| Tool | Best for | Watch-out | Affiliate potential |
|---|---|---|---|
| Beehiiv | Growth + newsletter-native monetization | Easy to optimize for opens, not sales | High — popular creator affiliate |
| ConvertKit (Kit) | Creator commerce + automations | Pricing climbs with list size | High — long-running partner program |
| Buttondown | Writers who want simple + Markdown | Fewer “course funnel” toys | Medium — clean fit for labs |
| Mailchimp | Generalists who already live there | Creator UX feels dated; fees surprise people | Medium — crowded content space |
Trend2Truth sequencing: ship the free lead magnet (EXP-009) before paying for email.
Pick a tool the week the magnet needs a real inbox — not before.