The hottest Branding Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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Top Business Topics

Creativity in an Age of AI.

The Future Does Not Fit In The Containers Of The Past • 27 implied HN points • 22 Jun 25
🎭️ Culture Creativity Art Innovation Media Branding Technology
  1. AI can empower creativity by allowing everyone to be more involved in the creative process. It's not just a tool; it's a partner that helps unlock new ideas.
  2. Brands need to focus on storytelling and connection rather than just data-driven promotion. Many brands are failing because they're not nurturing their long-term identity and culture.
  3. Creativity comes in two types: pure and applied. Pure creativity is about self-expression and groundbreaking ideas, while applied creativity is improving existing creations. Both are important for innovation and growth.

What is next for collaborations?

The Sociology of Business • 737 implied HN points • 28 Oct 24
💼 Business Marketing Branding Collaborations Consumer behavior
  1. Brands are now combining different areas like food, art, and fashion to create unique experiences for customers. This helps them stand out and attract more attention.
  2. Collaborations allow brands to show their taste and connect with customers in a deeper way, almost like building a community around their identity.
  3. Creative directors play an important role in making brands culturally relevant by exploring new collaborations outside their core market, which helps them grow and stay appealing.

The story of Sublime's logo

The Sublime Newsletter • 534 implied HN points • 26 Oct 24
🪑 Design Graphic design Branding User Experience Creative Process
  1. Logos represent more than their appearance. They carry deeper meanings that connect with feelings and ideas, like innovation or nostalgia.
  2. Choosing a designer that breaks the mold can lead to unique and creative outcomes. Sometimes the riskier choice is to step outside the norm.
  3. The journey of creating something, like a logo, is just as important as the final product. It's about collaboration, sharing ideas, and making something beautiful together.

What Hotelier Ari Heckman thinks about building brand worlds IRL

the case for brand 💼 • 137 implied HN points • 28 Feb 25
💼 Business Hospitality Branding Entrepreneurship Design Marketing
  1. Ari Heckman focuses on creating unique brand worlds for his hotel projects, blending art and commerce. This approach helps make each hotel feel special and connected to the local culture.
  2. He emphasizes the importance of being involved in both the creative and operational sides of business. Balancing creative ideas with sound business practices can lead to better results.
  3. The idea of evolving beyond just being a hotel brand is key for Ash. They want to be seen as a lifestyle brand, offering more than just lodging, like products and experiences that connect with their brand story.

The age of SUPERCONTENT

The Sociology of Business • 957 implied HN points • 21 Oct 24
💼 Business Marketing Branding Content creation Digital Media Consumer behavior
  1. Brands are becoming content creators to engage a wider audience, not just their customers. They create fun and informative content to attract fans and observers.
  2. Today's successful content is often found in show business style, blending storytelling and entertainment across various platforms. This means brands are constantly producing engaging material that keeps their audience interested.
  3. Content is vital for a brand's success, often affecting how products are viewed and sold. Good content can help a brand stand out and become more discoverable, especially in a crowded market.
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What happened in brand and agency: WPP struggles, Instagram & AdTech vs Sensitive Content and Fashion Week

The Social Juice • 22 implied HN points • 02 Mar 25
💼 Business Marketing Advertising Branding Economics Trends
  1. WPP is facing tough challenges, highlighting the pressures in the advertising industry. This might mean changes for many companies and advertisers in how they operate.
  2. Instagram recently dealt with backlash over graphic content on its platform. This shows the ongoing struggle between user experience and ad tech, as brands seek engagement without alienating users.
  3. Building a strong community around a brand is key. Companies should nurture their audiences, allowing them to engage and share value, making the community feel connected to the brand itself.

Brands, ads, and video games

SuperJoost Playlist • 416 implied HN points • 17 Oct 24
💼 Business Marketing Advertising Branding Gaming Media
  1. Brands are realizing that video games offer a better way to connect with younger audiences compared to traditional media like TV and magazines. This shift is important for capturing the attention of the next generation.
  2. There is a growing trend for brands to work directly with gaming companies to create engaging and immersive experiences. However, many brands still struggle to commit to long-term strategies instead of just one-time campaigns.
  3. As user acquisition costs rise, game developers are looking for new ways to make money, leading them to collaborate more with brands. This partnership is changing how audiences experience both gaming and advertising.

