> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://adly-news.gitbook.io/adly.news-docs/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://adly-news.gitbook.io/adly.news-docs/01-getting-started/02-newsletter-quickstart.md).

# Newsletter Owner Quick Start

Get your newsletter set up on [adly.news](https://adly.news) and start accepting advertisers in just a few minutes. This guide walks you through the essential steps to start monetizing your newsletter.

## Prerequisites

Before you begin, make sure you have:

* A newsletter on a supported platform (Beehiiv, Kit, Mailchimp, The Newsletter Plugin, or GetResponse)
* Access to your platform's API key or OAuth credentials
* A Stripe account (or be ready to create one for payouts)

## Step 1: Sign Up

1. Go to [adly.news](https://adly.news)
2. Click **Sign In** and select the newsletter owner option
3. Choose your sign-in method:
   * **Google** — Sign in with your Google account
   * **Microsoft** — Sign in with your Microsoft account
   * **Email** — Enter your email to receive a magic link
4. Complete the authentication to access your dashboard

## Step 2: Connect Your Newsletter

Once signed in, you'll need to connect your newsletter:

1. Navigate to **Newsletters** in the sidebar
2. Click **Add Newsletter**
3. Select your newsletter platform
4. Enter your API credentials:
   * **Beehiiv:** API Key
   * **Kit:** API Key
   * **Mailchimp:** Click to connect via OAuth
   * **The Newsletter Plugin:** Base URL, Client Key, and Client Secret
   * **GetResponse:** API Key
5. If your platform has multiple publications, select which one to connect
6. Fill in your newsletter details:
   * Logo
   * Description
   * Audience description
   * Website
   * Location
   * Target business types
7. Click **Connect Newsletter**

Your newsletter will sync automatically, pulling in subscriber count and engagement metrics.

> **Tip:** Keep your newsletter profile complete and compelling — it's what businesses see when deciding whether to advertise with you.

## Step 3: Create Your First Ad Slot

Now create an advertising opportunity:

1. Navigate to **Ad Slots** in the sidebar
2. Click **Create Ad Slot**
3. Fill in the ad slot details:
   * **Name:** A descriptive name (e.g., "Primary Sponsor Spot")
   * **Description:** What the advertiser gets
   * **Format:** Select the ad type
   * **Price:** Set your rate per placement
   * **Minimum Bid:** (Optional) Lowest bid you'll accept
4. Configure specifications:
   * **Image specs:** Dimensions and file requirements
   * **Copy specs:** Character limits
   * **CTA specs:** Button text and URL requirements
5. Set **Publishing Days:** Which days you publish
6. Click **Create Ad Slot**

Your ad slot is now live and visible to businesses!

## Step 4: Set Up Payments

To receive payouts, connect your Stripe account:

1. Navigate to **Payments** in the sidebar
2. Click **Connect with Stripe**
3. Follow Stripe's onboarding process:
   * Enter your business/personal information
   * Add your bank account details
   * Verify your identity
4. Once complete, you'll return to adly.news

> **Note:** Stripe Connect is required to receive any payouts. Complete this step before your first booking to avoid delays.

## Step 5: Generate Affiliate Links (Optional)

In addition to direct sponsorships, you can earn commission on sales you drive through affiliate links — no applications, no waiting. This is a great way to fill gaps between paid bookings:

1. Navigate to **Affiliate Links** in the sidebar
2. Click **New Link**
3. Browse the advertiser library — every brand shows its commission rate, category, and EPC
4. Pick an advertiser, then pick an asset (banner image or text link)
5. We instantly generate a trackable share URL (e.g. `https://adly.news/a/aB3xK9pQrLmN`)
6. Copy the share URL or banner embed HTML and drop it into your newsletter

Click counts and attributed commissions show up automatically on the Affiliate Links page.

> **Tip:** Affiliate commissions take 30-60 days to clear (advertisers wait for return windows to close before paying out), so don't rely on them for cash-flow-sensitive months. They're a great supplement to direct sponsorships.

