The hottest Digital marketing Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Business Topics

SEO & UX: Search Engine Optimization Best Practices

Jakob Nielsen on UX • 19 implied HN points • 05 Mar 25
🕹 Technology SEO UX Web Development Digital marketing 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.

The Substack Email Settings Edition

Why is this interesting? • 8385 implied HN points • 24 Jan 25
🕹 Technology Social media Digital marketing App Development User Experience Subscription services
  1. Check your email settings in Substack if you're not receiving newsletters. Sometimes the settings can change without you realizing it.
  2. Substack's 'smart notifications' can lead to confusion and missed emails. It can send app notifications but not the actual emails from writers.
  3. If you experience issues with Substack emails, switching the notification settings to 'Only in email' can help you start receiving them again.

A note on Unreported Truths and AI-written stories

Unreported Truths • 40 implied HN points • 12 Jun 25
🕹 Technology AI Content creation Social media Digital marketing Email Marketing
  1. Some writers use AI to create many posts quickly, which can spam your inbox. This is seen as a bad shift in how content is created.
  2. Real engagement comes from genuine writing. The writer promises to share meaningful content without relying on AI or spammy tactics.
  3. The writer values the community built around their work and encourages everyone to support it by subscribing, ensuring quality over quantity.

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

Jakob Nielsen on UX • 34 implied HN points • 28 Feb 25
🕹 Technology AI SEO Digital marketing Content Strategy Web Development
  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.

OnlyFans Sticky Business Model

SatPost by Trung Phan • 127 implied HN points • 14 Feb 25
💼 Business E-commerce Digital marketing Entrepreneurship Financial Analysis Consumer behavior
  1. OnlyFans has grown rapidly, with many creators and subscribers, making billions in revenue. The platform allows creators to earn money through subscriptions and direct messaging.
  2. The business model of OnlyFans is unique. Creators can earn more by keeping subscription prices low and upselling personalized content through DMs, rather than relying mainly on subscription fees.
  3. The success of OnlyFans raises questions about the nature of online connections. While it provides income for many, it sometimes sacrifices genuine connection and quality of interaction.
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How TikTok's For You feed made audience monetization harder

Simon Owens's Media Newsletter • 324 implied HN points • 15 Jan 25
💼 Business Media industry Digital marketing Audience engagement Content creation Monetization Strategies
  1. TikTok's For You feed makes it easier for smaller creators to get noticed but harder to build a loyal audience. Creators are now focusing on platforms like podcasts and newsletters to connect better with fans.
  2. Beehiiv is trying to attract independent journalists by offering benefits like health insurance and financial support. This approach is similar to a past initiative from Substack that aimed to boost its platform's visibility.
  3. The Washington Post has seen a drop in traffic and revenue, largely due to changes in how social media platforms share political content. To grow again, they might need to explore new topics beyond just politics.

How Substack's follow feature betrays its original mission

Taylor Lorenz's Newsletter • 7643 implied HN points • 28 Oct 24
🕹 Technology Social media Content creation Digital marketing User Experience
  1. The follow feature on Substack helps creators gain visibility but makes them lose ownership of their audience. This is a shift from Substack's original purpose of allowing creators to connect directly with their subscribers.
  2. Writers are now juggling between growing their follower counts and keeping their newsletter subscriptions growing. This split can make them feel pressured to create even more content, complicating their strategies.
  3. Substack's follow feature could confuse users, as some may think they are subscribed when they're only following. Educating users on this difference could help creators maintain stronger connections with their audience.

My afternoon with The Rizzler

Taylor Lorenz's Newsletter • 2955 implied HN points • 18 Oct 24
🕹 Technology Social media Cryptocurrency Digital marketing Content creation Product Development
  1. The Rizzler is a popular third grader who went viral on social media and maintains a normal life despite his fame. His dad supports him but has no plans to push a long-term online career for him.
  2. Using tech like 'dumb phones' won't solve problems with technology use; people need to learn how to manage their time and choices better instead. It’s more about personal control rather than blaming gadgets.
  3. Sam Altman is trying to make an eye-scanning orb a reality for verifying identities with AI, although it's facing challenges like getting people to use it. They're now offering delivery for these orbs, similar to food delivery.

TikTok’s Hidden Playbook: Why Short Video Is Eating the World (Again)

Divinations • 18 implied HN points • 19 Feb 25
🕹 Technology Social media Content creation Digital marketing User engagement
  1. TikTok is more than just a social app; it's changing how we interact with content and brands. It's not just about watching videos; it's about building connections and trust with creators.
  2. Short-form video content is reshaping how we seek information and shop online. Many younger people now prefer TikTok for product searches over traditional sites like Google.
  3. TikTok encourages creativity and collaboration among users. Its features let people remix each other's content, making it a fun community where everyone can participate and contribute.

