The hottest Consumer behavior Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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Top Business Topics

I wouldn't market to Gen-Z in 2025 without knowing these stats and insights

The Social Juice • 95 implied HN points • 10 Jan 25
💼 Business Marketing Consumer behavior Brand Strategy Digital Trends Social media
  1. Gen-Z is moving away from Google and is using TikTok more for searches. They want content that feels real and relatable, not just the same old marketing.
  2. Brands should avoid commenting on every viral post. Instead of trying to engage in comments sections, it's better to join existing conversations in places like Discord or Reddit.
  3. Gen-Z prefers authentic content over polished ads. They want brands to focus on real-life issues and community engagement rather than just selling something.

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.
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Investing Update: 3 Stocks For 2025

Spilled Coffee • 72 implied HN points • 11 Jan 25
💰 Finance Investing Market Trends Stock Analysis Consumer behavior
  1. The job market is doing well, with a low unemployment rate and strong job growth. This is helping boost the economy.
  2. Interest rates are rising, particularly for 10-year Treasuries, which can affect the stock market negatively. The S&P 500 has seen a drop recently due to these rate increases.
  3. Most stocks aren't doing too well right now, with only a small percentage in an uptrend. Small caps are struggling and have dropped over 10% recently.

Economics of Taylor Swift's $2B+ Eras Tour

SatPost by Trung Phan • 127 implied HN points • 13 Dec 24
💼 Business Economics Entertainment Touring Marketing Consumer behavior
  1. Taylor Swift's Eras Tour made over $2 billion, breaking records as the most profitable concert tour ever. Each show grossed about $14 million, and after expenses, Swift took home around $7.25 million per show.
  2. The tour had a huge economic impact on the cities it visited, with fans reportedly spending over $1,300 each in local economies. This resulted in an estimated total boost of $5 billion to $10 billion across the U.S. leg of the tour.
  3. Swift's careful planning for the tour focused on accessibility, artist empowerment, and fan engagement. She included new artists as openers and tailored each show to create unique experiences for fans, making the tour a massive cultural event.

Thoughts For Sale

Working Theorys • 195 implied HN points • 20 Nov 24
🎭️ Culture Intellectualism Media Content creation Consumer behavior
  1. Substack is trying to become a platform for not just writers but all kinds of creators. They want to grow beyond just newsletters and include videos and podcasts, making it a one-stop shop for creative content.
  2. The platform is seen as a way to support and connect with writers while also offering subscribers a chance to show their intellectual tastes. It’s becoming a symbol of belonging to a specific community or culture.
  3. As Substack grows, it faces a challenge of maintaining quality while expanding its audience. There's a risk that it might lose its special intellectual vibe as it tries to attract more users and different types of content.

The Perverse Incentives Depreciating Your House

QTR’s Fringe Finance • 22 implied HN points • 29 Jan 25
💰 Finance Housing Market Real Estate Economic Policy Consumer behavior Investment Strategies
  1. Home prices are rising fast, making it hard for many people to think they'll ever own one. It's more of a struggle for the average person to afford a home nowadays.
  2. Builders often focus on making homes quickly and cheaply instead of making them durable and long-lasting. This means new homes might not hold their value as well as older ones.
  3. Homebuyers are not paying as much attention to quality. They’re more interested in lower prices, which can lead to issues later as newer homes may need repairs sooner.

Not another marketing trends report: I accidentally wrote this

The Social Juice • 41 implied HN points • 17 Jan 25
💼 Business Marketing Trends Advertising Consumer behavior Digital Media
  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.

Malta Liquidity

Malt Liquidity • 12 implied HN points • 08 Feb 25
💰 Finance Investing Trading Market Analysis Consumer behavior Mental health
  1. Travel can often feel like work, and it's not always enjoyable. Sometimes it’s more about experiencing new places than actually immersing oneself in them.
  2. Taking breaks is essential for clear thinking. Finding time to think deeply without distractions can help improve creativity and problem-solving skills.
  3. Retirement is more about having the freedom to choose how you spend your time. It’s not just about money; it's about being content with how you live your life.

The Enemy is Us on Health Policy

In My Tribe • 440 implied HN points • 25 Dec 24
🏥 Health Politics Health care Policy Analysis Public Health Consumer behavior Health economics
  1. Many Americans see health care as a gift, not a product, which makes it hard to talk about costs. Doctors want to be paid, but they don't want to think of themselves as selling their services.
  2. There are certain cultural attitudes that shape the way our health care system works today. These attitudes include the reluctance to view health care as a commodity.
  3. People often ignore other ways resources can be used when it comes to health care. This can create issues in how we manage and think about health care policies.

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.

Revisiting 2024 Predictions

next big thing • 44 implied HN points • 18 Dec 24
💼 Business Venture Capital Startups Tech Trends Market Analysis Consumer behavior
  1. Venture capital is expected to pick up in 2024 as many companies seek funding to survive and grow. More startups could get funded, especially those in AI, but some may struggle to raise money.
  2. AI technology saw incredible growth in 2024, with many new applications becoming popular. Despite some challenges, AI became a huge part of tech this year.
  3. There are hopeful signs for real-world uses of crypto, as new applications are being built. With better technology and user needs, crypto could see significant adoption this year.