See [Affiliate Links](/adly.news-docs/02-newsletter-owners/06-affiliate-links.md) for the full guide.

## Step 6: Explore Cross-Promotions (Optional)

You can also grow your audience — or earn money — by cross-promoting with other newsletters:

1. Navigate to **Cross-Promo** in the sidebar
2. Browse cross-promotion campaigns from other newsletters looking for partners
3. Apply to campaigns that match your audience
4. If approved, you'll receive a tracking link to feature in your newsletter
5. Earn a per-subscriber rate for every verified new subscriber you drive

You can also create your own cross-promotion campaign to find newsletters that will promote you to their readers.

See [Cross-Promotions](/adly.news-docs/02-newsletter-owners/11-cross-promotions.md) for the full guide.

## Step 7: Preview Your Public Page

Every newsletter has a public profile page where businesses can view your ad slots:

1. Go to **Ad Slots**
2. Click **Preview** on any ad slot
3. This opens your public newsletter page

Share this link with potential advertisers or include it in your newsletter's media kit.

## What Happens Next

With your newsletter connected and ad slots created, you're ready to receive advertisers:

### When a Business Submits a Booking Request

1. You'll receive a notification
2. The request appears in **Ad Slots → Bids tab** with a "Booking Request" badge
3. Review the request and choose to:
   * **Accept** — Business has 48 hours to complete booking
   * **Decline** — Decline with an optional message explaining why
4. If accepted and booked, follows standard booking flow

### When a Business Makes an Offer

1. You'll receive a notification
2. The offer appears in **Ad Slots → Bids tab**
3. Review the offer and choose to:
   * **Accept** — Business has 48 hours to complete booking
   * **Counter-offer** — Propose a different price
   * **Decline** — Decline with an optional message
4. If accepted and booked, follows standard booking flow

## Tips for Success

### Optimize Your Profile

* Use a professional logo
* Write a compelling description
* Include subscriber count and engagement metrics
* Describe your audience demographics

### Price Strategically

* Research what similar newsletters charge
* Consider offering a lower minimum bid for flexibility
* Adjust pricing based on demand

### Stay Responsive

* Respond to booking requests and offers promptly
* Check messages regularly
* Publish ads on their scheduled dates

### Build Trust

* Deliver on your promises
* Communicate proactively with advertisers
* Ask satisfied advertisers for repeat bookings

## Quick Reference

| Task                      | Location                        |
| ------------------------- | ------------------------------- |
| View your newsletters     | Newsletters                     |
| Create/edit ad slots      | Ad Slots                        |
| Review incoming bids      | Ad Slots → Bids tab             |
| Manage bookings           | Bookings                        |
| View schedule             | Bookings → Calendar tab         |
| Browse campaigns          | Campaigns                       |
| Track your applications   | Campaigns → My Applications tab |
| Cross-promote newsletters | Cross-Promo                     |
| Generate affiliate links  | Affiliate Links                 |
| View commissions          | Affiliate Links → Commissions   |
| Message advertisers       | Messages                        |
| Withdraw earnings         | Payments                        |
| Notification preferences  | Notifications → Preferences tab |

## Need Help?

* **Connecting your newsletter?** See [Connecting Your Newsletter](/adly.news-docs/02-newsletter-owners/01-connecting-newsletters.md)
* **Creating ad slots?** See [Creating Ad Slots](/adly.news-docs/02-newsletter-owners/02-creating-ad-slots.md)
* **Managing bids?** See [Managing Bids](/adly.news-docs/02-newsletter-owners/03-managing-bids.md)
* **Cross-promotions?** See [Cross-Promotions](/adly.news-docs/02-newsletter-owners/11-cross-promotions.md)
* **Earning with affiliate links?** See [Affiliate Links](/adly.news-docs/02-newsletter-owners/06-affiliate-links.md)
* **Payment questions?** See [Payments & Payouts](/adly.news-docs/02-newsletter-owners/09-payments-and-payouts.md)

***

[Start monetizing your newsletter on adly.news →](https://adly.news)


---

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