- Why stick to email when chat is so much more engaging? Research shows that traditional email newsletters typically achieve open rates around 21.5% with click‑through rates around 2–3% , and users often juggle multiple subject lines and long messages . In contrast, WhatsApp newsletters are delivered as single push messages and can achieve open rates over 90% and click‑through rates around 35% . SMS campaigns are even more extreme – text messages boast an average open rate of 98% and a click‑through rate around 30%, whereas emails hover around 19.8% open and 1.7% click‑through .
- Chat‑based newsletters feel personal. Unlike traditional emails, chat newsletters are short, snappy and focus on one topic . They arrive as direct messages on your phone, appear in your lock‑screen notifications, and invite two‑way interaction with buttons, quick replies and even automated follow‑up flows . This makes them feel more like a friendly conversation than a mass mailing.
AI‑first newsletter concepts
Here are some high‑engagement, AI‑driven alternatives to a conventional email newsletter. Each idea harnesses conversational AI and the high open‑rates of messaging apps to deliver your content with excitement and immediacy:
- Custom GPT “Digest Buddy”: Build your own GPT assistant trained on your blog posts, company news or curated articles. Users can open ChatGPT or a custom GPT app and ask, “What’s new today?” Your assistant responds with a fresh summary, images, and even follow‑up prompts so readers can explore deeper. Because the conversation is interactive, people can ask clarifying questions or request additional resources, turning a passive newsletter into a lively dialogue.
- WhatsApp/Telegram AI Bot: Use the WhatsApp Business Platform (or Telegram bots) to send a short, one‑topic digest a few times a month. As the charles guide explains, WhatsApp newsletters are highly interactive – users can tap buttons or reply to messages to explore products or content . With ChatGPT integrated on the back end, your bot can answer follow‑up questions, personalize recommendations and even collect feedback.
- Slack/Discord Channel Powered by AI: Create a dedicated channel where an AI agent posts daily or weekly updates. Subscribers can @mention the bot with questions or commands (e.g., “summarize the latest industry news,” “show me last week’s top articles”), and the agent uses generative AI to deliver concise, upbeat summaries. This approach fosters community because readers can react, comment and discuss the news together.
- SMS + AI concierge: For audiences who prefer text messages, combine SMS’s 98% open rate with AI. Send a brief text linking to a mobile‑friendly conversational interface. The AI greets them with a summary and invites them to ask follow‑up questions or request recommendations. This works particularly well for quick tips, motivational quotes or exclusive offers.
- Interactive “choose your own adventure” newsletter: Use ChatGPT to craft multiple story threads or learning paths. When users open your chat‑based newsletter, they pick topics they care about (“latest AI tools,” “company updates,” “customer success stories”) and the AI curates the content accordingly, prompting them to dive deeper or switch topics at any time. It’s like a personalized news concierge in your pocket!
Why this is exciting
By tapping into the immediacy and interactivity of chat apps, you’re not just sending information – you’re starting conversations. High open rates and two‑way interactions mean your messages are seen and acted on more often . AI integration allows your brand voice to stay consistent while customizing content for each reader, and chatbots can easily handle follow‑up questions or segment messages based on user behavior . Best of all, the experience feels fun and personal – exactly the kind of joyful, hype‑worthy touch your audience will appreciate.