The hottest Marketing Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Technology Topics

High churn, low LTV

Top of the Lyne • 275 implied HN points • 17 Jun 23
💼 Business Tech Marketing AI Growth Sales
  1. Generative AI company Murf uses behavioral AI to penetrate the enterprise market and boost self-serve conversions.
  2. Murf's AI engine helped increase enterprise conversions by 10% and boosted revenue closed by 20% for their sales team.
  3. The AI engine improved conversion rates by 7x for pro self-serve conversions during a Black Friday promotion.

One of the biggest mistakes newsletter writers make

Simon Owens's Media Newsletter • 798 implied HN points • 28 Apr 23
💼 Business Marketing Monetization Entrepreneurship Sponsorship Advertising
  1. Newsletter writers should reintroduce themselves at the beginning of each newsletter to provide context for new subscribers.
  2. Content monetization is easier than ever, but building an audience is becoming more challenging for creators.
  3. To increase sponsorship revenue, consider strategies like recruiting sponsors from your own audience, joining ad exchanges, and hiring sales staff.
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On Non-Determinism // BrXnd Dispatch vol. 35

BrXnd Dispatch • 137 implied HN points • 25 Jan 24
🕹 Technology AI Branding Marketing Predictions
  1. Computers operate deterministically, following specific algorithms to produce consistent results.
  2. Contrary to computers, AI models rely on probability to predict outputs, leading to non-deterministic behavior.
  3. The concept of hallucinations in AI highlights the uncertainties and associations generated by models, similar to how brands are perceived as bundles of ideas and associations.

A Systematic Roadmap to Product/Market Fit

Running Lean Mastery • 255 implied HN points • 08 Jul 23
💼 Business Startups Entrepreneurship Marketing Product Development Business Growth
  1. Product/market fit is a significant milestone for startups and achieving it takes time and effort.
  2. By having the right mindset and processes, navigating the early stages of a product can be done systematically like finding your way through a maze.
  3. The Running Lean roadmap consists of three main stages - Business Model Design, Validation, and Growth - leading to product/market fit.

Sam Altman Says GPT-5 Will Be ‘Okay’

The Algorithmic Bridge • 297 implied HN points • 30 Jan 24
🕹 Technology AI Hype Marketing AGI Expectations
  1. Sam Altman's messaging on AI and GPT-5 is intentionally confusing, swinging between hype and moderation.
  2. Hype and anti-hype make nuanced discussions difficult and highlight the importance of balanced messaging.
  3. There is speculation on whether Altman's statement on GPT-5 being 'okay' is due to high expectations or actual limitations of the technology.

Good for nothing

Thoughts on Writing • 599 implied HN points • 18 Nov 22
💼 Business Marketing Ethics Branding Effectiveness Advertising
  1. The concept of purpose in branding can lead to purpose nihilism and moral grandstanding, creating a focus on image rather than genuine altruism.
  2. Critics of purpose-driven campaigns often focus on ethical concerns over commercial effectiveness, highlighting the tension between doing good and making profits.
  3. Effective altruism movements, while aiming for rational philanthropy, can sometimes lead to noble cause corruption, blurring ethical lines for the sake of perceived long-term benefits.

The Corner Store vs The Wholesaler

The Data Jargon Newsletter • 59 implied HN points • 21 May 24
💼 Business Consulting Entrepreneurship Marketing Sales Strategy
  1. The corner store model focuses on personal relationships and tailored solutions, while the wholesaler model is more about scale and efficiency. It's important to know what type of service you need for your business.
  2. Consulting firms can operate like either a corner store or a wholesaler, but they can't do both well at the same time. Understanding which approach fits your needs can save you money and frustration.
  3. Often, businesses think they need the efficiency of a wholesaler, but what they really need is the personal touch and problem-solving skills of a corner store. A personalized approach can lead to better outcomes.

Rabbit Holes 🕳️ #96

Creative Destruction • 34 implied HN points • 30 Oct 24
🎭️ Culture Sociology Philosophy Psychology Environment Marketing
  1. Accountability sinks make it hard to hold people responsible for their decisions. This can lead to a loss of trust in organizations and institutions.
  2. Kama muta is a feeling of being moved by love, which often happens at significant life events. This feeling can strengthen our relationships and motivate us to be kinder.
  3. Productive inefficiency means getting things done without feeling rushed. Slowing down can actually help improve our overall well-being and relationships.

Is Monopoly GO really "PROFITABLE"?

