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Hey there, Fatherpreneurs —

In today’s newsletter we answer another question from one of the readers. 👇️ 

“How do I narrow down the focus of my newsletter? My ultimate goal is to create a reliable income stream to support my family’s basic needs. Should I prioritize topics that are more lucrative (high CPM audiences, for example), or should I focus on what I genuinely love reading and thinking about?”

That’s a fantastic question! It’s one of those moments where practicality and passion collide, leaving you wondering which path to prioritize.

Let’s dive in.

The Newsletter Dilemma: Money vs. Passion

Here’s the thing: building a newsletter that doubles as a sustainable income channel is absolutely doable, but there’s a balance you’ll need to strike between chasing dollars and following your heart.

1. The “Money First” Approach (High CPM Topics)

On the surface, starting with money in mind makes perfect sense. Why? Well, certain topics—like finance, tech, real estate, and health—come with higher CPM (Cost Per Mille) rates, meaning advertisers are willing to pay more to get in front of these audiences. More clicks, more ad dollars, and more cash flow for your newsletter.

But… and this is a big “but”… if you’re not genuinely into the subject matter, burnout is inevitable. It’s like committing to a job that pays well but makes you dread Monday mornings. Writing consistently on topics you don’t care about just for the CPM could lead to uninspired content, and audiences can smell that from a mile away. Authenticity is key, especially in newsletters where personal connection matters.

Pros:

• Potential for quicker monetization through ads or sponsorships.

• Easier to scale once you hit a niche with a hungry, high-paying audience.

Cons:

• The risk of passion burnout.

• Struggle to sustain engagement if you’re not deeply invested.

2. The “Passion First” Approach (Love What You Write)

Then, there’s the path of focusing on what you love. When you write about topics that you’re passionate about—whether it’s fatherhood, personal growth, or your favorite obscure hobby—you naturally pour more of yourself into the content. Your readers feel it, they connect with you, and engagement goes through the roof.

The downside? It might take longer to monetize, especially if your passion falls into a niche with lower CPM or isn’t an obvious cash cow. But here’s the catch: over time, loyal audiences that resonate with your passion are incredibly valuable. They trust you. And that trust opens up multiple monetization opportunities, like courses, exclusive content, or even product sales that aren’t reliant on ads alone.

Pros:

• You get to talk about things you love every day (the dream, right?).

• It’s easier to maintain a consistent publishing schedule because it doesn’t feel like “work.”

• Organic audience growth through authenticity and deeper connections.

Cons:

• Monetization might take longer, especially if your audience is niche.

• Some topics might have less immediate financial upside.

3. The Sweet Spot: Merging Money and Passion

Here’s my take: it doesn’t have to be an either/or decision. Look for intersections between high-value topics and subjects you genuinely care about. Think of it like a Venn diagram, where one circle is “high CPM opportunities,” and the other is “what I love to write about.” Where they overlap, that’s your sweet spot.

For example:

• You’re passionate about fitness? Lean into health-tech or lifestyle products with sponsorship potential.

• Love helping people grow personally? The personal finance/self-improvement world is booming with both passion and income potential.

• Geek out on parenting tips and tricks? Brands targeting families, education, and lifestyle could be great sponsors.

4. Long-Term Play: Build Trust First, Monetize Second

One strategy I’d recommend is to lean into your passion to build trust and a loyal audience first. You don’t need to make big bucks out of the gate. Instead, spend the first 6-12 months honing your craft, growing your audience, and delivering insane value. Once people trust you and see your newsletter as a must-read, that’s when you can gradually introduce monetization.

And guess what? By then, it won’t feel transactional because your audience wants to support you. They’ll buy your products, join your membership, or happily see ads because they’re invested in you.

My Final Take?

Start by writing what lights you up. Let your passion and personality shine through, but keep one eye on where the money is flowing in your chosen niche. This approach is a long game, but it’s far more sustainable, and it won’t leave you chasing topics that drain your energy. When passion leads, money tends to follow—but only if you’re strategic about your audience and niche.

In other words: love the game, but don’t forget to play it smart.

Got more questions about how to zero in on that perfect newsletter topic or want to dig deeper into monetization strategies? Let’s chat!

Until next time,

Daniel

P.S. Got a question? Send it over — I might feature it in an upcoming issue. Or you can buy me a cup of Joseph. 👀