The hottest Marketing Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Technology Topics

The Blog Post That Shocked the World

{grow} by Mark Schaefer • 19 implied HN points • 18 Jan 24
💼 Business Marketing
  1. Content Shock: The world of content marketing became saturated with competition, making it harder and more expensive to stand out.
  2. Spiky Content: Creating bold, unique content with a strong point of view can help cut through the noise and grab attention.
  3. Personal Branding: Focusing on building a personal connection with your audience can be a powerful strategy to navigate and succeed in a world overwhelmed by content.

The most popular Growth Needle posts of 2023

Ruben Ugarte's Growth Needle™ • 19 implied HN points • 26 Dec 23
💼 Business Marketing
  1. Sears was really good at coming up with new ideas, but they missed their chance to keep changing with the times. They adapted once with mail orders and again with retail stores, but failed to innovate again.
  2. It's important to recognize your business identity and continuously adapt to stay relevant in the market. Sometimes, companies have everything they need to succeed but don't make the right moves.
  3. Learning from the past, like the story of Sears, can help guide future strategies. Businesses should not just rest on their accomplishments but keep pushing forward.

The Ultimate Guide to SaaS Pricing Pages

Good Better Best • 4 implied HN points • 14 Nov 25
💼 Business Marketing
  1. A good pricing page needs to be clear and simple. It should help visitors understand what they will pay and what they will get in under a minute.
  2. Include key sections like a hero, pricing menu, feature comparison, and FAQ. These help guide potential customers through their decision-making process.
  3. Having clear calls to action in your pricing menu is important. Visitors should know exactly what steps to take after seeing the pricing options.

1.1.x Releases & Beyond 🚀

sonsofcrypto • 19 implied HN points • 23 Dec 23
🔮 Crypto Marketing
  1. 1.x releases focused on mnemonics and improving user experience.
  2. Future builds will focus on enhancing Uniswap experience and supporting DAO contracts.
  3. The goal is to establish web3wallet as the best wallet in the market by version 1.5.x.

Then were the horsehoofs broken by the means of their pransings

Internal exile • 36 implied HN points • 31 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Marketing
  1. Many online reviews aren't truly honest; they might be fake or written with hidden goals. Instead of helping customers, they're often just a part of a site's marketing.
  2. People often trust online reviews more than personal recommendations from friends and family. This reliance shows how important these reviews have become in shopping decisions.
  3. Consumers want to believe in the value of products based solely on use, distancing themselves from social influences. This belief causes them to accept fake reviews as real if they fit their hopes.
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Trader Joe's: The Anti-Grocer

SatPost by Trung Phan • 159 implied HN points • 12 Aug 23
💼 Business Marketing
  1. Trader Joe's built a successful model by paying employees well and making strategic decisions based on that foundation.
  2. Trader Joe's differentiated itself by offering unique products, focusing on customer trust and education, and maintaining a friendly atmosphere in-store.
  3. Trader Joe's small store size, selective product range, and high sales per square foot contribute to its niche success in the grocery market.

360° SaaS GTM assessment: 10 areas to diagnose your SaaS GTM health

Startup Business Tips 🚀 • 47 implied HN points • 17 Nov 24
💼 Business Marketing
  1. Diagnosing your Go-To-Market (GTM) strategy is crucial for the success of your SaaS business. You need to have a clear plan before jumping into execution, or you might waste resources.
  2. Your GTM strategy should include elements like understanding your ideal customers, defining your market position, and creating clear messaging. This helps in attracting and converting potential clients effectively.
  3. Regularly reviewing both your GTM strategy and execution helps you identify what works and what doesn't. This way, you can adjust your tactics to improve performance and achieve your growth goals.

What happened in marketing: TikTok ban, OpenAI expensive and Trends everywhere

The Social Juice • 44 implied HN points • 08 Dec 24
💼 Business Marketing
  1. The US appeals court has upheld the TikTok ban, making it more likely that the app will have to be sold or face further restrictions in the country.
  2. OpenAI has launched a new, pricey subscription service called ChatGPT Pro, costing $200 a month, which offers advanced features for its users.
  3. Social media platforms like Pinterest and Google are sharing their trend predictions for 2025, indicating major shifts in how users will engage with content online.

