The "Groupon Model": A 4-Step Plan to Fund Your Newsletter Ads

What’s the single biggest fear for any newsletter publisher?

 

Ad spend.

 

You know you need to run ads to build your "Digital Stadium." But putting your own money on the line every day is terrifying.

 

What if you could build your subscriber list for free? What if you could get your ad spend reimbursed from day one?

 

This week, Chad Nicely revealed a simple, powerful strategy to do just that. He calls it the "Groupon Model," and it’s a total game-changer for new publishers.

 

The best part? You don't need a single subscriber to start. Here is the 4-step plan.

 

Step 1: Scout Your Local Groupon

 

First, you need to find offers that are already working in your town. Don't guess.

 

Go to Groupon.com and enter your city.

 

Your mission is to find 3-4 attractive, local deals. Look for services that appeal to a broad audience. Think:

 

• Massages

• Popular restaurants

• Salons or spas

• Local activities (like escape rooms or family fun)

 

You are "scouting" for deals that you can test on your new subscribers. You don't need to contact the business. You don't need permission. You are just grabbing the information.

 

Step 2: Test Offers on Your "Thank You" Page

 

Your newsletter's "Thank You" page is your secret weapon. This is the page a new subscriber sees immediately after they sign up.

 

This page is the most valuable, most overlooked piece of real estate you own.

 

Using Mintbird, build a "Thank You" page that does two things:

 

1. Confirms the subscription.
   
   

2. Presents your "Groupon" test offers.
   
   

List the 3-4 deals you found. Use the same images, the same discounts (e.g., "Normally $170, Today $119"), and a "Claim This Deal" button.

 

Step 3: Track the Clicks (Get Free Data)

 

This is where the magic happens.

 

That "Claim This Deal" button doesn't go to an affiliate link. It just goes directly to that business's Groupon page.

 

But—and this is the key—you are using Mintbird to track the clicks.

Every time a new subscriber signs up, they get a chance to click on these deals. After a few days of running ads, you will have priceless, free data.

 

You'll look at your Mintbird stats and see:

 

• Offer 1 (Massage): 45 clicks

• Offer 2 (Restaurant): 28 clicks

• Offer 3 (Salon): 5 clicks

 

This data is your proof. You now know exactly what your new subscribers are interested in buying.

 

Step 4: Pitch the Winner and Get Paid

 

Now you're ready to make money.

 

You walk into the massage parlor (Offer 1) and talk to the owner. But you're not a salesperson; you're a publisher with proof.

 

You can say:

 

"Hi, I run the [Your Newsletter] here in town. This week, I've already sent 45 of my new subscribers to your Groupon page.

I know Groupon is taking 50-70% of your money and they keep the customer list.

 

How about this: I will become your main promoter. I'll feature you in my newsletter, on my website, and on this Thank You page. Instead of 50%, you just pay me a 10-15% commission on the sales I send you. How does that sound?"

 

You've just made an irresistible offer. You're bringing them customers, saving them a fortune, and giving them a better deal than their #1 competitor (Groupon).

 

Your List is Now Free

 

With just one or two of these partnerships, you have created a revenue stream that pays for your daily ad spend.

 

If you are spending $20 a day on ads, you only need to make $20 a day in commissions to break even.

 

Every subscriber you get from that point forward is free.

 

You have successfully reimbursed your ad costs. You have removed all the risk. You are now free to focus on the most important thing: building your stadium.