Moms Morning Memo: A Daily Newsletter Business
The Business Story
Let me tell you about Moms Morning Memo, a daily newsletter business that grew to over 2,000 readers with a 40% open rate and 2% click-through rate. I launched it in early 2024. I saw a need among parents. I was also curious about the newsletter business, especially the Beehiiv platform.
Spoiler alert: I shut down the business after 8-10 months but the journey taught me invaluable lessons.
The business model was simple and scalable. I learned that growing a newsletter requires: organic growth or a big investment in paid marketing.
I hired an overseas writer, a single mom, to create our daily content. She knew our audience well. I paid her $600 a month. We experimented with AI and various methods to streamline content generation. We tried to find the balance of efficiency and quality.
Through this journey, I gained deep insights into the newsletter business: the importance of metrics like open and click rates, the intricacies of monetization strategies, the reality of unit economics, and the complexities of hiring and managing remote talent.
In total, I invested about $8,000, mostly split between content writer and advertising. While the business ultimately didn't work out as planned, the experience was invaluable.
The Origin Story
Originally shared with our newsletter readers
How did Moms Morning Memo start? It all began with a simple observation. As I watched Abbey, my wife, tirelessly juggle the endless needs of our two young children, Beau and Baire, I couldn't help but notice her daily struggle to keep them engaged and away from the TV. Her solution, a month's supply of activities for Beau, sparked an idea in me. At the time, I was diving into the world of newsletters as a potential business venture, and that's when it clicked: why not create a daily newsletter filled with activities for parents like us?
The vision for "Moms Morning Memo" was clear—a resource packed with creative, easy-to-organize activities delivered straight to parents' inboxes every morning. But I knew I couldn't do it alone. The universe aligned when I was introduced to Trish, a content writer and a mom to a 3-year-old boy. Her passion for writing and understanding of the parental plight was evident from our first conversation. It was clear; Trish was the missing piece to bring "Moms Morning Memo" to life.
Together, we brainstormed a myriad of activities, focusing on simplicity and minimal material requirements to ensure all families could participate. But it wasn't just about the activities; we wanted to create a community. A space where feedback was encouraged, and stories of messy kitchens and backyard adventures were shared and celebrated.
As the launch date gets closer, the typical pre-launch jitters set in. Doubts crept into my mind—would other parents find value in our newsletter? Would it genuinely make a difference? But every time I looked at Abbey and our kids, my resolve strengthened. "Moms Morning Memo" was more than a newsletter; it was our way of supporting families like ours, one day at a time.
Reflecting on this journey, "Moms Morning Memo" has really become a cornerstone for parents seeking both creativity and connection. At its heart, it symbolizes the strength found in community, the happiness shared through collective experiences, and the exciting opportunities that emerge when we unite in support of one another. As we continue to grow and evolve with our readers, one thing remains constant: our commitment to bringing a daily dose of inspiration to families everywhere.