The GameMakers Letter • 137 implied HN points • 17 Jan 24
🕹 Technology Gaming User Acquisition Marketing Mobile Gaming Monetization
  1. Monopoly GO seems to be a successful mobile game, generating significant revenue and downloads
  2. The concept of profitability in free-to-play games can be complex, with various factors influencing true financial performance
  3. There may be discrepancies in claims of profitability, as success in the game industry can be evaluated differently

Predicting SaaS waves 🌊

The SaaS Baton • 137 implied HN points • 17 Jan 24
💼 Business Startups Market Trends Product-Market Fit Entrepreneurship Marketing
  1. Market timing is critical for SaaS success; observe new technologies, shifts in build vs buy mindset, new classes of workers, and distribution channels to catch the right market wave.
  2. Product-Market Fit (PMF) is gradual and multi-step; look for early signals like interest in identified problems, prototype feedback, and product usage.
  3. To build a viral social media presence for SaaS, focus on entertaining content, avoid vanity metrics, design shareable paths, trust creators, and don't obsess over tracking social metrics.

The long and winding road

Thoughts on Writing • 159 implied HN points • 22 Dec 23
🎭️ Culture Books Marketing Podcasts Creativity
  1. Author Nick Asbury is releasing a book called 'The Road to Hell' in March/April 2024, critiquing the concept of corporate purpose and advocating for human creativity.
  2. The book argues that the pursuit of corporate purpose led to poor marketing strategies and negative social outcomes.
  3. Asbury's work emphasizes the importance of valuing human creativity and cognitive empathy over corporate interests when it comes to business practices.

Everyone Should Start a Newsletter. Yes, That Means You!

Michael’s Newsletter • 235 implied HN points • 07 Mar 23
💼 Business Entrepreneurship Marketing Content creation SEO Monetization
  1. Newsletters are better than software businesses in many ways, like being faster to write and cheaper to operate.
  2. Newsletters can be profitable, even surpassing million-dollar incomes, with examples like 'Pragmatic Engineer' making $2.7 million a year.
  3. To start a successful newsletter, focus on topics you can talk endlessly about, curate content, and answer people's questions for valuable content.

How a Photoshoot at Peter Hurley’s Studio Left Me With a New Understanding of My Appearance

Michael’s Newsletter • 235 implied HN points • 11 Apr 23
💼 Business Consulting Client Management Perception Appearance Marketing
  1. Facial expressions are crucial for communication, like squinting eyes and slight closed-mouth smiles.
  2. Managing perceptions is vital in client-facing fields, from appearance to online presence.
  3. Authenticity and self-acceptance are key; flaws make you unique, and going off-script can lead to great outcomes.

The Measurement Trap

Fish Food for Thought • 32 implied HN points • 30 Oct 24
💼 Business Management Marketing Strategy Leadership Productivity
  1. Relying too much on numbers for management can blind you to important factors. It’s essential to recognize that not everything that matters can be measured.
  2. Nike's recent struggles show how chasing measurable goals can hurt a company's core values. Ignoring brand loyalty and innovation for data-driven decisions can lead to serious problems.
  3. Good leaders need to balance what they measure with understanding the unmeasurable parts of their organization, like team morale and creativity. The best insights often lie outside the numbers.

Thanks and Q&A

Optimally Irrational • 3 implied HN points • 23 Jan 25
💼 Business Marketing Entrepreneurship Sales Finance Branding
  1. Paid subscribers are really appreciated because they allow more time for writing and creating content. Supporting through subscriptions shows value in the work being done.
  2. There is a desire for more engagement and interaction with subscribers, encouraging them to share their thoughts and suggestions. It’s a great way to build a community.
  3. Future plans for the platform include expanding topics and content based on subscriber interests, aiming for more relevant and meaningful discussions.

Daily Chartbook #388

Daily Chartbook • 235 implied HN points • 24 Feb 24
💼 Business Finance News Marketing
  1. The Daily Chartbook #388 provides a daily summary of events through 30 charts.
  2. The content is behind a paywall, accessible only to paid subscribers.
  3. Readers can subscribe to access the detailed chartbook or sign in if they are already paid subscribers.

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.

Diary Entry #1: Early Numbers

Shades of Greaves • 216 implied HN points • 20 Oct 23
💼 Business Entrepreneurship Publishing Marketing Self-Publishing Book Sales
  1. Social media followings are crucial for authors as publishers consider the 'platform' when deciding on book deals.
  2. Self-publishing a book involves challenging odds, as most books sell fewer than 300 copies in their lifetime.
  3. Tracking and analyzing book sales data is essential for authors in understanding promotional tactics' effectiveness and areas for improvement.