Selling followers where the skies are blue

Conspirador Norteño • 56 implied HN points • 24 Jan 25
🕹 Technology Social media Digital marketing Online Security Internet Trends Fake Accounts
  1. There are fake follower selling services popping up on social media platforms like Bluesky. These services exploit the platform's growth by creating fake accounts to sell followers, likes, and shares.
  2. A large number of fake accounts have been created quickly and they often share similar biographies, usually in Portuguese. This suggests they are not real users, but rather automated bots.
  3. Buying followers is not a good idea. Most accounts gained through these services have little to no genuine followers and their involvement can harm your social media presence.

The Top 5 Most Exciting New Features on Substack (and How to Maximize Their Benefits)

Kristina God's Online Writing Club • 999 implied HN points • 30 Mar 24
🕹 Technology Social media Online Writing Content creation Digital marketing Platforms
  1. Substack has introduced exciting new features, including an updated recommendations engine and advanced layouts, that writers can use to enhance their content.
  2. It's important for writers to stay informed about these changes to avoid feeling overwhelmed and burnt out during their writing journey.
  3. Joining a community or school, like Substack School, can provide support and resources to help writers grow and succeed with their newsletters.

Getting started with live video

Substack • 446 implied HN points • 11 Oct 24
🕹 Technology Social media Streaming Content creation Audience engagement Digital marketing
  1. Live video is a great way to connect with subscribers in real time. You can share special moments or hold conversations to reach more people.
  2. Promote your live sessions ahead of time to build excitement, and after the session, share highlights on social media to engage a wider audience.
  3. Consistency is key. The more often you go live, the better chance you have to grow your audience and strengthen your relationship with subscribers.

How to Get Your Writing Featured on Google and Your Own Google Knowledge Panel

Kristina God's Online Writing Club • 1079 implied HN points • 20 Feb 24
🕹 Technology Search Engine Digital marketing Content creation Personal Branding Social media
  1. Getting a Google Knowledge Panel can help you be recognized as a writer. It acts like an online business card that gives information about you and your work.
  2. Creating a Knowledge Panel is not too hard, but keeping it updated takes effort. You need to actively educate Google about you and your work.
  3. Using different types of content like videos and images can make you more visible. Google looks for people who write and engage in various media.

The age of the sovereign creator

Substack • 1289 implied HN points • 23 May 24
💼 Business Media Economics Entrepreneurship Technology Digital marketing
  1. The rise of independent creators is changing how we think about online content. Unlike before, creators can now build direct relationships with their audiences and earn money without relying on advertising.
  2. Aggregation theory explains how big platforms control the flow of information and can limit creators. However, new models like Substack empower creators by giving them ownership of their content and audience.
  3. The future will likely see more creators moving away from traditional platforms. They'll use these big platforms for exposure while focusing on their own channels, where they can maintain control and earn more.

How Sort Made It to the Front Page of Product Hunt

Database Engineering by Sort • 15 implied HN points • 27 Jan 25
🕹 Technology Product Launch Startup Data Management Community Engagement Digital marketing
  1. Preparation is key for a successful launch. It helps to choose the right day and have a strong online presence ready.
  2. Engaging with your community can make a big difference. Personal messages and social media can help gather support and votes.
  3. A clear value proposition shows how your product solves real problems. Highlighting what makes your product unique is important for attracting attention.

Has TikTok improved its revenue share for creators?

Simon Owens's Media Newsletter • 199 implied HN points • 01 Nov 24
💼 Business Media Social media Content creation Revenue Models Digital marketing
  1. TikTok has raised its revenue share for creators, allowing them to earn more money for their popular videos. This is a big improvement compared to past payment models where payouts were very low.
  2. Many creators and entrepreneurs are finding success by selling products related to their content, showing that building a brand can lead to financial opportunities beyond just ad revenue.
  3. Platforms like Google Discover are helping publishers counteract declines in traffic from traditional search, showing the changing landscape of content distribution and discovery.

Getting started with Notes

Substack • 546 implied HN points • 11 Jul 24
🕹 Technology Social media Content creation Online Publishing User engagement Digital marketing
  1. Using Notes on Substack helps you connect with new readers by sharing short posts, images, and videos. Posting frequently can really boost your subscriber count.
  2. Start with a welcome video to introduce yourself and what you offer. This gives potential subscribers a clear idea of what to expect.
  3. Engage with other creators in the Substack community. Sharing your ideas and discoveries can build connections and grow your audience.

