The hottest Content Strategy Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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Top Business Topics

A Feral Guide to Marketing

Knowingless • 2552 implied HN points • 19 Mar 26
💼 Business Content Strategy
  1. Pay attention to where your gaze and tiny desires actually land, even on things you dislike; those subtle attention signals show what will grab other people.
  2. Marketing is mostly selling a story and a self-image, not just a product; make narratives that give people meaning and make the marketing itself enjoyable.
  3. Be brave and experimental: publish lots of things, get feedback, notice what sticks, and lean into those hits instead of trying to perfectly predict viral success.

The Bots Are Reading Along

Artificial Ignorance • 96 implied HN points • 23 Mar 26
🕹 Technology Content Strategy
  1. AI agents are already the main consumers for many types of web content, intermediating search, research, and referrals. Creators should expect their work to be read, cited, and used by bots as much as by humans.
  2. Making writing authoritative, specific, well-structured, and findable increases the chance AI systems will surface and cite it — GEO is mostly just good writing plus SEO. Niche, original expertise punches above its weight because models need scarce, high-quality sources.
  3. Why you write still matters: writing to think and satisfy your own curiosity creates value even if bots become the primary audience. But if your livelihood depends on human attention, you'll likely need to reinvent how you create and monetize work.

Help me figure out what to do with Read Max

Read Max • 737 implied HN points • 26 Feb 26
🎭️ Culture Content Strategy
  1. A short reader survey is being circulated and readers are asked to fill it out to help shape the newsletter.
  2. The newsletter began in 2021 and has grown into a full-time project, so it's entering a long-term phase.
  3. The goal is to use reader feedback to figure out what's working, what isn't, and what new features or changes to add.

The playbook behind one of the fastest-growing social-first newsrooms

Simon Owens's Media Newsletter • 49 implied HN points • 05 Mar 26
📰 News Content Strategy
  1. They design journalism to live natively on social platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube Shorts instead of trying to pull young audiences back to a website.
  2. Reporters work as "triple-threat" video journalists who shoot, edit, and publish their own short-form stories using formats like vertical video, swipeable carousels, and short documentaries tailored to each platform.
  3. They combine platform-native storytelling with mainstream journalistic standards, which keeps the newsroom social-first while enabling growth into multiple brands, a creative agency, and an experimental creator platform.

Pivot to Video!

Brad DeLong's Grasping Reality • 184 implied HN points • 15 Dec 25
🎭️ Culture Content Strategy
  1. Text is still where ideas are born and sharpened, but video is now the better way to spread those ideas and get discovered by a wider audience.
  2. To have influence you need a workflow that does both: keep writing long-form while turning ideas into audio and short-form video, including making podcasts into video where useful.
  3. Start experimenting with formats, lengths, platforms, and tools now — use TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube to reach people without abandoning careful, text-driven thinking.
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Will Search Engine Traffic Really Drop 25% by 2026, As Gartner Predicts?

Big Technology • 6004 implied HN points • 15 Mar 24
🕹 Technology Content Strategy
  1. Gartner predicts a 25% drop in traditional search engine traffic by 2026, with AI chatbots and virtual agents gaining more traction.
  2. The decline in search engine traffic could significantly impact major players like Google and potentially lead to a shift in web navigation towards chatbots and away from traditional search.
  3. The prediction of a decline in search traffic raises questions about the future of web content strategy and the role of individual web pages in the era of AI-driven answer engines.

Why I don’t believe in Google Zero

Simon Owens's Media Newsletter • 523 implied HN points • 01 Aug 25
💼 Business Content Strategy
  1. AI summaries might not hurt content creators in the long run. People still want in-depth articles and original thoughts, not just quick answers.
  2. Emma Tucker is doing a great job as the editor of the Wall Street Journal, focusing on longform storytelling, which shows that engaging content can help grow a media brand.
  3. HGTV is losing viewers to cheaper DIY content on platforms like YouTube. The Creator Economy is changing how media is made and consumed, making it tough for big networks to keep up.

Should publishers trust Google Discover?

Simon Owens's Media Newsletter • 424 implied HN points • 08 Aug 25
💼 Business Content Strategy
  1. Many news publishers are becoming too reliant on Google Discover for traffic, which can be unpredictable and not as valuable as it seems. This can lead to a cycle of chasing trends without producing meaningful content.
  2. Writing and selling books can be tough for authors because the financial rewards are often not worth the effort put in. Many writers find that they make much less from book sales compared to what they earn in their regular jobs.
  3. For publishers to succeed today, focusing on building a loyal audience and diversifying their income streams is crucial. This can include prioritizing paid subscriptions, newsletters, and community engagement.

What would a Substack ad product actually look like?

Simon Owens's Media Newsletter • 424 implied HN points • 17 Jul 25
💼 Business Content Strategy
  1. Substack is considering adding an advertising feature to help connect creators with brands. This could mean creators list their prices for ads, and Substack takes a cut.
  2. There's talk of tools that may automatically insert ads into newsletters. This could help creators, but they might lose some control over the ad content.
  3. More publishers are using mobile apps to keep subscribers engaged, showing that apps can help reduce subscription cancellations and drive user interaction.

The biggest creators are no longer in the merch business

Simon Owens's Media Newsletter • 648 implied HN points • 08 Jan 25
💼 Business Content Strategy
  1. Top creators are moving away from selling low-quality merch and focusing on high-quality products that can compete with retail brands. This shift is about attracting a broader market beyond just their fans.
  2. Apple News has a huge user base and is likely the biggest source of traffic for traditional news outlets after Google. It highlights the importance of being present on major platforms to drive audience engagement.
  3. The current sports streaming landscape is complicated, with fans needing multiple subscriptions to access all games. A more straightforward solution could improve viewer experience and access to content.

Why Substack is trying to lure in TikTok creators

Simon Owens's Media Newsletter • 474 implied HN points • 24 Jan 25
💼 Business Content Strategy
  1. Substack is aiming to attract TikTok creators by offering a $20 million fund to help them transition to the platform without losing money. This shows their desire to expand beyond just newsletters into multimedia content.
  2. Progressive media outlets might benefit from creating more non-political content to engage a broader audience. Mixing politics with entertainment could reach viewers who wouldn't typically seek out political content.
  3. The New Yorker has successfully transitioned to digital by becoming profitable and expanding its staff. This success story highlights how legacy media can adapt and thrive in the changing landscape.

Why is Spotify held to a different standard than Meta?

Simon Owens's Media Newsletter • 449 implied HN points • 29 Jan 25
💼 Business Content Strategy
  1. Spotify pays a lot to music rights holders, $10 billion in a single year, helping revive the music industry. Yet, artists still criticize Spotify more than they do other platforms like Meta, which pay much less to creators.
  2. There's a big shift from traditional media to independent outlets, as many journalists are launching their own platforms instead of staying with legacy media. This trend shows a growing frustration with mainstream media's control over narratives.
  3. When platforms share revenue with creators, like Fortnite does, it encourages more content and benefits everyone. But relying on AI for content can lead to low-quality output that doesn't hold much value.

There’s more room for niche “Morning Brew for X” newsletters

Simon Owens's Media Newsletter • 523 implied HN points • 20 Dec 24
💼 Business Content Strategy
  1. Niche newsletters are on the rise, like the 'Morning Brew for X' concept, targeting specific industries and interests. This means there are more opportunities for unique content in less-covered areas.
  2. Substack's features can help writers grow their audiences, despite some criticisms. Many have seen real engagement and subscriber growth through the platform's tools.
  3. There's a growing market for ghostwriters, as more CEOs and creators seek to produce content. This demand indicates a strong interest in professional storytelling and brand-building.

The paywall dilemma

Simon Owens's Media Newsletter • 399 implied HN points • 12 Feb 25
💼 Business Content Strategy
  1. Hiding articles behind a paywall can lower subscription rates. Many readers feel they've gotten enough info from just the headline and first few lines, so they don’t feel the need to pay.
  2. The creator economy is growing, with many people earning six-figure incomes from smaller audiences. This means that you don’t need a huge following to be successful anymore.
  3. Media companies, like BuzzFeed, are shifting to build their own social networks. This helps them keep audiences engaged on their own platforms and improves their chances of future success.