80/20 rule for solo-founders

Tiny Empires • 36 implied HN points • 16 Jan 25
💼 Business Marketing
  1. Focus on the 20% of your actions that bring in 80% of your results. This helps you work smarter, not harder.
  2. Regularly check which activities make you money, and cut out anything that doesn't contribute. It's about prioritizing the things that actually work.
  3. Spend dedicated time on your top revenue-generating activities each day. Avoid distractions so you can really concentrate on what truly matters.

What happened in marketing: Meta is cooked, Microsoft goes big and TikTok's last hope

The Social Juice • 39 implied HN points • 05 Jan 25
💼 Business Marketing
  1. Microsoft is investing heavily in AI, planning to put $80 billion into data centers this year. This shows their commitment to growing their technology influence.
  2. Meta is facing serious challenges and has decided to remove certain AI character accounts, signaling struggles in their strategy.
  3. TikTok is in a critical situation and needs to find new ways to maintain its user engagement and popularity.

How we built a business out of recession - chapter 32 - cultural differences

The ZIPster • 35 implied HN points • 31 Jan 25
💼 Business Marketing
  1. Cultural differences matter when expanding a business internationally. It's important to understand local behaviors and attitudes before entering a new market.
  2. Team dynamics can change during business growth and can affect decision-making. Trust issues among shareholders can lead to conflict and hinder progress.
  3. Research and planning are crucial before launching in a new location. Relying on assumptions without adequate market knowledge can result in costly mistakes.

What happened in marketing: RIP TikTok, Instagram's weird redesign and next social media app

The Social Juice • 36 implied HN points • 19 Jan 25
💼 Business Marketing
  1. TikTok is facing a potential ban in the US, but the app is still trying to keep its users engaged. Creators are moving their audiences to other platforms like Instagram and YouTube.
  2. Instagram's redesign has not been well received. Many users are complaining about the new changes, particularly how it displays liked Reels.
  3. Google is facing antitrust issues and struggles with maintaining its search market share. Their new policies and updates are causing confusion among advertisers.

Your job as a CEO: Communicate a Vision

Tech Ramblings • 59 implied HN points • 05 Mar 23
💼 Business Marketing
  1. As a CEO, one of your main jobs is to clearly communicate your vision. This helps inspire your team and attract customers who believe in your goals.
  2. A strong vision is important both inside your company and outside. It helps hire committed employees and serves as a marketing tool for your brand.
  3. Patagonia's founder, Yvon Chouinard, is a great example of someone who communicates a clear and responsible vision. His focus on sustainability has built a loyal customer base that values the brand's mission.

The best blog posts of 2023

{grow} by Mark Schaefer • 19 implied HN points • 04 Jan 24
💼 Business Marketing
  1. The selection of the best blog posts of 2023 was determined by the number of page views.
  2. The top themes of the year were AI and Gen Z.
  3. Several posts delved deep into topics like AI marketing strategy, community-based marketing, and social media addiction.

Decoding Holiday Promos: A Data Score Interview with Flywheel on Fashion Industry Pricing Trends

The Data Score • 19 implied HN points • 11 Dec 23
💼 Business Marketing
  1. The fashion industry in the US is promoting more aggressively this holiday season, with an increase in the percentage of products discounted and a decrease in average percentage markdown compared to last year.
  2. 48% of fashion retailers are promoting more aggressively this year, while 48% are promoting less aggressively, showing variations in promotional strategies among different brands.
  3. Flywheel's web-mined pricing data indicates a response to the holiday season through increased discounting activity, leading to a greater percentage of products being sold out.

"The Economist" Cover Curse, Explained

SatPost by Trung Phan • 95 implied HN points • 08 Mar 24
💼 Business Marketing
  1. The Economist's cover is seen as a contrarian investing signal, with examples showing it may indicate market trends, but careful analysis is necessary.
  2. The Economist acts as a curator-in-chief for relevant news, publishing content anonymously in one voice, and holding influence among decision-makers.
  3. Jalapeños are less spicy due to Big Ag influence, TikTok faces potential ban due to bipartisan concerns, and Dune 2 review includes insights on visuals, cast, and production.