#17: Niche cruise products: Why they work and how they might grow

Bureau of Adventure • 59 implied HN points • 27 Jul 24
💼 Business Cruise Industry Market Trends Consumer behavior Business strategy
  1. Niche cruise products, like river and coastal cruising, work well because they focus on smaller, unique destinations. This creates a more personalized experience for travelers, allowing them to explore different places without the crowds of larger ships.
  2. Established cruise lines mostly stick to big ships and mainstream markets because they see smaller niches as a distraction. However, this leaves openings for new companies to succeed in these specialized areas.
  3. The future looks bright for niche cruising, especially with a trend toward sustainability. Smaller ships can become more eco-friendly, which might appeal to communities that want to limit large cruise ships and reduce environmental impacts.

Algorithms and the Homogenization of Taste

The Analog Family • 379 implied HN points • 09 Feb 24
🎭️ Culture Social media Trends Consumer behavior Travel Personal Identity Art
  1. Social media algorithms influence our tastes by showing us similar things repeatedly, which can make our preferences less personal and more generic. Instead of discovering unique experiences, we often end up picking places that are popular online.
  2. The rise of these algorithms leads to a homogenization of culture, where everyone likes the same music, wears similar clothes, and follows the same trends. This makes our experiences and choices feel less special and diverse.
  3. To combat this, it's important to seek out personal experiences and make choices based on curiosity and spontaneity, rather than popularity. Trying new things and exploring without reliance on online reviews can lead to more memorable and meaningful moments.

Herding in Queues: Why we Can’t resist Long Lines for Bagels

Gad’s Newsletter • 32 implied HN points • 23 Dec 24
🍲 Food & Drink Consumer behavior Psychology Economics Marketing
  1. People often wait in long lines for things like bagels because they believe that if a lot of others are waiting, then the product must be really good. This is called social proof.
  2. Even though waiting can be frustrating, many customers think the experience is worth it. They might feel like they're part of something special when they join a long line.
  3. Humans tend to mimic what others want rather than deciding for themselves. This means our desires can be influenced by seeing others enjoy something, like delicious bagels, leading us to wait in line too.

People act. Markets clear. Everything else is commentary.

Economic Forces • 10 implied HN points • 23 Jan 25
💼 Business Economics Market Theory Consumer behavior Price theory
  1. Economic models have two main parts: how people behave and how those behaviors interact in the market. Understanding both helps clarify how markets operate.
  2. Equilibrium in economics doesn't mean everything is still. It's about finding a way to make individual choices work together, even in changing situations.
  3. Critiques of economics often focus on rationality, but understanding the constraints, like budgets, is more important in predicting market outcomes.

Winning isn't for Everyone

The Carousel • 54 implied HN points • 19 Nov 24
💼 Business Brand Strategy Consumer behavior Corporate culture
  1. Nike used to be the main brand for running shoes but is now losing its edge. Other brands are becoming popular because people want variety and innovation.
  2. Nike's marketing strategies are not connecting with today's runners and they're failing to engage with the running community. They used to focus on meaningful campaigns but now seem out of touch.
  3. The company's recent struggles show that they are in danger of becoming irrelevant. Instead of adapting to modern trends, they have been more focused on image rather than performance and community connections.

BYD approach toward Global South market

TP’s Substack • 22 implied HN points • 21 Dec 24
💼 Business Automotive Market Trends International Trade Consumer behavior Product Development
  1. Cars in Global South countries tend to be smaller and more fuel-efficient compared to those in the United States. This is important for companies like BYD to consider when entering these markets.
  2. BYD's current models may be too large for many consumers in the Global South, where smaller vehicles are preferred. They need to develop smaller cars and hybrids to better fit local preferences.
  3. The charging infrastructure in these regions is lagging behind, meaning that practical and affordable vehicles are crucial. BYD should focus on making adaptations for local markets to increase sales.

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

Huddle Up • 32 implied HN points • 27 Nov 24
💼 Business E-commerce Advertising Retail Consumer behavior
  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.

The Collection of Every Report Mentioned In The Social Juice Newsletter in 2024

The Social Juice • 31 implied HN points • 22 Nov 24
💼 Business Marketing Consumer behavior Advertising Sales Strategies Market research
  1. Studies show that consumers want brands to respond quickly to their questions. Fast responses can lead to repeat business.
  2. Marketing needs to focus on how consumers feel about their products. Emotional advertising can make people more willing to pay more.
  3. Research indicates that consumers prefer sorry offers over loyalty points or credits when brands make mistakes. An apology can go a long way!

What happened in marketing: FTC working overtime, LinkedIn becoming home of AI slop and Bluesky

The Social Juice • 26 implied HN points • 01 Dec 24
💼 Business Marketing Advertising Technology E-commerce Consumer behavior
  1. The FTC is actively investigating companies like Google and Microsoft for potential monopolistic practices in the ad tech industry. This could lead to changes in how these companies operate.
  2. LinkedIn is seeing an increase in AI-generated content, which some users find less authentic and engaging. It's becoming more common to encounter bot-generated posts.
  3. Bluesky is gaining popularity among journalists, as it's reportedly driving more referral traffic than Twitter. This shift might indicate a growing preference for alternative social media platforms.