Guest post: Met Gala on Black Style: Superfine or Superflop?

The Sociology of Business • 378 implied HN points • 17 Oct 24
🪞 Fashion & Beauty Trends Events Branding Cultural impact Style
  1. Brand affinity helps create good feelings about a brand, but it’s important to also think about a brand's context in the world.
  2. Positionality means understanding how a brand is viewed based on its place in society and culture.
  3. For brands, the Met Gala can be a chance to blend excitement with deeper meaning by recognizing both connections and the bigger picture.

Perceived Value

The Breaking Point • 279 implied HN points • 17 Oct 24
💼 Business Sales Marketing Customer Service Branding Product Development
  1. Value is based on how the buyer sees it. For example, ice cubes can be very valuable on a hot day, but not so much on a cold one.
  2. Customers often find high value in features that are easy to create, rather than the complex ones. A simple 'Export to Powerpoint' function ended up being super useful for many users.
  3. Sometimes, the reasons customers buy a product aren’t just about how useful it is. They might buy it for the customer service, prestige, or other factors that might surprise you.

The Branding of Bob Dylan

The Honest Broker • 11702 implied HN points • 01 Feb 25
🎭️ Culture Music Branding Counterculture Merchandising Identity
  1. Branding has changed from a painful process to something people want to do for themselves. It used to mean being marked permanently, but now it's about building a personal image.
  2. The internet plays a big role in how people see themselves and how they present, often turning individuals into products or brands.
  3. Bob Dylan is highlighted as a former rebel who seems to have embraced branding, which can feel surprising to many fans of the 'counterculture' movement.

How the Bud Light Debacle Predicted America's Corporate Vibe Shift

The Ruffian • 301 implied HN points • 12 Feb 25
💼 Business Marketing Branding Consumer behavior Corporate strategy Cultural Trends
  1. Bud Light faced a major backlash after a marketing campaign featuring a transgender celebrity, showing how quickly consumer sentiment can change. This backlash resulted in a significant loss of sales and brand trust.
  2. Unlike typical consumer boycotts, the impact on Bud Light endured even after the company attempted to distance itself from the controversy. This highlights the lasting effects that cultural issues can have on brands.
  3. The Bud Light incident reflects a larger trend in corporate America where companies need to be more aware of the cultural-political environment. Brands must navigate these changes carefully to maintain their audience and market position.

180,000 People Made Me Bearish On "Better For You" Sodas

Snaxshot • 539 implied HN points • 30 Sep 24
🍲 Food & Drink Beverages Trends Branding Innovation
  1. People are showing a strong interest in classic flavors, especially sodas that remind them of their childhood. Brands that focus on nostalgia are getting a lot of attention.
  2. New drinks like AG1 are trying to reach mainstream audiences by teaming up with popular spots like Starbucks. This helps them gain visibility without the high price tags.
  3. Condiments and butter are seeing fresh ideas, with new flavors becoming popular. It's exciting to see how brands are innovating everyday products to attract younger buyers.

When Personalization Feels Fake: Starbucks’ Cup Messages, AI, and the Quest for Genuine Connection

Gad’s Newsletter • 26 implied HN points • 24 Feb 25
💼 Business Marketing Customer Experience Branding Retail Consumer behavior
  1. Starbucks' new initiative to have baristas write messages on cups seemed nice but felt forced and scripted. Customers want genuine interactions, not corporate mandates.
  2. Personalization in marketing works best when it's real and meets customer expectations. If customers feel it's fake or too much, it can harm trust and satisfaction.
  3. AI can help personalize experiences, but it can also make customers uneasy if they feel their privacy is being invaded. The key is to balance tech use with genuine human connections.

The Sad Saga of Bud Light

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 2986 implied HN points • 07 Feb 25
💼 Business Marketing Branding Corporate culture Consumer behavior Economic Impact
  1. Bud Light was once America's favorite beer, but it lost its top spot after a marketing move focused on social issues. Many customers turned away from the brand.
  2. The shift towards diversity and inclusion in corporate strategies can sometimes backfire. For Bud Light, it cost them loyal customers and sales.
  3. It's important for companies to balance social goals with their business interests. Ignoring customer preferences can lead to serious repercussions.

