My Take on LinkedIn Newsletters: Are They Really Worth It?

As a LinkedIn specialist, I've been keeping a close eye on the platform's newsletter feature since its launch in March 2022. After speaking with several strategists and analysing the data, I've compiled my thoughts on whether LinkedIn newsletters live up to their promise.

Initial Surge, Then a Plateau

When you launch a LinkedIn newsletter, you'll likely experience:

• A significant initial subscriber boost

• A gradual decline in growth over time

The Walled Garden Dilemma

One major drawback I've noticed is the inability to export subscriber lists. This 'walled garden' approach means:

• You don't truly own your audience

• Your hard-earned subscribers could vanish if LinkedIn changes its policies

Content Strategy: Repurpose, Don't Reinvent

My research shows that most successful newsletter authors on LinkedIn:

• Repurpose existing content rather than create bespoke articles

• Spend minimal time adapting content for the platform

Limited Traffic Generation

If you're hoping to drive traffic to your website or external newsletter, you might be disappointed. I've found that:

• Clickthrough rates are extremely low

• There are no embeddable sign-up forms or links

Data Limitations

Compared with dedicated newsletter platforms, LinkedIn's analytics are quite basic. You'll only have access to:

• View counts

• Broad subscriber demographics

• New subscriber profiles from the past month

Engagement and Authority Building

Despite its limitations, LinkedIn newsletters can be valuable for:

• Direct communication with readers

• Building authority in your field and thought leadership

• Professional Networking and generating business leads

Monetisation: Not an Option (Yet)

Currently, there are no monetisation options for LinkedIn newsletters. The platform seems focused on:

• Helping businesses prosper through content creation

• Providing opportunities for economic growth rather than direct content monetisation

By understanding these aspects of LinkedIn newsletters, you can make an informed decision about whether to incorporate them into your marketing strategy.

If you are looking to create a LinkedIn newsletter and want to explore how to maximise its potential for your business, chat with me! Let's discuss how I can help you leverage this tool to enhance your professional presence and connect with your audience effectively.