The hottest Digital marketing Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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The Substack Email Settings Edition

Why is this interesting? • 8385 implied HN points • 24 Jan 25
🕹 Technology Digital marketing
  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.

Interviews! YouTube Silver Award Thingy! 50% Off Subs!

The Lunduke Journal of Technology • 574 implied HN points • 16 Nov 25
🕹 Technology Digital marketing
  1. Two interviews were conducted, one with the creator of Ruby on Rails and another with a lawyer for 4chan, showing a variety of topics covered.
  2. The Lunduke Journal's YouTube channel reached 100,000 subscribers, which means they'll receive a silver award plaque.
  3. There’s a 50% discount on subscriptions available until November 24, making it a great time to sign up and get perks like access to videos and exclusive forums.

How Substack's follow feature betrays its original mission

Taylor Lorenz's Newsletter • 7643 implied HN points • 28 Oct 24
🕹 Technology Digital marketing
  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.

How Medium finally pivoted its way to profitability

Simon Owens's Media Newsletter • 1546 implied HN points • 25 Jul 25
💼 Business Digital marketing
  1. Medium has turned around its business by focusing on quality writing and rewarding writers better. The new management cut unnecessary costs and introduced systems that encourage good content.
  2. A big part of Medium's success is its commitment to human curation. Instead of relying only on algorithms, real people help highlight the best articles, making the platform more reliable for readers.
  3. Medium aims to attract not just professional writers, but everyday people who want to share their knowledge. This broader approach could help it grow even bigger, potentially reaching millions of subscribers.

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 Digital marketing
  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.
Get a weekly roundup of the best Substack posts, by hacker news affinity:

How a failed horror movie director co-founded one of the most popular yoga channels on YouTube

Simon Owens's Media Newsletter • 299 implied HN points • 01 Dec 25
💼 Business Digital marketing
  1. Chris Sharpe started out making low-budget horror films, but when the DVD market collapsed, he had to pivot his career. This led him to explore opportunities in online video, where he eventually found success on YouTube.
  2. He co-founded two popular YouTube channels, Hilah Cooking and Yoga With Adriene, by focusing on engaging content and a personal connection with viewers. His unique approach to SEO also helped attract a big audience.
  3. As Yoga With Adriene grew, Sharpe created a whole business around it, including subscription services and live events. He shifted from making indie films to running a successful media company that emphasizes community and wellness.

Not all media outlets are worried about declining Google traffic

Simon Owens's Media Newsletter • 324 implied HN points • 19 Nov 25
💼 Business Digital marketing
  1. Many new media startups are doing well without depending on Google for traffic. They focus more on building strong connections with their audience.
  2. The Economist is seen as a luxury brand like Ferrari because it maintains high standards and limits supply, making it more valuable to its subscribers.
  3. Vox is teaming up with Patreon to create exclusive content, showing that media companies are finding new ways to attract paying audiences.

New on Substack: A/B testing for headlines, profile customization tools, and livestream updates

Substack • 1038 implied HN points • 06 Aug 25
🕹 Technology Digital marketing
  1. Substack now offers A/B testing for headlines, helping publishers find the best title for their posts. This means you can test different titles and see which one gets more people to read your content.
  2. You can customize your profile more than ever with new design options, including accent colors and cover photos. This helps you express your personal style and make your profile stand out.
  3. Substack has improved its livestream tools, making it easier to manage guests before going live. You can track guest status and get reminders to ensure everything runs smoothly during your livestream.

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 Digital marketing
  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.

My afternoon with The Rizzler

Taylor Lorenz's Newsletter • 2955 implied HN points • 18 Oct 24
🕹 Technology Digital marketing
  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.

Do AI chatbots send higher quality traffic to publishers?

Simon Owens's Media Newsletter • 424 implied HN points • 03 Jul 25
💼 Business Digital marketing
  1. AI chatbots like ChatGPT are sending more traffic to news websites, and this traffic seems to be of higher quality. People who click through from AI might be more interested in the content compared to regular search engine visitors.
  2. Some publishers are seeing a big increase in paid subscribers from AI referrals, meaning users from these platforms are more likely to pay for content. This suggests AI traffic might be valuable for monetization.
  3. The New York Times is starting to work with independent creators, which shows a shift in how traditional media interacts with the creator economy. This could lead to new opportunities for creators within established media outlets.