Rethinking Returns: The Invisible Battleground of Modern Retail

Gad’s Newsletter • 29 implied HN points • 25 Nov 24
💼 Business Retail E-commerce Consumer behavior Sustainability Logistics
  1. Returns during the holiday season are rising, causing challenges for both shoppers and stores. Retailers are changing their return policies to manage costs and customer satisfaction better.
  2. Some companies are offering return-less refunds, where customers keep the items without returning them. This helps stores save money on shipping and processing, but it can create confusion about who benefits from these policies.
  3. Retailers are using new strategies to reduce returns, like providing customers with better information to help them make good choices. Companies need to balance easy returns while being mindful of costs and environmental impacts.

From Anti-Aging to Pro-Living

Creative Destruction • 26 implied HN points • 22 Nov 24
🎭️ Culture Health trends Social norms Lifestyle Choices Consumer behavior
  1. People are really focused on anti-aging and doing extreme things to avoid getting older. This can make them miss out on actually enjoying life.
  2. The trend is getting more commercialized, with lots of companies selling products that promise to reverse aging. It's becoming more about selling than about real health.
  3. Focusing too much on living longer can lead to forgetting how to truly live and enjoy the present moment.

Music NFTs: Passing Fad or Future of Music?

DeFi Education • 499 implied HN points • 09 Mar 23
🎶 Music Music Industry Consumer behavior Technology impact NFTs
  1. Music has changed a lot over the years, especially with technology. Today, artists can reach fans easily, but streaming often doesn't pay them well.
  2. True fans engage more than just listening. They buy merch and go to shows, which is why artists want to connect with them.
  3. Music NFTs can be a helpful tool for artists and their loyal fans. They don't need to change the whole music industry to be valuable.

Why I love marketing

Tech Ramblings • 19 implied HN points • 10 Jul 24
💼 Business Marketing Advertising Branding Consumer behavior Digital marketing
  1. Marketing is much more than just advertising; it's everything a company does to connect with its customers. This includes building websites, social media, and promotional campaigns.
  2. Great marketing focuses on a company's values and what they mean to customers, rather than just the products. Successful ads often connect with deeper themes like community and enjoyment.
  3. Instead of viewing marketing as a hindrance, see it as a chance to communicate and engage with people. Good marketing can create lasting impressions and loyalty.

#080 ✰ "LE NEW CONSUMER" manifesto

Objet • 98 implied HN points • 09 Feb 24
🎭️ Culture Manifesto Consumer behavior Values Relationships Meaning
  1. The manifesto introduces the concept of 'Le New Consumer' who is an optimist and believes in creating a better world through their purchasing power.
  2. The 'Le New Consumer' values empowerment, balance, intellectual honesty, relationships, questioning intentions, curation, embracing friction, creating meaning, and seeking like-minded individuals.
  3. The manifesto encourages individuals to join the movement and embrace the values of 'Le New Consumer' to make a positive impact on the world.

Margaritas at the Mall

Kneeling Bus • 215 implied HN points • 10 Feb 24
🎭️ Culture Exercise Internet culture Urban life Evolution Consumer behavior
  1. The concept of exercise is portrayed as peculiar and counterintuitive in modern society, with emphasis on the trend towards optimizing the self.
  2. The digital age has paradoxically renewed focus on physical appearance and maintenance, despite the technological liberation that was once presumed.
  3. There is a critique on contemporary gym culture, illustrating a disconnect between the adapted physical ideals and the practical lifestyle in today's society.

People Have More Money Than Ever

Spilled Coffee • 32 implied HN points • 16 Oct 24
💰 Finance Personal Finance Consumer behavior Asset management Economic Trends Investment Strategies
  1. Many people have more money now than ever because wages have been rising faster than inflation for over a year. This means that they can buy more with their earnings.
  2. Homeowners are seeing their property values increase, while those looking to buy are facing more expensive housing costs. This shows the trade-off between rising asset values and affordability.
  3. Overall, both asset prices and wages are at all-time highs, which has led to a significant increase in net worth for Americans across all income levels, especially the bottom 50%.

Season 05 - Newsletter 01 --> Look back at 2024 and forward to 2025

Product Hustle Stack Newsletter • 4 implied HN points • 06 Jan 25
💼 Business Product Management Consumer behavior Tech Trends Market Analysis Leadership
  1. In 2024, consumers showed mixed feelings about spending, where rich people kept buying more while those with less money struggled. Finding balance between cautiousness and resilience was key for many.
  2. AI became a big part of daily life, assisting people not just at work but also in personal matters. This made AI feel more like a helpful companion than just a tool.
  3. Product leaders in 2025 need to adapt to challenges and find ways to connect with both broad audiences and specific market needs. It's important to build products that resonate emotionally while using AI effectively.