What's a Blogletter? A Blog and Newsletter Business Idea for Beginners

Let me guess - you're looking for a newsletter business idea that's better than just blasting out emails into the void?

Check out the blogletter - it's like having Google and email work together to build you a business while you sleep.

It solves two problems at once:

Most newsletter creators struggle to get found, while bloggers struggle to build relationships. A blogletter kills two birds with one very effective, time-saving stone.

And the best part?

It makes sense for people with real experience and responsibilities because you can start it without quitting your day job or becoming a viral TikTok star.

Read on…

Let's Start with the Basics

A blog is like your own space on the internet where you write about what you know. Think of it as your personal website where you share your expertise.

A newsletter is when you send those writings directly to people's email inboxes, building a more personal connection with your readers.

A blogletter combines both - it's the smart way to share your knowledge and build relationships without doubling your work.

Why Blogletters Are Perfect for Gen Xers

If you're in your late 40s or 50s, this is your moment. Here's why:

• You've got decades of real experience (that's gold)

• You've lived through massive workplace changes (giving you perspective others don't have)

• You know what actually works (not just theory)

• You're old enough to have wisdom, young enough to master new tools

• You need future-proof skills (not just another job)

Plus, let's be honest - the job market isn't exactly kind to us Gen Xers. A blogletter lets you bypass the traditional gatekeepers and create your own opportunity.

Why Gen Xers Can't Afford to Think "Traditional" Anymore

Let me tell you a story about the biggest myth in corporate America: job security.

For 17 years, I worked in a cubicle, getting ONE paycheck from ONE company at the mercy of ONE boss. Then one morning, without warning, HR showed up at my desk. Just like that, game over.

I call it the "Kill Shot":

KILL SHOT = losing your ONE job = F#@K!

Remember how your grandparents said "Don't put all your eggs in one basket"? They weren't just talking about investments. They were warning us about depending on a single source of income.

What Saved Me? My Side Projects

While I was still employed, I was building little side projects. Some blogging here, some music-related affiliate marketing projects there. Nothing huge on its own, but together? They became my life raft.

Today, those "little" projects have grown into 10+ income streams. Not only did they help me survive the Kill Shot, but they've also created a much more interesting life than the one I had staring at cubicle walls for 17 years.

Why This Matters for Every Gen Xer Right Now

Here's the hard truth: thinking like an employee is risky.

Thinking like an entrepreneur? That's security.

• One income stream can vanish in a morning

• Multiple streams mean true stability

• Your experience becomes an asset YOU control

• You're building something that pays you, not your employer

• Technology makes it easier than ever to start something on the side

A blogletter isn't just another side hustle - it's your insurance policy against the Kill Shot. It's about taking control of your future instead of hoping some employer takes care of it.

My Story: From Cubicle to Freedom

Back in 2004, I was stuck in a cubicle as a mechanical draftsman. My redesigns were saving the company thousands, but my reward? A measly $1,000-$3,000 annual raise and the classic corporate "pat on the back."

That's when I started experimenting with blogs. I wrote about fantasy football (total geek stuff) and music - just things I loved. Something crazy happened: Google started sending people to read my stuff.

Soon enough, my fantasy football blog was making $300-$500 a month just from ads. Then I started selling guitar courses through my music blog, having $500+ days. All this while keeping my day job and taking care of three kids and a mortgage.

Why Should You Care?

Because what I stumbled into by accident, you can do deliberately. Today's tools make it easier than ever to:

• Share your expertise

• Build an audience

• Make money from your knowledge

And the best part? You don't need to be some tech wizard or quit your job or go back to school.

You just need:

1. Experience (which you've got after decades of working)

2. Stories to share (which you've got plenty of)

3. The right platform (which I'll show you)

How a Blogletter Works

Picture this simple engine:

1. You write about what you know

2. People find your writing through Google and social

3. They sign up for your newsletter to get more

4. You build relationships through their inbox

5. Some of those relationships turn into income

The Three Skills You'll Develop

Running a blogletter helps you master three future-proof skills:

1. Writing - Don't worry, you don't need to be Shakespeare. People just want to hear your real experiences.

2. Marketing - Simply learning to share your ideas with people who care (easier than ever with today's tools).

3. Continuous Learning - Using your natural curiosity to stay ahead (especially with AI tools making everything easier).

Getting Started Is Easier

Today's tools make this so much simpler than when I started. I use Beehiiv ($) - one simple platform that handles everything.

Add in AI tools like ChatGPT, and it's like having a 24/7 assistant helping you write better and work faster.

From Zero to Income

You can make money through:

• Ads on your blog

• Sponsored content

• Affiliate marketing (recommending products you trust)

• Your own digital products

• Consulting opportunities

• Premium subscriptions

Remember my story? I went from making $40K a year as a draftsman to pulling in $10K-$18K monthly using these exact same principles.

Why Start Now?

Look, I get it. Starting something new in your 50s might sound crazy. But here's the truth: our generation is perfectly positioned for this.

We're:

• Too young to retire

• Too tired of the 9-5 rat race

• Too experienced for entry-level jobs

• Too vulnerable to workplace age bias

• Too smart to keep depending on one employer

• Too valuable to let gatekeepers decide our worth

Plus, with AI tools making everything easier, there's never been a better time for Gen Xers to start building their own thing.

Why Start With a Blogletter (Instead of Video or Podcasting)?

"But Corey, shouldn't I be on YouTube or start a podcast instead?"

Yep, you could do that. And its natural to think that because video and podcasting are huge right now. BUT here's why a blogletter is the smartest place to start in my humble opinion:

Everything Starts With Writing

Want to make videos? You need a script. Want to podcast? You need show notes. Want to sell anything? You need copy.

Writing is the foundation of all content.

Clarify Your Thinking

Writing forces you to organize your thoughts and refine your message. Trust me, you want to figure this out before you're staring at a camera or microphone.

Lower Barrier to Entry

• No expensive equipment needed

• No complex editing software to learn

• No awkward camera presence required

• Just you, your keyboard, and your experience

Build Your Base First

A blogletter helps you:

• Build a subscriber base (perfect for launching other media later)

• Test what resonates with your audience

• Create a "living resume" of your expertise

• Develop your voice and message

• Get comfortable sharing in public

Plus, you can always add video or podcasting later - and when you do, you'll have proven content to create with and an audience ready to watch or listen.

Ready to Build Your Own Blogletter?

Getting started is simpler than you might think. Here's how: