One of the biggest misconceptions about email marketing is that you need thousands of subscribers before you can make money.
You don’t.
Creators make money with small email lists all the time — especially when they use tools like ConvertKit correctly.
In this guide, I’ll show you exactly how creators make money with ConvertKit, even on the free plan, and which strategies work best depending on your content.
Why ConvertKit Works So Well for Monetization
ConvertKit was built specifically for creators, not corporations.
That means it’s optimized for:
- Relationships over spam
- Automation without complexity
- Selling digital products naturally
If you want a full breakdown of ConvertKit’s features, read my ConvertKit review for creators.
Affiliate Marketing
Affiliate marketing is one of the easiest ways creators make money with ConvertKit.
Here’s how it works:
- Offer a free guide or resource
- Collect email subscribers
- Recommend tools or products via email
You can do this entirely on ConvertKit’s free plan.
Many creators start by promoting tools they already use — including ConvertKit itself.
If you’re just getting started, the ConvertKit free plan explained guide breaks down exactly what you can do without paying.
Selling Digital Products
Creators commonly sell:
- Ebooks
- Notion templates
- Courses
- Email courses
- Workshops
ConvertKit lets you:
- Deliver products automatically
- Tag buyers
- Send follow-up sequences
- Upsell related offers
This is where ConvertKit starts to outperform tools like Mailchimp, especially for creators. I break that comparison down in my ConvertKit vs Mailchimp guide.
Newsletters & Sponsorships
Many creators monetize by:
- Growing a newsletter
- Adding sponsors
- Charging per placement
ConvertKit’s clean email design works well here because:
- Emails feel personal
- High deliverability
- Less “marketing” vibe
This works even with a small list if engagement is strong.
Coaching & Services
ConvertKit is also powerful for:
- Coaches
- Consultants
- Freelancers
Use email to:
- Nurture leads
- Share case studies
- Book calls
- Sell high-ticket services
ConvertKit’s automation ensures every subscriber gets the right message at the right time.
How Much Money Can You Actually Make?
There’s no ceiling — but here’s a realistic path:
- 500 subscribers
- 2–3 relevant offers
- Consistent email strategy
That’s enough to start generating real income.
If you’re curious about pricing as your list grows, my ConvertKit pricing explained guide shows how costs scale.
Is ConvertKit Worth It for Monetization?
Yes — especially for creators.
ConvertKit removes technical barriers so you can focus on:
- Creating content
- Growing an audience
- Monetizing strategically
You don’t need to upgrade immediately. Many creators wait until they’re already making money.
Final Verdict
If you’re a creator serious about turning attention into income, ConvertKit is one of the best email platforms you can use.
It’s simple, powerful, and designed to scale with you.
If you want to evaluate ConvertKit fully before starting, read my in-depth ConvertKit review for creators.
Affiliate Disclosure
This post contains affiliate links. If you click and make a purchase, I may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. I only recommend tools I believe provide real value.