The hottest Advertising Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Technology Topics

This Week in Marketing - Netflix Ads, Meta vs Unoriginal Content & AI Agents for Business & Companionship

The Social Juice • 24 implied HN points • 20 Jul 25
💼 Business Advertising
  1. YouTube and Meta are cracking down on spam and unoriginal content to improve user experience. This means creators need to focus on producing unique and valuable content.
  2. Netflix is planning to double its ad revenue and introduce interactive ads in the future. This shows their strong commitment to expanding their advertising strategies.
  3. AI companions and tools like ChatGPT are becoming more common in marketing and entertainment. They can help engage users in new, innovative ways.

AI slashes ads by boosting intention (+ weekly update)

12challenges • 171 implied HN points • 09 Mar 24
🕹 Technology Advertising
  1. Our intentions can get diluted through different stages like Action and Input before resulting in something happening on a computer.
  2. The use of AI can boost intention by translating inputs into more aligned results and increasing confidence in actions.
  3. AI can help shrink the 'Crapgret Zone' where ads reside by improving intention alignment and reducing unintentional consumption of ads.

The copywriter must be four people.

Creative Samba • 119 implied HN points • 28 Feb 23
💼 Business Advertising
  1. A good copywriter should embody multiple personas.
  2. Snackable copywriting tips include hitting confirmation bias, expanding claims in first paragraph, and making distinctive claims.
  3. Avoid using superlatives and instead make distinctive claims supported by evidence.

Start with why, end with wire fraud

Thoughts on Writing • 219 implied HN points • 24 Jan 22
💼 Business Advertising
  1. Dismantling the meme of Purpose is important for a happier society, but many see it as the solution rather than the problem.
  2. The story of Elizabeth Holmes and Theranos illustrates the dangers of noble cause corruption and deception under the guise of a grand purpose.
  3. Questioning the 'Why' in business narratives is crucial to prevent being swept along by sentiment and to promote accountability in actions.

This musical instrument retailer does not exist

Conspirador Norteño • 24 implied HN points • 04 Jul 25
🕹 Technology Advertising
  1. Many Facebook ads for musical instruments are actually scams. They look real, but they link to fake websites.
  2. These fake sites offer huge discounts and use names that sound familiar, but they just steal images and listings from real retailers.
  3. Some of the Facebook pages running these ads change their names often, and they use AI-generated faces that look weird if you pay attention.
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Diary Entry #2: Discovery Numbers (And a Quick Favor)

Shades of Greaves • 39 implied HN points • 22 Oct 23
💼 Business Advertising
  1. The author's book has launched on Reedsy Discovery, a platform connecting authors with readers. Getting support through upvotes, comments, and reviews can help increase visibility for the book.
  2. Paid press opportunities like Reedsy Discovery can cost money but may lead to more book sales and broader exposure. For instance, with a $50 cost, selling 10 books could break even and expand the book's reach.
  3. Free press through interviews, newsletter features, and social media shoutouts has been crucial in promoting the author's book, demonstrating the value of media coverage in reaching potential readers.

The thought doesn't count

Internal exile • 69 implied HN points • 08 Nov 24
🎭️ Culture Advertising
  1. Modern technology, like smartphones, can make us act selfishly. Ads show how we can fake caring for others by using our devices instead of putting in real effort.
  2. The idea that 'the thought doesn't count' highlights how people can use technology to avoid genuine connections. It's easier to show a fake interest than to actually engage with those around us.
  3. This trend reflects a bigger issue in society where we prioritize individual convenience over community well-being. The focus is shifting towards personal satisfaction rather than caring for others.

Rise of the Artificial Influencer (Part 2)

John Mayo-Smith's Substack • 39 implied HN points • 01 Jun 23
🕹 Technology Advertising
  1. AI's purchasing influence is increasing, making brands consider AI opinions along with human opinions.
  2. Paid media may not be as effective in influencing AI like ChatGPT-4, focusing on earned media and site accessibility is crucial.
  3. Understanding which sites ChatGPT deems authoritative and optimizing for Bing SEO can impact ChatGPT-4 Browser Model results.

These politically enthusiastic supplement fans do not exist

Conspirador Norteño • 44 implied HN points • 22 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Advertising
  1. Some social media accounts are fake and use AI-generated faces to push products, like weight loss supplements. They create the impression of being real people to promote their ads.
  2. These accounts often mimic authentic political personas, but they show signs of being inauthentic, like having repeated text or the same profile images. This raises questions about the trustworthiness of the content shared.
  3. A website linked to these ads uses fake reviews from AI-generated profiles, making it seem like people are satisfied customers when they're not real. This highlights the need to be careful about schemes like these online.

