How to Make Business Newsletters More Engaging

In 2020, Insider Inc.

RV
Rizza Valencia

June 5, 2026 · 3 min read

A diverse team collaborating in a sunlit office, focused on a screen showcasing an engaging business newsletter design.

In 2020, Insider Inc. acquired a majority stake in Morning Brew, a daily business newsletter launched just five years prior, for a reported $75 million! The $75 million acquisition of Morning Brew by Insider Inc. reported by Nubia Magazine!, showcased the incredible power of direct-to-inbox content. While many businesses fight to cut through crowded inboxes and achieve real engagement, a select few newsletters are building massive subscriber bases, high open rates, and securing significant valuations. The message is clear: companies investing strategically in high-quality, direct-to-inbox content and optimizing for reader experience are poised for substantial audience growth and financial returns. Those treating email as an afterthought? They'll be left behind.

What We Know About Newsletter Value

Email marketing isn't just impactful; for half of marketers, it's their most impactful channel, Forbes reports! Morning Brew, launched in 2015, exemplifies this power. It now reaches an estimated 4.5 to 5 million subscribers with an impressive 40-60% average open rate, according to Nubia Magazine. Phenomenal engagement led to Insider Inc.'s $75 million majority stake acquisition in 2020. Why? Because the inbox offers a direct, unfiltered line to your audience, a stark contrast to the algorithms of social media.

The Morning Brew Blueprint: How Engagement Builds Value

Morning Brew's 4.5 to 5 million subscribers and 40-60% open rates, as reported by Nubia Magazine!, aren't just big numbers; they represent exceptional reader engagement. Exceptional reader engagement is precisely why Insider Inc. valued Morning Brew at $75 million in 2020. It's a clear signal: quality engagement in a direct channel like email far outweighs mere reach on other platforms. Businesses ignoring highly engaging email content are simply leaving massive value and audience loyalty on the table. The strategy of building quality engagement in a direct channel like email cuts through the noise and bypasses social media's algorithmic gatekeepers, building a truly valuable and loyal audience.

Understanding the Newsletter Opportunity

Forget email fatigue! Morning Brew proves a direct-to-inbox strategy can absolutely cut through digital noise, offering a reliable, intimate connection with readers. Morning Brew's direct-to-inbox strategy stands in sharp contrast to the many businesses still struggling with inbox clutter. The disconnect is clear: half of marketers call email their most impactful channel, yet many brands still struggle with engagement. This isn't because email is dead; it's because most brands aren't delivering the compelling, direct content needed to thrive in today's crowded digital world.

Engineering Engagement: Practical Steps for Newsletter Success

Want to boost engagement? Prioritize quality content! Newsletters should be concise, directly addressing reader interests to keep those open rates high. Design is crucial too: ensure buttons and links are at least 44px for mobile touch targets, as advised by Emercury. Mobile optimization isn't just a nice-to-have; it's essential for accessibility and easy interaction. To truly leverage email's power, businesses need a disciplined approach to both content and mobile user experience. Remember, engagement goes beyond just open rates – a holistic strategy is key for future success!

What are the best tools for creating engaging business newsletters?

Platforms like Mailchimp, Constant Contact, and Substack offer fantastic features for creating engaging newsletters. They provide templates, analytics, and automation to streamline your process, no matter your business size!

How often should I send a business newsletter?

Frequency depends on your audience and content! Morning Brew thrives daily with timely updates, but weekly or bi-weekly might suit others. Test what resonates best with your readers!

What content should I include in a business newsletter?

Mix industry news, expert insights, and actionable tips. Exclusive offers, company updates, or behind-the-scenes content also work wonders! The goal is unique value that builds a direct, loyal relationship. If businesses commit to these principles, their newsletters could very well become the next Morning Brew, driving both engagement and significant value.