How publishers should respond to declining Google traffic

Simon Owens's Media Newsletter • 1097 implied HN points • 10 Jan 24
💼 Business Content Strategy
  1. Google traffic may not be as valuable as perceived, as it often results in low engagement and conversion rates.
  2. High-quality publishers can leverage brand recognition as a powerful tool to compete in search results dominated by AI-generated content.
  3. Building a strong personal brand in the Creator Economy can lead to burnout and lack of exit options, prompting some creators to launch companies separate from their personal brands.

When will the sports media bubble pop?

Simon Owens's Media Newsletter • 274 implied HN points • 21 Jan 25
🎾 Sports Content Strategy
  1. The sports media market is becoming really expensive for fans because cable bundles that used to help pay for sports are fading away. Many believe this bubble will burst, leading leagues to lower their prices and possibly stream games themselves.
  2. There's a growing niche in media, with some focused newsletters and channels doing well by targeting very specific interests. This shift shows that unique, dedicated content can attract a loyal audience.
  3. For media companies, it’s essential to focus on both new material and evergreen content. By promoting older content, businesses can keep viewers engaged and drive more traffic.

The valley of churn

Simon Owens's Media Newsletter • 873 implied HN points • 22 Jun 23
💼 Business Content Strategy
  1. In the media industry, success stories often overshadow struggles and failures
  2. Content creators face challenges like subscription churn and need to diversify revenue streams
  3. Connecting with other media operators and constantly evolving subscription strategies are crucial for business growth

What I Learned By Writing...Oh My God...a THOUSAND Posts

I Might Be Wrong • 8 implied HN points • 09 Jan 26
😂 Humor Content Strategy
  1. Consistent output usually comes from pressure and habit rather than waiting for inspiration. Deadlines and the fear of falling behind can motivate steady publishing.
  2. Monetizing content matters: paywalls and subscriptions are effective ways to turn writing into income. Giving everything away for free makes it harder to build a sustainable business.
  3. Writing is hard and the blank page is intimidating, and many creators feel that struggle. Recognizing that this is normal makes it easier to keep going.

An Invitation to a Webinar Presented by Ayodeji Awosika on 6 July 2023, at 7 PM EST

Content Strategy, Development, & Marketing Insights • 98 implied HN points • 04 Jul 23
🚌 Education Content Strategy
  1. Learn how to become a full-time writer from Ayodeji Awosika in a free webinar on July 6, 2023, at 7 PM EST.
  2. Discover Ayodeji's system to reach a writing income of $5k per month and build an audience on various platforms.
  3. The webinar will cover attracting readers, making money as a writer, and overcoming common mistakes in writing.

My Creator Journey: From "Beginner" (<1K) to "Growing" (>100K+)

carmona • 79 implied HN points • 20 Jun 23
💼 Business Content Strategy
  1. Consider the relative value proposition of each social platform when building your content strategy.
  2. For smaller creators, a cross-platform approach to content strategy can be more beneficial than posting the same content across all platforms.
  3. As you grow, focus on creating high-quality, engaging content that aligns with platform trends to maintain and increase audience growth.

UX Roundup: Field Observation of Sticky Notes | Performative Privacy | Response Time Delays | Jakob Fireside Session | Content Supremacy

Jakob Nielsen on UX • 23 implied HN points • 30 Jun 25
🕹 Technology Content Strategy
  1. Users struggle with bad designs when they need to write sticky notes to remember how to use a system. This shows that the design is confusing or hard to use.
  2. Many privacy features on websites only look good and don't actually protect users. They often annoy users while providing little real help, which can damage trust.
  3. Long loading times and delays frustrate users. It's important to make systems faster and to give clear updates during wait times to keep users engaged.