Notes on Google's Attempt at Self-Disruption

Brad DeLong's Grasping Reality • 292 implied HN points • 30 Jul 25
🕹 Technology Digital marketing
  1. Google is changing how it operates by using AI to summarize search results instead of just linking users to websites. This could reduce traffic to publishers who rely on clicks from Google.
  2. While fewer people might click on links due to AI summaries, Google claims that the advertisers are still willing to pay more for the remaining clicks, suggesting a shift in user intent and engagement.
  3. This big move to AI could be risky. If it works out, Google might dominate future online searches, but if it fails, they could end up with a lot of costly infrastructure without much to show for it.

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 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 Digital marketing
  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.

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

Crossplay • 235 implied HN points • 30 Jan 24
🕹 Technology Digital marketing
  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.

The age of the sovereign creator

Substack • 1289 implied HN points • 23 May 24
💼 Business 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 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 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 Digital marketing
  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.

New Study: People Dislike AI-Labeled Products

The Algorithmic Bridge • 201 implied HN points • 30 Jun 25
🕹 Technology Digital marketing
  1. People generally don't like products labeled as AI, even if they are equipped with it. They prefer labels like 'cutting-edge tech' instead.
  2. The dislike for AI labeling is stronger for high-risk products, like cars or medical services. This shows that trust is a big issue when it comes to AI.
  3. Many people find AI tools can be helpful but also unreliable, which makes them cautious about AI-labeled products.

How TikTok's For You feed made audience monetization harder

Simon Owens's Media Newsletter • 324 implied HN points • 15 Jan 25
💼 Business Digital marketing
  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.

Getting started with live video

Substack • 446 implied HN points • 11 Oct 24
🕹 Technology 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.

Why I love marketing

Tech Ramblings • 19 implied HN points • 10 Jul 24
💼 Business 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.

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

Substack • 702 implied HN points • 16 Apr 24
🕹 Technology Digital marketing
  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.

Getting started with Notes

Substack • 546 implied HN points • 11 Jul 24
🕹 Technology 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.

Passing the Hat

The Commonplace • 809 implied HN points • 24 Jan 24
💼 Business 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.

A production assistant for every show

Substack • 454 implied HN points • 18 Jun 24
🕹 Technology Digital marketing
  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.

What is growth?

42 Slash • 117 implied HN points • 02 Jul 23
💼 Business Digital marketing
  1. Growth involves connecting tech infrastructure and tracking leads for proper growth.
  2. Helping clients figure out their PLG model is essential for growth.
  3. Analyzing sales calls and running interviews to find insights can significantly improve growth strategies.

Has TikTok improved its revenue share for creators?

Simon Owens's Media Newsletter • 199 implied HN points • 01 Nov 24
💼 Business 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.

OnlyFans Sticky Business Model

SatPost by Trung Phan • 127 implied HN points • 14 Feb 25
💼 Business Digital marketing
  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.

Creators go live with video on Notes

Substack • 338 implied HN points • 24 Apr 24
🕹 Technology 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.

🧰 Steal My Content Distribution Machine

Cagri's Newsletter • 39 implied HN points • 09 Feb 24
🕹 Technology Digital marketing
  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.

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

Trying In Public • 15 HN points • 09 May 24
💼 Business Digital marketing
  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.

A note on Unreported Truths and AI-written stories

Unreported Truths • 40 implied HN points • 12 Jun 25
🕹 Technology Digital 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.

Required Fields in Forms: Best Design Practices

Jakob Nielsen on UX • 34 implied HN points • 26 Jun 25
🕹 Technology Digital marketing
  1. Only ask for information that is truly needed on forms. Too many required fields can frustrate users and lead them to abandon the form.
  2. Make it clear which fields are necessary by using simple markers. An asterisk can show required fields, but if most fields are required, it's better to say that upfront.
  3. Understanding user trust is key. If people feel their privacy is at risk, they are less likely to complete the form, so always explain why you need certain information.

AI slashes ads by boosting intention (+ weekly update)

12challenges • 171 implied HN points • 09 Mar 24
🕹 Technology 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.