The 2024 state of social media

Taylor Lorenz's Newsletter • 3732 implied HN points • 18 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Social media Trends Entertainment Education Branding
  1. Social media is now more about fun and learning than personal chats. People want to be entertained as they scroll.
  2. Instagram is the top platform for engaging brand content. Many users love to see brands posting more there.
  3. YouTube is still important, especially for longer videos. Users enjoy in-depth content, even from brands, making it stand out in a world of short clips.

How You Can Eliminate Your Competition

VERY GOOD PRODUCTIZED GUIDES • 159 implied HN points • 02 Sep 24
💼 Business Entrepreneurship Marketing Startups Competition Branding
  1. You don't have to be the first in the market. Being different is more important. Focus on filling gaps in what others offer instead.
  2. Understand what your customers truly want. They often seek value and connection, not just the service itself. Learn their needs to attract more clients.
  3. Instead of only cutting costs, focus on providing great value to your customers. Sometimes spending more can actually improve your service and satisfy customers better.

How CMO Sophie Bambuck of The North Face, Nike, Converse, and Everlane Builds Brands for Everyone

the case for brand 💼 • 145 implied HN points • 24 Jan 25
💼 Business Branding Marketing Advertising Leadership Strategy
  1. Sophie Bambuck believes in starting brand strategies by understanding your audience first. It's all about connecting with what they care about before thinking about how you'll reach them.
  2. Campaigns should have a clear goal in mind and allow for flexibility to adapt to trends or audience responses. You need both a fixed plan and room to react to what's happening in culture.
  3. A strong brand relies on consistent storytelling and values. If a brand forgets why it exists or tries to be everything to everyone, it risks losing its identity and becoming just another product.

Part II: The failed rebrand of Kamala Harris

Silver Bulletin • 499 implied HN points • 06 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Campaigns Election Strategy Branding Public Perception Media influence
  1. Political campaigns today are a lot like branding campaigns. Successful candidates have strong, memorable brands that stick with voters.
  2. Kamala Harris struggled to define her brand compared to other political figures. Inconsistent branding and messaging led to confusion about what she truly represents.
  3. The quick rise and fall of trends like 'Brat Summer' show how fleeting political memes can be. While they can spark interest for a short time, they don't build lasting support.

Against Branding (and Sarah Fay)

Castalia • 4895 implied HN points • 01 Sep 23
🎭️ Culture Writing Branding Identity Expression Media
  1. Writing should be about exploration and self-discovery, not just about building a brand or following. Writers should feel free to express their thoughts without worrying about market trends.
  2. The idea of 'branding' can limit creativity and individual expression. People should resist pressure to conform to easy, recognizable formats in their writing.
  3. Substack was meant to be a platform for genuine writing, not just a marketplace for consumer-driven content. It's important to keep the spirit of originality and experimentation alive.

❄️ How Deer Valley turns $329 lift tickets into a love letter to skiers and the romance of the West ⛷️

the case for brand 💼 • 58 implied HN points • 31 Jan 25
💼 Business Marketing Branding Retail Strategy Hospitality
  1. Deer Valley Ski Resort focuses on providing a luxury experience by offering premium services and a limited number of tickets. This makes their skiing experience feel exclusive.
  2. Their marketing emphasizes storytelling and nostalgia, which helps them connect with their guests on a deeper level. They want visitors to feel like they're part of a special tradition.
  3. Deer Valley stays true to its unique identity by avoiding snowboards and promoting an image of an independent, family-owned resort, even though it's part of a larger corporation.

📈 How Tracksuit built a B2B brand valued at $142.9 million AUD to take the brand tracking world by by becoming champions of brand building with tracksuits, drinks and case studies 🧢

the case for brand 💼 • 72 implied HN points • 17 Jan 25
💼 Business Marketing Branding B2B Growth Strategy
  1. Tracksuit is changing the B2B game by making brand tracking easier and more affordable for businesses. They offer a fun and approachable way to connect brands with their customers.
  2. Their brand strategy focuses on building a supportive community for marketers, making them feel less alone in their roles. They do this through friendly events and a casual, relatable style.
  3. Tracksuit shows that B2B marketing can be exciting! By mixing in real-life events and a more relaxed atmosphere, they make brand tracking engaging and meaningful.

