How to Set Up a Newsletter for Freelance Clients

Most freelance writers rely on cold outreach or job boards to find clients. But the easiest business comes from people who already know you — past clients and warm leads.

A simple newsletter keeps you top-of-mind. When they need writing help, they think of you first. No pitching required.

Why newsletters work for freelancers:

  • Past clients remember you when projects come up
  • Prospects who aren't ready now stay in your orbit
  • You build authority by sharing expertise
  • Repeat business requires zero acquisition cost

What You Need

  • Email platform: GetResponse (free for 500 contacts)
  • Contact list: Past clients, prospects, LinkedIn connections
  • 30 minutes: For initial setup
  • 1 hour/month: To write and send

GetResponse: Free for 500 Contacts

All-in-one email platform with newsletters, landing pages, and automation. No credit card required.

Start Free Newsletter →

Step 1: Set Up Your Email Platform (5 min)

  1. Go to GetResponse and create a free account
  2. Verify your email address
  3. Create a new list called "Client Newsletter"
  4. Set your sender name (your name or business name)

Why GetResponse? Free plan is generous (500 contacts, unlimited emails), includes landing pages, and the interface is beginner-friendly. See my full GetResponse review.

Step 2: Import Your Existing Contacts (10 min)

You probably have more contacts than you think:

  • Past clients: Anyone you've worked with
  • Prospects: People who inquired but didn't hire you
  • LinkedIn connections: Export and filter for relevant contacts
  • Business cards: From conferences or networking events

In GetResponse: Lists → Import Contacts → Upload CSV or paste emails.

Important: Only add people who'd reasonably expect to hear from you. Don't buy lists or add random people.

Step 3: Create a Simple Signup Form (10 min)

Add a signup form to your website so new prospects can subscribe:

  1. In GetResponse: Forms → Create Form
  2. Pick a simple template
  3. Customize the headline: "Get writing tips + industry insights"
  4. Add just 2 fields: Name and Email
  5. Grab the embed code and add to your website

Pro tip: Offer something valuable for subscribing — a checklist, template, or exclusive tips.

Step 4: Write Your First Newsletter

Keep it simple. Your first newsletter should:

  • Remind them who you are (1-2 sentences)
  • Share something valuable (tip, insight, or resource)
  • Include a soft CTA (e.g., "reply if you have questions" or "I'm taking new clients")

Newsletter Template (Copy This)

Subject: [Quick tip] + [Specific benefit] Hi {{first_name}}, [1-2 sentence intro — what you've been working on or noticing in the industry] Here's something I've learned recently that might help you: **[Tip/Insight Title]** [2-3 paragraphs explaining the tip, with a specific example] **Quick takeaway:** [One sentence summary they can act on] --- If you have any content projects coming up, I'd love to help. Just reply to this email. [Your name] [Your website] P.S. [Optional: link to a recent article or case study]

Step 5: Set a Sustainable Schedule

The #1 newsletter mistake: starting strong then disappearing.

Pick a schedule you can actually maintain:

  • Monthly: Low commitment, still effective. Best for most freelancers.
  • Bi-weekly: Good if you have regular content to share.
  • Weekly: Only if you genuinely have that much to say.

Put it in your calendar as a recurring task. Batch write 2-3 newsletters at once to stay ahead.

Stop Losing Touch with Past Clients

A monthly newsletter takes 1 hour but keeps you top-of-mind all year.

Set Up Your Newsletter Free →

What to Send (Content Ideas)

Stuck on what to write? Here are 12 newsletter ideas:

  1. Industry trend analysis — What's changing in their industry?
  2. Case study — Results from a recent project (with permission)
  3. Writing tip — Something they can apply to their own content
  4. Tool recommendation — Software that improved your workflow
  5. Content audit — Common mistakes you see on business websites
  6. Q&A — Answer a question a client asked you
  7. Behind the scenes — Your writing process or research method
  8. Curated resources — 3-5 links they'd find valuable
  9. Seasonal angle — Content ideas for upcoming holidays/events
  10. New service announcement — If you're offering something new
  11. Social proof — Client testimonial with a story
  12. Personal update — What you're working on (keeps it human)

Automate Your Welcome Sequence

When someone subscribes, don't leave them hanging. Set up a simple welcome sequence:

  • Email 1 (Instant): Welcome + deliver any freebie you promised
  • Email 2 (Day 3): Your best article or case study
  • Email 3 (Day 7): Soft pitch — how you can help them

GetResponse's automation builder makes this easy. Set it once, runs forever.

Need help? See: GetResponse Review: Email Workflows for Writers

FAQ

How many subscribers do I need to start?

Start with whatever you have — even 20 contacts is enough. The list grows over time. Consistency matters more than size.

What if I don't have anything to say?

You do. Every project teaches you something. Every client question is content. Keep a running note of ideas and pull from it when you need to write.

Should I use my personal email or a business email?

Either works. Personal feels more human. Business looks more professional. GetResponse lets you set any sender name/email.

How do I get more subscribers?

  • Add signup form to your website footer
  • Mention it in LinkedIn posts
  • Include signup link in your email signature
  • Offer a valuable freebie (checklist, template, guide)

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