One year of Substack Notes—now with video and external embeds

Substack • 702 implied HN points • 16 Apr 24
🕹 Technology Social media Publishing Content creation Digital marketing Online Communities
  1. Substack Notes has grown significantly over the past year, attracting many new subscriptions for writers. This shows how important online conversations are for discovering and sharing content.
  2. Writers can now share their notes outside of Substack by embedding them on other websites. This helps their work reach a bigger audience and gain more recognition.
  3. Substack is focused on empowering creators by giving them control over their content and revenue. Unlike traditional social media, most money earned goes directly to the writers.

A production assistant for every show

Substack • 454 implied HN points • 18 Jun 24
🕹 Technology Product Development Content creation Digital marketing AI Tools
  1. Substack now has a video clipper tool that helps you create short, shareable video clips from your content. This can help attract more viewers and subscribers on platforms like TikTok and YouTube.
  2. Automatic transcription and captioning features make it easier for creators to share their work and improve accessibility. This saves time and allows writers to focus more on their content.
  3. A new support chatbot is available for quick answers and assistance. It can also connect you with a human support agent if needed, making it easier to get help on Substack.

Passing the Hat

The Commonplace • 809 implied HN points • 24 Jan 24
💼 Business Monetization Content creation Subscription Model Digital marketing
  1. The author aims to have a different approach to monetization by avoiding aggressive sales tactics and simply reminding readers about paid subscription options once a year.
  2. The author values creating a space free from excessive ads and calls to action, focusing more on providing quality content for readers.
  3. The author emphasizes that while money is appreciated, what truly matters to them is the readers enjoying and benefiting from their writing.

Ready to Rock 2024? Share Your Questions about the Future of Substack!

Kristina God's Online Writing Club • 379 implied HN points • 09 Jan 24
🕹 Technology Social media Content creation Online Platforms User engagement Digital marketing
  1. You can ask questions about the future of Substack in an interview with Christina Loff. This is a great chance to find out more about what's coming for the platform.
  2. Sharing your thoughts helps improve the Substack community. By asking questions, you can help shape the discussion about new features and growth strategies.
  3. Substack is focusing on community engagement this year. Getting involved can help you make the most out of the platform, whether you're a writer or a reader.

Programmatic SEO 🚀

André Casal's Substack • 19 implied HN points • 17 Aug 24
🕹 Technology SEO Web Development Digital marketing Entrepreneurship User Experience
  1. Creating a list of websites for project submissions can help connect with audiences effectively. It’s important to curate and share valuable resources.
  2. Applying SEO tags is crucial for improving website visibility. It helps attract more visitors once the meta tags are optimized.
  3. Feedback is valuable for improvement. Acting on suggestions can lead to better website design and user experience.

Creators go live with video on Notes

Substack • 338 implied HN points • 24 Apr 24
🕹 Technology Social media Content creation Online community Digital marketing
  1. Substack now allows users to share native videos in Notes, adding more creativity to the platform. This means creators can connect with their audience in fun and engaging ways.
  2. Many different types of creators are using this video feature, from musicians to illustrators. They've shared everything from poetry readings to nature sounds, making Substack feel alive.
  3. Adding a video to a note is easy and limits each upload to five minutes. This encourages creators to be brief and concise with their content.

Even Diabetes Research Foundations Are Trying to Connect With Kids Through Roblox

Crossplay • 235 implied HN points • 30 Jan 24
🕹 Technology Gaming Online Communities Digital marketing Health tech
  1. JDRF used Roblox to create spaces for kids with type 1 diabetes to connect and learn about the condition.
  2. When trying to engage with a younger audience on platforms like Roblox, it's important to understand the platform and its audience well.
  3. Charity Walk Simulator in Roblox by JDRF incentivized players to walk and learn about diabetes, showing success with over 2,500 virtual bears given away in 24 hours.

How This Travel Blogger Hit 180,000 Medium Followers & Is Catching Up on Ryan Holiday!

Kristina God's Online Writing Club • 339 implied HN points • 21 Nov 23
🏝 Travel Social media Content creation Audience Growth Digital marketing
  1. A travel blogger named Anne Bonfert grew her Medium following to 180,000 in just three years. This shows that with dedication, it is possible to build a large audience online.
  2. Anne shares important tips on how Medium works, including its recommendation engine. Understanding these tools can help others get their stories noticed more easily.
  3. Connecting with your audience and writing from the heart is essential. Anne's success proves that authenticity and passion can really resonate with readers.

Be the Star! Get a Special Shoutout as Reward for Sharing Kristina God’s Newsletter

Kristina God's Online Writing Club • 379 implied HN points • 21 Sep 23
🕹 Technology Social media Online Writing Content creation Digital marketing Community Building
  1. Sharing a newsletter can help build a community and increase engagement. Engaging with readers makes them feel appreciated and involved.
  2. Newsletters should provide clear value to subscribers by fulfilling their needs or interests. This can include answering questions or offering insights.
  3. There are incentives for referring new subscribers, like shoutouts on social media. These rewards encourage people to help grow the newsletter.

