Workflow map
Every step, tool, owner and handoff in your newsletter today, from first story to paid invoice.
Find out where your newsletter's time goes.
A workflow audit maps how your newsletter is produced, sold and grown, then shows you exactly what to automate or build first. Fixed fee from $2,500, credited in full if we build it.
Steps mapped23
Tools in use11
Manual hours / week31
Can be automated22 hrsPhase 1 scope
| Step | Hrs / wk | Opportunity |
|---|---|---|
| Find and rank stories | 8 | Automate |
| Draft and fact check | 9 | AI assist |
| Build the email | 4 | Automate |
| Chase sponsor copy | 3 | Portal |
| Invoices and reports | 4 | Automate |
| Final read and send | 3 | Keep human |
Illustrative example of a discovery workflow map. Names and figures are fictional. Want a quick estimate first? Try the calculator.
Calculator
Want a quick estimate first?
Size the opportunity yourself in a minute, then let the audit measure it properly.
Run your numbers
Takes about a minute. Every formula shown.
What you get
A clear map, and a plan you can act on.
Opportunity list
What to automate, build or fix, ranked by hours saved and revenue at stake.
Stack review
Your ESP, tools, integrations and deliverability setup, with anything at risk flagged.
Scoped plan and estimate
A concrete first release, what it would take, and what it would cost.
Readout call
We walk your team through the findings and answer every question.
Yours to keep
The map and plan belong to you, whether or not we build anything.
How it works
Four steps, no disruption to your sends.
- Kickoff callYour goals, your team and where it hurts most
- MapWe follow a real issue from idea to inbox and review your tools
- AnalyzeWe size each opportunity in hours and revenue
- ReadoutFindings, priorities and a scoped plan, walked through live
Who it's for
A good first step if any of these sound familiar.
Something's off, but what?
Send day feels harder than it should, and you can't say exactly where the hours go.
A big change is coming
You're about to switch platforms, hire, launch a second title or start selling sponsorships.
A second opinion first
You want an outside view before committing budget to a build or a new tool.
FAQ
Before you book.
The questions we hear about audits.
Do we have to build with you afterwards?
No. The workflow map and plan are yours to keep. Use them with us, with your own team or with someone else.
What access do you need?
Usually read-only access to your ESP and a few tools, plus time with the people who make the newsletter. We follow your security requirements.
How long does it take?
About two weeks for most newsletters, a little longer for larger teams or several titles. We work around your send schedule.
What does it cost?
From $2,500 for an owner-operator or small team. Larger teams and multi-title publishers get a fixed quote after a short call. Either way, you know the price before anything starts.
What if we go ahead with a build?
The full audit fee is credited toward it, as long as the build is signed within 60 days. The audit becomes the first phase of the project.
Partner with Inkwell
See where your time goes.
Fixed fee from $2,500, credited in full toward your build. Tell us a little about your newsletter and we'll set up a short call.