What Does It Mean For a Brand To Be Radical?

The Ruffian • 294 implied HN points • 23 Nov 24
💼 Business Branding Marketing Automotive Consumer behavior Luxury goods
  1. Jaguar is undergoing a major rebranding and switching to an all-electric vehicle lineup, but they won't have new cars to sell until 2026. This means they are promoting themselves as a brand without tangible products.
  2. The new branding has sparked a lot of negative reactions, suggesting that their attempt to modernize may be seen as losing their identity rather than revitalizing it.
  3. Jaguar is aiming to target wealthier consumers with fewer, more expensive vehicles, moving towards a luxury market rather than competing with mainstream car brands.

Problems at Signet Jewelers (SIG)

The Bear Cave • 559 implied HN points • 16 Jan 25
💼 Business Retail E-commerce Consumer Trends Market Analysis Branding
  1. Lab-grown diamonds are becoming very popular, especially among younger couples, because they are cheaper and ethically sourced. Many people prefer them over traditional mined diamonds.
  2. Signet Jewelers, a major diamond retailer, is facing challenges as the market shifts towards lab-grown diamonds. They are trying to promote mined diamonds through a new advertising campaign aimed at younger customers.
  3. The diamond industry has a lot of hidden information and marketing tricks that make it hard to understand the true value of diamonds. An expert is now sharing insights to help clear up the confusion.

Should you become a B2B Creator?

The Ask Newsletter — by Ellen Donnelly • 2 implied HN points • 25 Jun 25
💼 Business Marketing Content B2B Entrepreneurship Branding
  1. You don't need to create a lot of content to attract clients. Focus on quality and building trust instead.
  2. Big businesses in the B2B space are looking for creators with authority and a clear message, not just huge audiences.
  3. Creating content strategically can open up partnerships and opportunities for revenue while still serving your clients well.

Living Evil: Covid, Counter-Strike And An Unnecessary Rebranding

Richard Lewis • 1886 implied HN points • 28 Apr 23
🕹 Technology Gaming Management Branding
  1. Evil Geniuses faced challenges during the Covid-19 pandemic with management disregarding safety protocols and putting staff at risk.
  2. The Counter-Strike team's decline was highlighted by poor management decisions and player dissatisfaction.
  3. An unnecessary rebranding at Evil Geniuses led to public ridicule and internal disapproval, showcasing a disconnect between management and staff.

A good analogy can sell boring

Creative Samba • 19 implied HN points • 04 Oct 24
💼 Business Marketing Investing Finance Branding Advertising
  1. ETFs can be a smarter way to invest than buying individual stocks. They let you own a piece of many companies without the hassle of picking each one.
  2. ETFs are cheaper and accessible for everyday people, unlike traditional investing options that often favor big investors. This means anyone can get involved in the market.
  3. Using good analogies in marketing can make dull products exciting. For iShares, a clever ad strategy helped them reach a new audience when they were losing market share.

The Hemi Edition

Why is this interesting? • 422 implied HN points • 08 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Automotive Marketing Branding History Pop culture
  1. The Hemi engine has become a popular and recognized brand name, almost like its own celebrity in the car world. It's known for its strong performance and has fans calling for its return in various vehicles.
  2. Hemi's reputation stems from its long history and impressive performance, especially during the muscle car era of the 1960s. Its success in races helped cement its legendary status among car enthusiasts.
  3. Unlike many car brands, the Hemi name is well-known even outside of car culture, appearing in music and pop culture. This broader recognition is a rare achievement for an engine name.

Sometimes, marketing comes down to a personal decision

{grow} by Mark Schaefer • 19 implied HN points • 02 Oct 24
💼 Business Marketing Strategy Entrepreneurship Social media Branding
  1. Marketing works better when you follow your own unique path instead of just copying others. Making personal choices can help your strategy stand out.
  2. There’s too much focus on marketing 'best practices,' which can make everything look the same. Doing something different can become your competitive edge.
  3. Instead of worrying about what everyone else is doing, focus on being authentic and sharing your true story. People connect better with real emotions and experiences.

Foxtrot Market's comeback?