Feed experiences

Internal exile • 67 implied HN points • 02 Nov 24
🎶 Music Advertising
  1. Many artists, like Catbreath, use clever tricks to get listens on streaming platforms. This shows how the music industry can sometimes reward unconventional strategies over traditional talent.
  2. Streaming services like Spotify may prioritize ads over genuine music experiences. This can lead listeners to rely on algorithms to pick their music, which might reduce their enjoyment and personal connection to songs.
  3. The rise of AI in content creation can lead to a lack of authentic experiences. Instead of meaningful interactions, people might just consume whatever the algorithms suggest, which can make everyone feel more isolated.

Blowing smoke: how tobacco companies flattered the medical profession

The Quack Doctor • 19 implied HN points • 26 Jan 24
🏥 Health Politics Advertising
  1. Tobacco companies targeted the medical profession to promote smoking, using endorsements from doctors to sway public opinion.
  2. The tobacco industry used tactics like associating cigarettes with respected figures like physicians to boost sales, despite later evidence linking smoking to serious health issues like lung cancer.
  3. The rise of e-cigarettes created a new revenue stream for the tobacco industry, which continues to target emerging markets and adapt advertising strategies to fit current events like the Covid-19 pandemic.

The reality distortion field

Thoughts on Writing • 239 implied HN points • 19 Aug 21
💼 Business Advertising
  1. Reactions to discussions about brand purpose can vary, with some finding it hard to openly express skepticism in certain professional settings.
  2. The concept of purpose in business is complex and often seen as a grey area, leading to varied opinions about the role of advertising and selling.
  3. Criticism of the emphasis on brand purpose and potential distortion of ethics in business highlights the need for a deeper reflection on the motivations behind corporate actions.

Advice for Nike and the NFL

House of Strauss • 41 implied HN points • 11 Feb 25
💼 Business Advertising
  1. Nike's focus on women's sports in ads is driven by the potential to tap into a huge female consumer market. They want to reach more buyers and expand their brand.
  2. Current ads from Nike and the NFL may not resonate well with audiences as they seem outdated. The messaging could benefit from being more simple and relatable.
  3. A family-centric approach, like emotional storytelling, could be a more effective way for these brands to connect with viewers in their ads.

Meet SubMarket, my new tool for making money from your newsletter

Startup Strategies • 42 implied HN points • 20 Jan 25
💼 Business Advertising
  1. SubMarket is a new tool designed to help newsletter owners earn money. It connects newsletter writers with advertisers who want to reach their audience.
  2. The service allows users to create classified ads, making it easier for them to find relevant partnerships. This could be a big boost for those who rely on their newsletters for income.
  3. John Biggs invites anyone interested in being on his show to reach out via email. He seems open to chatting with anyone, which is a nice way to engage with the community.

Ultimate Guide: How to get started with Google Ads for early-stage B2B SaaS startups

Startup Business Tips 🚀 • 56 implied HN points • 03 Nov 24
💼 Business Advertising
  1. Start using Google Ads only after you have some initial traction and a clear understanding of your target audience. It's important to ensure your audience is actually searching for a solution like yours.
  2. Setting up proper tracking and conversion events is crucial. This helps you understand what's working and allows you to optimize your campaigns effectively.
  3. Focus on high-intent keywords and use structured campaigns for better performance. Target competitor keywords, product categories, and specific use cases to attract the right customers.

Not another marketing trends report: I accidentally wrote this

The Social Juice • 41 implied HN points • 17 Jan 25
💼 Business Advertising
  1. Brands are focusing more on real-life experiences instead of CGI and visual effects. Real events can engage customers just as strongly as elaborate digital fantasies.
  2. The lines between online and in-person experiences are blurring for Gen-Z. They still value real-world events but are motivated by how they can boost their online presence.
  3. AI in marketing is shifting from low-quality content to more creative, thoughtful pieces. It's about using technology to enhance storytelling and engage audiences better.

What happened in marketing: TikTok ban, OpenAI expensive and Trends everywhere

The Social Juice • 44 implied HN points • 08 Dec 24
💼 Business Advertising
  1. The US appeals court has upheld the TikTok ban, making it more likely that the app will have to be sold or face further restrictions in the country.
  2. OpenAI has launched a new, pricey subscription service called ChatGPT Pro, costing $200 a month, which offers advanced features for its users.
  3. Social media platforms like Pinterest and Google are sharing their trend predictions for 2025, indicating major shifts in how users will engage with content online.

What happened in marketing: RIP TikTok, Instagram's weird redesign and next social media app

The Social Juice • 36 implied HN points • 19 Jan 25
💼 Business Advertising
  1. TikTok is facing a potential ban in the US, but the app is still trying to keep its users engaged. Creators are moving their audiences to other platforms like Instagram and YouTube.
  2. Instagram's redesign has not been well received. Many users are complaining about the new changes, particularly how it displays liked Reels.
  3. Google is facing antitrust issues and struggles with maintaining its search market share. Their new policies and updates are causing confusion among advertisers.

