A Newsletter Business Making Over $50k a Year

Hey, Ciaran, it's a pleasure to connect with you—I'm a big fan of your work. My name is Michael, and I own and operate an AI-focused newsletter called Bot Eat Brain, which currently boasts over 23,000 subscribers. The newsletter is dedicated to providing daily updates, insights, and practical advice on the rapidly evolving world of artificial intelligence. Our mission is to help readers stay informed about the latest developments in AI and empower them to leverage these technologies in their personal and professional lives. We strive to make complex AI concepts accessible and engaging, ensuring that our audience not only stays updated but also finds actionable value in every issue.

My journey into the AI newsletter niche was both unexpected and organic. I run a digital marketing business called The Quote Dog, which is my primary source of income. Through this venture, I had the opportunity to work with Anthony Castrio, the original founder of Bot Eat Brain. I was immediately drawn to the unique voice and potential of the newsletter.

Eager to contribute, I pitched myself as a writer by crafting a compelling cover letter and creating a mock Bot Eat Brain newsletter article to demonstrate my understanding of the brand's tone and content. Initially, there were four writers on the team, but I found myself increasingly immersed in the work. I went above and beyond from day one, investing more time and effort than what was expected—or compensated—for the role.

Perhaps I was the only one who could handle the challenges—or "the abuse," as I jokingly put it—but the truth is, I was hooked. The process of creating engaging AI content was exhilarating. In April, Anthony approached me with the opportunity to purchase the newsletter. Recognizing its potential and my growing passion for the niche, I decided to take the leap and become the new owner. It was a chance to combine my expertise in digital marketing with a burgeoning interest in AI, all while building upon a platform I genuinely believed in.

For me, success is multi-dimensional and extends far beyond the sheer number of subscribers. While it's been incredible to see Bot Eat Brain grow from zero to over 23,000 subscribers, I evaluate success based on three key metrics:

1. Engagement Rates: It's not just about how many people receive the newsletter, but how many actively read, interact with, and find genuine value in it. High engagement means our content resonates with the audience, prompting them to think, respond, and share.

2. Revenue Diversification: Building a sustainable business requires multiple income streams. By combining sponsorships, affiliate partnerships, and revenue from my digital marketing business, I ensure the newsletter's financial health without compromising on content quality or becoming overly reliant on a single source.

3. Delivering Consistent Value: The most important measure is the impact we have on our readers' lives. Success is when our content helps readers navigate the complex AI landscape and implement what they've learned. Just the other day, a reader shared that he mentioned something from our newsletter to his boss, which led to him being recommended for a high-paying AI position. Stories like these are incredibly fulfilling and reinforce our mission to change lives at scale through actionable insights.

When readers take the time to share their wins and attribute part of their success to Bot Eat Brain, it reaffirms that we're making a meaningful difference. That's the true essence of success for me.

Hindsight is always 20/20, and if I could start over, I’d prioritize a few key areas:

1. Systems First: I’d build robust systems for content creation, distribution, and audience growth early on. Having those in place saves so much time and mental energy as you scale.

2. Monetization Strategy: From day one, I’d establish a clear plan for generating revenue rather than focusing solely on growing the audience. Monetizing at each stage makes the process more sustainable and rewarding.

3. Leverage Mentorship: While buying an existing newsletter was a great decision, I’d negotiate for more structured mentorship from the previous owner during the transition. Their insights could have saved me from some trial and error.

4. Always Monetize: I’d experiment with ways to monetize the process of growing the subscriber base itself. For instance, partnerships that reward sign-ups or paid lead-generation strategies.

Starting over wouldn’t mean avoiding mistakes—it would mean making smarter ones earlier.

Find your unique angle in a crowded space. The AI newsletter space is packed, but Bot Eat Brain succeeded because we focus on practical, actionable insights rather than just news aggregation. We also have a very refreshing, unique tone of voice. I haven’t seen any newsletter report on things the way we do. Sarcastic, humorous, light hearted, and packed with value and actionable advice. Also, don't try to be everywhere at once - pick one or two distribution channels and master them before expanding. Finally, treat your newsletter like a business, not just a newsletter. Understand your readers' problems and solve them consistently.

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