Snaxshot • 419 implied HN points • 10 May 24
🍲 Food & Drink CPG Branding Funding Collaboration Innovation
  1. Foxtrot Market faced a questionable auction process with potential bidders feeling left in the dark, leading to speculations of a rigged setup.
  2. Brands like Blueprint by Bryan Johnson are stepping into the market with products like supplements and olive oils, potentially shaking up established brands like Athletic Greens.
  3. Various CPG brands are undergoing rebranding and major changes to stay relevant and attract customers, reflecting a rebranding trend in the industry.

Big as the what? Big as the Super Bowl: Marketing, Storytelling &...

The Social Juice • 17 implied HN points • 30 Jan 25
💼 Business Marketing Advertising Branding Storytelling Media
  1. Good brand storytelling is not just about being creative; it's important to have a clear strategy. A story that resonates can build trust and engage your audience.
  2. You should always focus on solving a problem your audience has when telling your brand story. This helps make the story relevant and valuable to them.
  3. When a brand fails at storytelling, it loses customer loyalty and trust. But if a business fails in its brand storytelling, it risks shutting down completely.

What Is a Brand?

VERY GOOD PRODUCTIZED GUIDES • 119 implied HN points • 26 Jun 24
💼 Business Branding Marketing Design Consumer behavior Entrepreneurship
  1. A brand is more than just a logo or a website; it's how a company is perceived by customers. It includes everything about the company, inside and out.
  2. Building a brand involves creating trust and relationships with people. It's about how customers feel when they interact with your business.
  3. Your brand is shaped by how others see you over time. It's important to stand out and leave a memorable impression, as that perception affects your success.

David Tran and Sriracha's $1B+ Journey

SatPost by Trung Phan • 95 implied HN points • 22 Nov 24
💼 Business Entrepreneurship Branding Marketing Food Industry Consumer Products
  1. David Tran, a Vietnamese refugee, transformed a simple chili sauce recipe into a $1B brand called Sriracha. He started with just some hidden gold bars after fleeing Vietnam.
  2. Sriracha became popular without traditional marketing, relying on word of mouth and maintaining a simple production process. The brand does not spend much on ads and has no sales team.
  3. Despite facing challenges in supply and competition, Tran remains focused on his original recipe and is not concerned about trademarking 'Sriracha.' He believes in keeping the sauce spicy and authentic.

Meta's surrender, Walmart brand refresh and Heineken's brand genius

The Social Juice • 26 implied HN points • 14 Jan 25
💼 Business Marketing Branding Advertising Social media Trends
  1. Meta's recent changes haven’t affected most businesses because their content moderation was already lacking. Many users are concerned about hate speech and adult content getting out of control as Meta steps back.
  2. Walmart is refreshing its brand with small changes to appear more friendly, but it's more about their recent collaborations and less about a big transformation. This reflects the trend of brands wanting to look welcoming without really changing much.
  3. Heineken is working hard to connect with Gen-Z by addressing loneliness and promoting a positive drinking culture. Their creative campaigns are helping them stay relevant, even as younger audiences trend towards less alcohol consumption.

#1 Question You Need to Crush Your Niche

VERY GOOD PRODUCTIZED GUIDES • 99 implied HN points • 25 Jun 24
💼 Business Marketing Entrepreneurship Strategy Sales Branding
  1. Success takes time and effort; it doesn't happen overnight. Jim Carrey's journey shows that hard work is key to reaching your goals.
  2. Understanding your audience is crucial. Asking 'What do they want?' can help you create something they truly value.
  3. Don't just settle for the surface; dig deeper to find unique insights. This can set you apart in a crowded market.

The Africa Smartphone Market Edition

Why is this interesting? • 361 implied HN points • 16 Oct 24
🕹 Technology Smartphones Branding Emerging Markets Advertising Market Trends
  1. Emerging markets have unique brand competition, different from the flashy campaigns seen in the U.S. It's often more about creativity and connecting directly with local consumers.
  2. Companies like Tecno are gaining popularity in Africa because they cater to local preferences, like multiple SIM slots, which appeal to users who need more connectivity options.
  3. Advertising in these markets tends to be more genuine and less polished, focusing on grassroots efforts rather than big budget promotions to grab attention.