I’ve had social media accounts across various platforms for close to two decades now. I remember the sweet days when all of your active followers would see your post, and many would like or comment without you even asking. Ahhh! Those were the days.

As time progressed, and algorithms changed, I heard the horror stories of accounts getting closed, shadow-banned banned or even worse, totally banned, with or without an explanation. Tens of thousands, and sometimes hundreds of thousands of followers, were lost.

My own daughter suffered this foolishness on more than one platform. The concern with many content creators is that it’s starting to happen more often now. Content creators and Solopreneurs are getting wiped out at the whim of these platforms.

Fear not, there is a solution. I’ll share a plan of action in this report. And if you’re interested in safeguarding your money-making going into 2026, I have an offer for you at the end of this report.

As always, I am here for you!

Here’s to your success,

Hugh Lee Johnson, creator & publisher of Venture AIX Money, Venture AI ART, and The Digital Nomad newsletters

Look, I'm going to be straight with you: If you're building a business in 2025 without an email newsletter, you're basically trying to fill a bucket with a hole in the bottom.

And I'm not just saying this because I run three newsletters myself (though I do, and they're pretty awesome). I'm saying this because after three decades of starting businesses, launching side hustles, and helping professionals escape the 9-5 grind, I've learned one undeniable truth:

Your audience isn't really yours until they're in your inbox.

Here's what nobody tells you about building your business on social media: You're renting, not owning.

Instagram changes its algorithm? Your social reach tanks. LinkedIn decides to push video? Your carefully crafted text posts disappear. Twitter becomes X and, well... you know how that went.

Meanwhile, your email list? That's like owning property. Nobody can take it away from you. No algorithm decides who sees your message. When you hit send, your people get your message. Period.

The numbers don't lie:

Think about that for a second. While you're dancing on TikTok hoping the algorithm gods smile upon you, your competitors are building actual relationships in their subscribers in their inboxes.

I know what you're thinking: "Hugh, why the rush? Can't I start my newsletter in March? Or maybe summer?"

Sure, you could. Just like you could start training for a marathon the day before the race. How do you think that would go?

Here's why starting before 2026 matters:

1. The AI Content Tsunami Is Coming

By 2026, AI-generated content will flood every platform. The only way to cut through the noise? Direct, personal communication with your audience. An email newsletter positions you as a real human with real expertise before everyone else figures this out.

2. Email Is Having Its Renaissance

Younger professionals (yes, even Gen Z) are returning to email for trusted information. They're tired of the chaos of social media. Your newsletter becomes their calm, valuable touchpoint in a noisy digital world.

3. You Need Time to Build Momentum

Starting in January 2026 means you'll have your foundation built, your first subscribers engaged, and your rhythm established before Q1 ends. That's when the real magic happens.

Let me break down why a newsletter isn't just nice to have—it's essential for modern solopreneurs:

No character limits. No fighting for attention in a crowded feed. Just you, your expertise, and people who actually want to hear from you.

Every email is an opportunity to:

When someone reads your newsletter, they're giving you their undivided attention. Try getting that on Instagram while they're scrolling between cat videos and cooking reels.

This is where I'll be honest about my setup. I use Beehiiv to publish all three of my newsletters: "Venture AIX Money," "Venture AI Art," and "The Digital Nomad."

Why Beehiiv? Because it's built for people like us—solopreneurs who need powerful features without the complexity of enterprise platforms. It handles hosting, distribution, analytics, and monetization without requiring a PhD in email marketing.

For the creative stuff? I use Midjourney for editorial art (because stock photos are boring) and Canva for promotional graphics (because not all of us are designers, and that's okay).

I hear this all the time: "Hugh, I'm already posting on LinkedIn, managing my business, and trying to have a life. Where do I find time for a newsletter?"

Here's the beautiful secret: Your newsletter becomes your primary content, not an add-on.

Write one solid newsletter per week. Then:

One piece of content, multiple platforms. Work smarter, not harder.

Look, starting a newsletter can feel overwhelming. What platform do you choose? How do you write compelling content? How do you get your first 100 subscribers?

That's exactly why I created the Newsletter Launch Kit—a streamlined weekend-launch system specifically designed for busy professionals like you.

This isn't some 47-module course that takes six months to complete. It's a focused, actionable program that gets your newsletter launched and your first issue published—fast.

Because here's the thing: The best newsletter is the one that actually exists.

You're already creating content. You're already building relationships. You're already positioning yourself as an expert.

An email newsletter just makes all of that work harder for you.

Before 2026 hits, give yourself the gift of a direct line to your audience. Build that asset that nobody can take away. Create that relationship hub that grows in value every single week.

Your future self (the one counting newsletter subscribers and revenue in 2026) will thank you.

Ready to launch your newsletter before the New Year? Check out the Newsletter Launch Kit and let's get you publishing in the next four weeks. Because the best time to start building your audience was yesterday. The second-best time is right now.