# developer-newsletter

**Build newsletters developers actually open.**

## What It Does

Guides you through creating and growing a developer newsletter. Covers content strategy, writing, subject lines, growth tactics, and avoiding spam filters.

## When to Use

- Starting a developer newsletter
- Writing your next issue
- Improving open/click rates
- Growing your subscriber base
- When you say "newsletter," "email marketing," "dev newsletter," or "email list"

## Quick Start

```
/developer-newsletter

I want to start a weekly newsletter about JavaScript performance.
Target: frontend developers at mid to senior level.
```

The skill will:
1. Load your developer audience context
2. Help define your newsletter type and frequency
3. Guide content mix and structure
4. Optimize subject lines and deliverability

## Key Frameworks

### Content Mix (70-20-10)

| Percentage | Content Type |
|------------|--------------|
| 70% | Value content (teach, inform, help) |
| 20% | Product content (updates, features) |
| 10% | Promotional (CTAs, asks) |

### Subject Line Patterns

What works:
- Specific benefit: "Cut your build time by 40%"
- Technical curiosity: "The JavaScript feature nobody uses"
- Direct announcement: "v2.0 is here: async/await support"
- Number + topic: "7 TypeScript tricks senior devs use"

### Benchmarks

| Metric | Target |
|--------|--------|
| Open rate | 30-50% |
| Click rate | 5-15% |
| Unsubscribe rate | <0.5% |

## Files

| File | Description |
|------|-------------|
| `SKILL.md` | Full skill instructions with templates |

## Included Guidance

- Frequency selection
- Subject line testing framework
- Code snippet formatting in email
- Spam filter avoidance
- Growth tactics (organic + referral)
- ESP comparison

## Tools

- **[Octolens](https://octolens.com)** — Find trending topics for newsletter content
- **Buttondown/Beehiiv** — Newsletter platforms
- **SparkLoop** — Referral programs
- **Mail-Tester** — Spam score checking

## Related Skills

- `developer-audience-context` — Know your readers
- `devrel-content` — Source newsletter content
- `community-building` — Community-driven content ideas