Black Guck on a Duck

Brands Mean a Lot • 145 implied HN points • 15 Aug 23
🎭️ Culture Advertising
  1. An analysis of a Dawn commercial raises questions about how we perceive man-made disasters
  2. The ad implies that we are desensitized to environmental disasters
  3. Consumer products are starting to leverage disasters to prove their effectiveness

What happened in marketing: Google's gift to marketers, OpenAI's response to Deepseek and Meta's weird future

The Social Juice • 31 implied HN points • 02 Feb 25
💼 Business Advertising
  1. Google launched a new tool to help marketers measure their advertising effectiveness across different platforms. This tool should make it easier to understand what works best for their campaigns.
  2. OpenAI introduced a smaller version of their AI model, making it available for free. This aims to provide more people access to AI tools for their projects.
  3. There are concerns about privacy and safety in social media, especially with bills being proposed to limit access for kids under 13. This shows a growing tension between tech companies and government regulations.

Super Bowl vs Valentine vs Duolingo's death — The best of brands and marketers

The Social Juice • 26 implied HN points • 15 Feb 25
💼 Business Advertising
  1. Marketing can feel really fast and crazy, especially with big events like Valentine's Day and the Super Bowl happening at the same time. It’s like a mix of excitement and chaos.
  2. Testing different email times for newsletters can help find the best way to reach more readers. It’s all about experimenting to see what works better.
  3. Investing attention in good content is important, just like spending money wisely. When you pay attention to quality, it pays off in the long run.

Online attribution is dying. Clicks are dying. What should you do about it?

Nail It and Scale It • 1 HN point • 05 Aug 24
💼 Business Advertising
  1. Online attribution isn't dead, but it's getting trickier. You might still be able to track how your ads are performing, especially if you're spending less than $10k a month.
  2. It's important to set up proper tracking for your marketing efforts. Tools like call tracking and unique landing pages can help you see where your customers are coming from.
  3. When attribution is tough, consider using estimates or lift analysis. These methods can help you guess how different marketing efforts contribute to sales, even if it's not perfect.

What happened in marketing: Amazon dethrones Walmart, NikeSKIMS & Big Tech vs EU

The Social Juice • 24 implied HN points • 24 Feb 25
💼 Business Advertising
  1. Amazon has now surpassed Walmart in quarterly revenue, making it a leader in sales with $187.8 billion. This is the first time Amazon has taken the top spot over Walmart.
  2. Nike has joined forces with SKIMS to launch a new brand aimed at women, which shows their effort to attract new customers and expand their market.
  3. Big Tech companies are facing challenges in Europe, as governments push for stricter regulations, impacting how these companies operate in the region.

The First Amendment Protects Ideologically Based Ad Boycotts

QTR’s Fringe Finance • 11 implied HN points • 12 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Advertising
  1. The First Amendment protects the right to boycott companies based on political beliefs. This means people can choose where to spend their advertising money without fear of legal repercussions.
  2. There are concerns that government actions are trying to limit this freedom of speech. Some believe that investigations into advertisers and their decisions could violate their rights.
  3. Court cases have historically upheld the right to boycott for ideological reasons. It's likely that the Supreme Court will continue to protect this right, even amid pressures from government officials.

What happened in marketing: TikTok's last chance, ChatGPT hotline and LinkedIn's campaign manager makeover

The Social Juice • 31 implied HN points • 22 Dec 24
💼 Business Advertising
  1. TikTok is facing potential bans as the US Supreme Court considers a case about it. Companies are trying to find ways to keep users engaged despite the uncertainty.
  2. ChatGPT has launched a hotline, allowing people to interact with AI in new ways, which could change customer service and support.
  3. Platforms like LinkedIn and Instagram are updating their features to help marketers better reach their audiences, including new ad tools and insights.

The Map of Web3 Distribution. 5 ways you can reach wallet owners and what to lookout for in each of them

Oleksii Sidorov • 144 implied HN points • 14 Mar 23
🕹 Technology Advertising
  1. Utilize public channels like airdrops to reach wallet owners, but be wary of spam and lack of user impressions.
  2. Consider creating your own traffic platform to manage ad placements and limit spam, but be aware of the challenges in building a large user base.
  3. Explore placing ads in the Metaverse, dApps, or targeting Web3 users in Web2 platforms for potential higher volume and audience reach.

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 Advertising
  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.

Inside Amazon's $100 Million Plan To Turn NFL Fans Into Black Friday Shoppers

Huddle Up • 32 implied HN points • 27 Nov 24
💼 Business Advertising
  1. Amazon is creating an advertising program for NFL games, letting fans shop deals without leaving the game broadcast. It aims to connect NFL viewers directly to their shopping experience.
  2. They are investing $100 million to encourage NFL fans to be Black Friday shoppers, targeting a large audience during games.
  3. This initiative shows how Amazon combines entertainment with shopping, making it easier for viewers to buy products while they enjoy the game.

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

The Social Juice • 26 implied HN points • 14 Jan 25
💼 Business Advertising
  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.