Hitting 1,000 subscribers is a milestone worth celebrating.
But the real question is: how to turn that audience into meaningful revenue?
In 2025, newsletters at this size can generate anywhere from $100 to $2,000+ per month depending on niche, engagement, and monetization strategy. On beehiiv, where you keep 100% of subscription revenue and get built-in tools like the Ad Network and Boosts, creators often reach profitability faster.
At 1,000 readers, you’re beyond “hobby mode” but not yet operating at scale.
Baseline expectation: $100–500/month with ads or affiliates
Optimized expectation: $1,000+/month by stacking models
Key Variables
Niche value: Finance or B2B lists can command $30–100 per subscriber annually; lifestyle niches usually earn less.
Engagement: Aim for 40%+ open rates to maximize ad rates and conversions.
Platform choice: On beehiiv, no platform fees means more money in your pocket. Compared to Substack’s 10% cut, that’s $50–200 saved each month at $500 earnings.
Top Monetization Models at 1,000 Subscribers
Hitting 1,000 subscribers is a game-changer. It turns your newsletter from a side hustle into something with real earning potential. I've worked with creators at this stage, and the key is starting simple. Focus on models that fit your audience.
Build from there. In this guide, I'll share the top strategies based on what works for beehiiv users. We'll cover how each one operates, earnings you can expect in 2025, quick pros and cons, actionable tips, and how beehiiv makes it easy.
Aim to mix 2-3 for steady income, like $1,000 to $5,000 a month. Let's get into it.
1. Paid Subscriptions: Turn Readers into Paying Members
This is about charging for exclusive content. Use paywalls to lock premium pieces, like deep dives or bonus tips.
How It Works: Go freemium. Keep core newsletters free to grow your list. Gate 20-30% as premium, such as ad-free versions or early releases. Handle payments through Stripe for smooth setup.
Earnings Potential: With 1,000 subs, target 5-20% conversions. At $5-15 a month, that's $250-3,000 monthly. Take Saeed Ezzati on beehiiv. He scaled to $150,000 a year from a similar start with tiered premiums. For engaged audiences with 30%+ opens, $500-2,000 a month is realistic.
Pros: Builds recurring cash flow. High margins since no stock needed.
Grows naturally with your list.
Cons: Needs strong premium value to keep members. Conversions build over 3-6 months as trust grows.
Step-by-Step Tips:
Launch freemium: Send free weekly editions. Tease 20-30% premium to drive upgrades.
Test pricing: Start at $7 a month, like a "Premium Insights" tier. Use beehiiv's A/B tools to refine.
Boost retention: Run polls and automations for feedback. Make sure premiums address reader needs.
Quick Win: Wait 6 months of free content before launching. This hits 10-15% conversions fast.
beehiiv Integration: Set up premiums in one click on Scale+ plans. No revenue cuts, just flat fees. Add paywalls right in the editor.
2. Sponsorships and Ads: Team Up with Brands for Easy Revenue
Sell spots in your newsletter or match with sponsors automatically. This monetizes your readers' attention without extra work.
How It Works: Brands pay for mentions, banners, or features. Source deals yourself or use networks for quick matches.
Earnings Potential: $5-20 CPM on weekly sends means $20-160 a month at 1,000 subs with 40-60% opens. One ad can bring $50-100. Across beehiiv, creators pulled in nearly $500,000 monthly from ads. At this scale, $100-500 a month is doable with 1-2 quarterly sponsors.
Pros: Quick to start, often in weeks. Minimal effort after setup. Scales as your audience expands.
Cons: Brands want engagement, so skip if opens dip below 30%. Too many ads can tire readers.
Step-by-Step Tips:
Pitch smart: Highlight metrics like niche fit and 3%+ clicks to land deals at 1,000 subs.
Stay transparent: Label sponsored sections clearly to keep trust.
Balance it: Cap at 1-2 ads per edition. Use CPM for steady pay or CPC for results-based.
