Curation · Weekly
Tool of the Week Newsletter Template
One useful tool, broken down in detail, per issue. Each issue covers one tool — software, hardware, service, framework — in genuine depth. What it does, who it's for, what alternatives exist, and a personal verdict.
Who this template is for
Reviewers, productivity creators, and category-defining curators.
Issue structure
- The tool. Name, one-line summary, and pricing
- The problem it solves. Concrete pain point and who feels it most
- How it works. Walkthrough with screenshots or video
- Alternatives. 2–3 alternatives compared honestly
- Verdict. Who should use it, who shouldn't, and your overall take
When to use this template
- ✓ You have strong opinions on tools in a defined category
- ✓ You're willing to do real evaluation rather than affiliate-link reviews
- ✓ You want a format that scales — there are always more tools to cover
Examples that work
Newsletters using a version of this template successfully:
- Tools and Toys
- The Sweet Setup
- Cool Tools (Kevin Kelly)
Use this template in Aldus
Aldus's AI editor uses this template as a starting prompt — paste your sources and the editor produces the first draft in your voice. Suggested prompt:
Topic: Deep review of [tool name]. Voice: Honest reviewer with a point of view. Sources: [the tool's site, comparison sites, your trial notes]. Cover what it does, the problem, how it works (with screenshots), 2–3 honest alternatives, and a clear verdict on who should and shouldn't use it.
Frequently asked questions
How do I avoid sounding like an affiliate-driven review newsletter?
Pick at least one 'who shouldn't use this' angle every issue and don't soften it. The trust comes from being willing to say 'this is great for X but a bad fit for Y'.
Can I monetise via affiliate links?
Yes, but disclose them and never let affiliate revenue influence which tool you cover. Tools and Toys does this well.