I started a newsletter a few months ago. Now, I don’t know about you, but I struggle with understanding technical things. I often end up feeling stressed, with the only help available being the technical support team. To be fair, they are usually very good.
I set things up with MailerLite, but it was fraught with problems. Eventually, though, I managed to get there. Learning how to use it properly has been difficult. I did speak to technical support, who helped me out, and of course the more you use something the better you generally get at it.
However, while setting up March’s newsletter, I quickly realised my first thoughts were correct. My main issue is the interface, where you are given three columns. One side contains all the drag-and-drop blocks to use to build the newsletter, the other is sizing and bits I don’t understand, while the middle column is your working area. It isn’t ideal having to work in such a small space, and combined with the blocks for building the layout, I really dislike it.
Now I’ve found out it’s possible to run a newsletter from here on my website and it can remain separate from it. After speaking to support, who incidentally are called Happiness Engineers, I learned that I can set up a newsletter with exclusive subscribers. In other words, the two can exist independently of each other.
I now have all the instructions needed to set it up. Oh it would be so much easier using something I’m familiar with! Newsletters would become fun, instead of stressful!
What do you think? Have you any experience with this, or are you happy working with a separate platform?
World of Stories 
I never did get the hang of MailerLite. It’s a relief to know I’m not alone! I decided to delete that account a month ago. Then I went back to having my monthly newsletter blog. I did go back to MailChimp, which I understand a lot better and doesn’t charge me since my list is so small, but I am only doing new release announcements. Since I am only putting out two books a year these days, I rarely have to deal with it. I don’t know how anyone can navigate MailerLite. More power to them.
LikeLiked by 1 person
So glad you agree. I did think of returning to Mailchimp as I was there years ago. But really, I just wanted in on WordPress as it’s far easier. Building the list is harder, lol! I’m on Instagram and have gained a couple there. Thanks for commenting.
LikeLike
I have never ventured into having a newsletter, keeping up with my blog is enough. Not only do technical issues daunt me, I am reluctant / terrified of asking happiness engineers and such for help in case I do not understand the help! Good luck…
LikeLiked by 1 person
I understand it is a minefield. It’s driven me to distraction and if I wasn’t able to do I was just going to manage it here. The thing is I do so much on my blog, book reviews, author interviews, chatting, flash fiction, etc, my own books get lost, so I wanted something exclusive for me. It’s been difficult, but I think I have a solution and came up with myself with just getting Happiness Engineers to confirm it in the end.
So thanks. It’s been good to chat about it through your comment because it has been frustrating!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Good luck with the newsletter. It has baffled me for a while now. I had planned to use Substack instead, but haven’t pursued it yet.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Strangely I didn’t consider Substack. Mainly because I am on there and did try it, but it turned out to be another social media platform, and I can’t manage another. I love WordPress and I needed it here for ease. I think I have a solution now and can get rid of the awful MailerLite!
LikeLiked by 1 person