to connect marketing emails directly to customer activity. It excels in data enrichment, purchase behavior tracking, and automation.
- Best for: Startups selling physical or digital products with complex user behavior tracking.
- Pros: Deep analytics, eCommerce integration, dynamic personalization.
- Cons: Overkill for content-driven newsletters, steeper learning curve.
8. Revue
Acquired by Twitter and later sunset, Revue inspired many features in platforms like Substack and Beehiiv. While it’s no longer in operation, many founders still inquire about it—suggesting how desirable its vision was. The legacy it leaves highlights the demand for platforms built around social integration and easy content curation.
While Revue is defunct, its spirit lives on in newer platforms like Beehiiv and Substack that continue to emphasize clean design and effortless distribution.
Choosing the Right Tool: What Founders Should Consider
No two startups are alike, and the choice of newsletter tool should match your goals and resources. Here are a few questions to guide your selection process:
- Do you need advanced segmentation and funnels?
- Are you planning to monetize your audience?
- Will emails be the primary driver of product launches or a supplementary channel?
- How important is design customization?
- What level of technical skill do you or your team have?
Conclusion
The newsletter platforms outlined above offer a wide spectrum of capabilities, from ultra-minimalist writing tools to complex data-driven campaigns. For founder-led companies, choosing the right one is about striking a balance between authenticity, utility, and scalability. Whether you’re just starting out or scaling fast, the right tool can amplify your voice and accelerate your growth.
FAQs
- Q: What is the best newsletter tool for a solo founder just starting out?
- A: Substack or Buttondown offer minimal setups and an easy writing experience, making them perfect for solo founders launching their first emails.
- Q: Which newsletter platform is best for growth and monetization?
- A: Beehiiv stands out for its built-in referral and monetization structure, making it ideal for growing a large, engaged subscriber base.
- Q: What if I want to run a blog and newsletter in one place?
- A: Ghost offers a seamless way to integrate a blog, membership, and newsletter into one platform.
- Q: Can I use these tools for product launch announcements?
- A: Absolutely. All these platforms support campaign-style emails perfect for announcing features, updates, or full product launches.
- Q: Are there free versions available for these tools?
- A: Yes, many offer free tiers (Substack, Buttondown, ConvertKit’s Creator plan), though advanced features often require an upgrade.