Quick Win: Pick sponsors that match your topic, like HubSpot for business content. Higher success that way.
beehiiv Integration: The Ad Network suggests 5-7 matches a month on Scale+ plans. Payouts hit Stripe via CPM or CPC. Drop in ads with /Ads in the editor. No tracking hassle.
3. Affiliate Marketing and Boosts: Get Paid for Smart Recommendations
Promote products, courses, or other newsletters with links. Earn commissions on referrals or signups.
How It Works: Add affiliate links in reviews or tips. Use boosts for cross-promotions with per-sub fees. Cookies track sales back to you.
Earnings Potential: $100-1,000 a month at 1,000 subs. Think $1-3 per boost or 10-20% on sales. Boosts add $100 monthly with 100 new subs. In course or tool niches, $300-800 a month is common.
Pros: Mostly passive once links are live. Stacks well with other strategies. Zero upfront cost.
Cons: Income varies with conversions. Stick to honest picks to protect your rep.
Step-by-Step Tips:
Choose wisely: Limit to 2-3 affiliates per send. Ones your readers need.
Track performance: Use unique links to see what clicks. Adjust from there.
Make it natural: Weave in as helpful advice, not sales pitches.
Quick Win: Join networks like Amazon or ClickBank. Test with one promo to gauge interest.
beehiiv Integration: Recommendations network handles cross-promos effortlessly. Embed links in the editor. Track earnings in your dashboard.
4. Products and Services: Sell What You Know Best
Offer your own courses, merch, consulting, or coaching. Turn expertise into direct sales.
How It Works: Promote in newsletters. Link to sales pages or use built-in payments for seamless buys.
Earnings Potential: $500-2,000 a month, based on price and conversions. A $97 course at 5% conversion hits $4,850. Creators see $1,000+ with bundled offers.
Pros: Full control over pricing. Builds deeper fan loyalty. High upside as products scale.
Cons: Takes time to create. Needs strong trust before big sales.
Step-by-Step Tips:
Build first: Share free value for months to earn trust.
Price right: Start low, like $47 for a mini-course. Upsell later.
Promote softly: Tie offers to reader problems you solve.
Quick Win: Use limited-time launches to create urgency.
beehiiv Integration: Payments stripe right in. Sell digital goods or book sessions without extra tools.
5. Donations and Extras: Tap Into Community Support
Add tipping jars or small merch drops. Great for superfans.
How It Works: Link to platforms like Ko-fi. Or run limited merch via print-on-demand.
Earnings Potential: $50-200 a month at 1,000 subs. Loyal groups tip $5-10 each. Small runs add up quick.
Pros: Low effort. Boosts engagement. Feels personal.
Cons: Not a main earner. Relies on tight-knit fans.
Step-by-Step Tips:
Keep it optional: Frame as support for your work.
Reward givers: Shoutouts or extras for donors.
Test small: Start with one Ko-fi link in a send.
beehiiv Integration: Embed tipping links easily. Use polls to gauge interest first.
Final Thoughts on Monetizing at 1,000 Subs
From what I've seen, success comes from testing fast and listening to your audience. Pick 2 models to start. Track what sticks. Diversify as you grow. If you're on beehiiv, these tools are built in to make it simple.
How to Maximize Earnings on beehiiv
Track metrics: Use beehiiv’s 3D analytics to optimize open/click rates
Diversify revenue: Stack at least 2–3 models (ads + affiliates + subs)
Leverage Boosts: Earn while growing your list with paid referrals
Niche down: High-value audiences yield premium ad rates and subs
Stay consistent: Weekly sends matter, beehiiv’s AI writer and content calendar helps you scale
Final Thoughts: 1,000 Subs Is Just the Start
At 1,000 subscribers, you can realistically make $100–1,000/month—sometimes far more if your niche is premium and you diversify your streams.
beehiiv creators prove it every day. With zero fees on subscriptions, a built-in Ad Network, and Boosts that pay you to grow, you’re positioned to monetize faster than anywhere else.
Ready to turn your first 1,000 into revenue? Sign up free at beehiiv and start stacking monetization streams today.