What happened in Marketing: Instagram is better, OpenAI slows down and TikTok isn’t backing down

The Social Juice • 24 implied HN points • 17 Nov 24
💼 Business Marketing Advertising Social media E-commerce Digital Media
  1. Meta is reducing ad subscription prices in the EU and using less data to show ads. This shows their effort to address user privacy.
  2. YouTube is launching a new way for creators to earn money with a feature called Jewels. This can help creators make more from their content.
  3. TikTok is expanding its tools for creators with an AI video generator. This will make it easier for users to create engaging videos.

Gaining 2,200+ visitors on our first week launching an AI tool

Pen, Paper & Pizza • 59 implied HN points • 17 Apr 24
💼 Business Startup AI Marketing Content Launch
  1. Successful launch focusing on a niche: Centered efforts on AI, digital marketing, and aiding small businesses/startups. Stayed true to their target audience in every decision.
  2. Strategic approach to product development: Coordinated frontend and backend work, utilized various APIs for research, and leveraged Product Hunt for initial exposure.
  3. Engagement and growth tactics: Leveraged existing platforms like Indie Hackers, Reddit, and LinkedIn to connect with the audience. Received 2,200+ visitors, 60+ users, and initiated 26 free trials in the first week.

🚪 A filmmaker SaaS acquired for $15k

No-Code Exits • 117 implied HN points • 26 Jan 24
💼 Business Entrepreneurship Tech startups Marketing Acquisitions No Code
  1. Starting small and testing ideas is important to reduce risk and adapt quickly based on feedback.
  2. Creating revenue-driven and sustainable businesses that do not rely on external funding is crucial.
  3. Learning and mastering no-code tools like Bubble can lead to successful ventures with lower maintenance costs and faster shipping times.

PR in the Spacetech Industry: The New Frontier

Space Ambition • 219 implied HN points • 08 Sep 23
🕹 Technology Space Tech Public Relations Innovation Branding Marketing
  1. Old Space companies stick to traditional PR methods like blogs and partnerships. They are slowly adapting to modern techniques but often play it safe.
  2. New Space companies are more creative in their PR. They use social media and unique events to connect with people and make their launches exciting.
  3. Billionaires like Elon Musk and Richard Branson use personal branding and bold PR stunts to grab attention. They focus on big, inspirational stories that resonate with the public.

What Martha Stewart can teach us about reinvention and career pivots.

The Ask Newsletter — by Ellen Donnelly • 23 implied HN points • 13 Nov 24
💼 Business Entrepreneurship Marketing Branding Career development Personal Growth
  1. Martha Stewart shows that it's possible to reinvent yourself after a big setback. Her journey teaches us that you can bounce back and create something new, no matter the challenges.
  2. It's important to be true to yourself and let your passions guide you. Martha followed her curiosity and constantly sought new opportunities, which helped her build a successful brand.
  3. Being bold and ignoring criticism is key to achieving your goals. Martha had a strong vision for her life and career, and she didn't let negative opinions stop her from pursuing her dreams.

The Use of Scarcity Cues in E-Commerce: Impact on User Experience and Trust

UX Psychology • 218 implied HN points • 05 Oct 23
💼 Business E-commerce User Experience Psychology Marketing Research
  1. Online retailers often use scarcity cues like countdown timers and limited quantity messages to create urgency, but research suggests they can harm user experience and trust.
  2. Psychological theories show that scarcity can make products seem more valuable, yet artificial scarcity cues in marketing can annoy users and erode trust.
  3. Recent research found that scarcity cues, especially time-based ones, can lead to negative emotions, frustration, and reduced user trust, highlighting the need for transparent and verifiable messaging in e-commerce.

The End of Brands As We Know Them

The Intersection • 217 implied HN points • 01 Jun 23
💼 Business Marketing Technology Creativity Innovation Strategy
  1. The evolution of brands is being reshaped by AI, impacting how individuals can compete with institutions.
  2. Technological advancements are upgrading the cognitive operating system of human society, from the printing press in the 15th century to generative AI in the modern era.
  3. Business strategies are shifting from organizational scale to functional speed, from transactional to conversational, and from relying on unique selling propositions to clear points of view in order to stay relevant in the Intelligent Age.