Blending AI and Human Creativity: Generative AI and Content Strategy

The Data Score • 39 implied HN points • 28 May 23
🕹 Technology Content Strategy
  1. A great content strategy in the alternative data ecosystem should focus on providing validation and memorability of the data story for the audience.
  2. When utilizing generative AI in content creation, it is essential to recognize the valuable use cases and limitations associated with this technology.
  3. Human-in-the-loop collaboration, where AI is fine-tuned and guided by human expertise, can lead to the creation of more impactful and meaningful content.

From PageRank to DeepRank: Attracting AI-Driven Traffic to Digital Properties

Jakob Nielsen on UX • 34 implied HN points • 28 Feb 25
🕹 Technology Content Strategy
  1. AI is becoming more important than traditional search engines for finding information. If your content is not part of AI training data, people may not discover you.
  2. Using email marketing and newsletters is essential for maintaining connections with loyal customers. This helps in creating a solid fan base even if they don't find you through search engines.
  3. To be noticed by AI, your content should be clear, straightforward, and directly answer common questions. This way, the AI can easily reference and cite your work.

the end of the internet is nigh?

Tiny Empires • 49 implied HN points • 23 Oct 24
🕹 Technology Content Strategy
  1. The internet is getting crowded with spammy content from bots and AI, making real conversations harder to find. It's important to focus on creating genuine and trusted online communities.
  2. Brands need to shift their strategies from chasing algorithms to building direct connections with their audience. This means prioritizing quality content and engaging personally with customers.
  3. Future success lies in balancing technology and human interaction. Startups should aim to create authentic spaces where people can connect, despite the overwhelming digital noise.

How to launch a show on Substack

Substack • 60 implied HN points • 07 May 24
🕹 Technology Content Strategy
  1. Start by claiming your subdomain and choosing a title for your Substack. This will help identify your space online.
  2. Think about your video content strategy. Decide what will be free and what will be paid to attract subscribers.
  3. When you're ready, promote your launch on social media and send news to friends. Encourage them to spread the word about your new Substack.

SEO & UX: Search Engine Optimization Best Practices

Jakob Nielsen on UX • 19 implied HN points • 05 Mar 25
🕹 Technology Content Strategy
  1. SEO is changing from a focus on tricks to prioritizing what users actually want. It’s about giving people good experiences rather than trying to fool search engines.
  2. Quality content is key for SEO now. Instead of pumping out lots of low-quality articles, businesses should create useful, in-depth content that truly answers user questions.
  3. Building trust and authority online is crucial. Websites need to show expertise and be credible, as Google favors content from trusted sources.

✅ Media pitching is harder than ever

Wadds Inc. newsletter • 39 implied HN points • 26 Jan 23
💼 Business Content Strategy
  1. Media pitching is really tough right now. Many organizations struggle to get attention because there are fewer media outlets and lots of competition.
  2. Journalists are super busy and get overwhelmed with pitches. Right now, less than 3% of media pitches even get a response, making it hard for PR professionals to connect.
  3. Instead of only pitching to traditional media, organizations should create their own content, like newsletters and podcasts. This way, they can build their own audiences and have better media relations.

Turnaround #1

Turnaround • 79 implied HN points • 22 Jul 19
💼 Business Content Strategy
  1. Thoughtful leaders and a supportive culture can successfully drive change in even giant corporations that have made big mistakes in the past.
  2. Empathy plays a crucial role in business success, as highlighted by Satya Nadella's focus on empathy in his book.
  3. Some books are meant to be read slowly and savored, with breaks to chew over the content and admire the writing.

Joshua Citarella: Memetic Tactics: The Slow Red Pill

Do Not Research • 19 implied HN points • 14 Jul 21
🕹 Technology Content Strategy
  1. The 'slow red-pill' strategy involves gradually exposing an audience to extremist content by mixing in radical posts with popular conservative content on social media.
  2. Online radicalization tactics are not limited to the American far-right but have been used globally, like in Myanmar by the military to spread propaganda.
  3. Fighting online radicalization requires addressing the societal roots of the problem rather than just relying on content moderation by big tech companies.