Spam in the firehose, part II

Conspirador Norteño • 20 implied HN points • 21 Dec 24
🕹 Technology Social media Internet Security Online behavior Digital marketing Spam Detection
  1. A large network of spam accounts has been created on the platform Bluesky, with over 15,000 accounts active. These accounts often have similar or identical profile photos and biographies.
  2. The most common biographies used by these spam accounts are repetitive and lack originality. Many accounts use phrases like 'passionate about exploring innovative ideas' interchangeably.
  3. These spam accounts mostly repost content from varied accounts but don’t create original posts themselves. There is also a suspicious account promoting social media services that seems linked to this spam network.

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.

AI slashes ads by boosting intention (+ weekly update)

12challenges • 171 implied HN points • 09 Mar 24
🕹 Technology AI Advertising Data Innovation Digital marketing
  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.

Google deepens AI integration across operations

philsiarri • 22 implied HN points • 31 Oct 24
🕹 Technology Artificial Intelligence Cloud Computing Software Development Product Management Digital marketing
  1. Google is using a lot of AI in its work, with over a quarter of new code created by AI and checked by engineers. This shows how much they're relying on technology to improve their services.
  2. The company's earnings are strong, with significant revenue from both Google Services and Google Cloud. AI features are helping to boost sales and attract new customers.
  3. Google's new AI tools are changing how people search online and are driving more ad revenue on platforms like YouTube, which is now making over $50 billion from ads and subscriptions.

معرفی چهار ابزار که هر تولید کننده محتوایی برای کسب درآمد لازم دارد

DiGiTalk Newsletter • 157 implied HN points • 03 Jul 23
💼 Business Content creation Monetization Digital marketing E-commerce
  1. Learn how tools like Canva, ChatGPT, Notion, and Gumroad can help content creators generate income.
  2. Success with these tools comes from understanding and utilizing their features effectively.
  3. Resources are available to help creators learn and make the most of these tools.

🧰 Steal My Content Distribution Machine

Cagri's Newsletter • 39 implied HN points • 09 Feb 24
🕹 Technology Content Distribution Automation SEO Digital marketing Tech Tools
  1. Automating content distribution can significantly boost visibility and reach for your articles.
  2. Utilizing tools like Google Indexing API, Omega Indexer, and platforms like Medium and social media can streamline the distribution process.
  3. Consistent visibility for content is key in the digital content realm, and automation can help achieve that efficiently.

6 Reasons You Can’t Make Money Online Despite Your Hard Work

Content Strategy, Development, & Marketing Insights • 78 implied HN points • 06 Mar 23
💼 Business Online business Entrepreneurship Digital marketing Product Development
  1. Online business is not a get-rich-quick scheme; it requires hard work and commitment.
  2. Ensure your products or services add value to solve problems and make lives easier for clients.
  3. Build a mailing list, engage with clients, and collaborate with others to grow your online business effectively.

You Can't See Me, But I Can Make You Rich

Trying In Public • 15 HN points • 09 May 24
💼 Business Social media Online Courses Digital marketing Small business Entrepreneurship
  1. The rise of Faceless Accounts on Instagram allows individuals to build an online presence without showing their face, using stock video footage to create a curated aesthetic.
  2. The popularity of 'Master Resell Rights' courses tied to the Faceless Account trend raises questions about the effectiveness and authenticity of marketing strategies in online businesses.
  3. The pressure to maintain an 'aesthetic' online presence on platforms like Instagram can overshadow the importance of genuine connection, expertise, and trust in building a sustainable business.

💬 Dom Wells: Lessons on how to acquire a digital business

Concepts of Finance 🧠 • 59 implied HN points • 26 Jul 23
💼 Business Business Models Investing Entrepreneurship Finance Digital marketing
  1. When buying a digital business, you need to be careful of scammers. Always verify financial information and ensure the business is truly what it claims to be.
  2. Focus on finding good businesses rather than thinking you can easily flip a struggling one. It's better to invest in a solid company with growth potential.
  3. Successful digital business owners are curious, adaptable, and able to learn on the job. It's important to be able to delegate tasks and stay committed to the process.

Multilevel marketing mayhem

Conspirador Norteño • 44 implied HN points • 25 Feb 24
💼 Business Marketing Online business Digital marketing Entrepreneurship
  1. Be cautious of 'online businesses' that prompt you to set up websites with identical language and testimonials, often part of multilevel marketing schemes.
  2. Identical sales pitches on multiple websites can be easily found through internet searches, revealing potential interconnectedness.
  3. Participating in these schemes may lead to continuous spam emails, financial losses, and the risk of personal information being compromised.