Black Guck on a Duck

Brands Mean a Lot • 145 implied HN points • 15 Aug 23
🎭️ Culture Marketing
  1. An analysis of a Dawn commercial raises questions about how we perceive man-made disasters
  2. The ad implies that we are desensitized to environmental disasters
  3. Consumer products are starting to leverage disasters to prove their effectiveness

Having expertise isn’t the same as communicating it

The Ask Newsletter — by Ellen Donnelly • 10 implied HN points • 20 Aug 25
💼 Business Marketing
  1. Having expertise is not enough; you need to communicate it effectively to be recognized and succeed. It's about how you connect with your audience, not just what you know.
  2. Turning your knowledge into income is both emotional and practical, and it requires navigating both aspects. You need to love what you do to stick with it.
  3. To grow your authority, carve out a specific niche and don't fall for the myth of overnight success. It takes consistent effort and experimentation to see real results.

How To Clone Yourself With Content

Day One • 239 implied HN points • 06 Nov 20
💼 Business Marketing
  1. Creating valuable content on the internet is crucial for reaching a wider audience and gaining attention.
  2. Understanding the type of content to create and how to deliver it is essential for online success.
  3. Cloning yourself with content, by providing helpful and engaging information consistently, can lead to passive income and business growth.

✅ Monday briefing: Greenwashing, LinkedIn boom, Twitter affiliation tag, podcasting matures, pitching is a bitch, management function, comms tech trends, AI tool research, wellbeing in PR, and more...

Wadds Inc. newsletter • 59 implied HN points • 30 Jan 23
💼 Business Marketing
  1. Greenwashing is a big issue, where companies falsely claim to be eco-friendly. The UK will be checking how accurate these green claims really are.
  2. LinkedIn is becoming more popular as Twitter loses users. More people are engaging on LinkedIn, especially for job-related networking.
  3. The world of podcasting is stabilizing, with fewer new shows being launched. However, existing podcasts are still producing a lot of new episodes.

Ferrari's Unique Business Model Leads To Record Financial Performance

Huddle Up • 43 implied HN points • 18 Nov 24
💼 Business Marketing
  1. Ferrari has a special business model that helps it perform really well financially. This unique approach sets it apart from other car brands.
  2. The company focuses on making limited-edition cars, which keeps them exclusive and desirable. This strategy boosts their appeal and profits.
  3. Ferrari's success is also linked to its strong brand image and connection to racing. People love the thrill of Formula 1, which enhances the brand's prestige.

✅ Grab your copy of the AI in PR tools bestseller

Wadds Inc. newsletter • 19 implied HN points • 04 Dec 23
💼 Business Marketing
  1. The book on AI in PR became a bestseller on Amazon in just one day, showcasing its popularity and relevance.
  2. It discusses both the advantages and ethical issues of using AI in public relations, emphasizing the importance of human skills like emotional intelligence.
  3. Many employees are using AI tools at work without proper guidelines, highlighting a need for companies to create training and policies on AI usage.

What happened in marketing: Google's gift to marketers, OpenAI's response to Deepseek and Meta's weird future

The Social Juice • 31 implied HN points • 02 Feb 25
💼 Business Marketing
  1. Google launched a new tool to help marketers measure their advertising effectiveness across different platforms. This tool should make it easier to understand what works best for their campaigns.
  2. OpenAI introduced a smaller version of their AI model, making it available for free. This aims to provide more people access to AI tools for their projects.
  3. There are concerns about privacy and safety in social media, especially with bills being proposed to limit access for kids under 13. This shows a growing tension between tech companies and government regulations.

The story of why

Thoughts on Writing • 2 HN points • 09 Jul 24
💼 Business Marketing
  1. Simon Sinek's 'Start With Why' focuses on the core purpose of brands, suggesting that understanding the 'why' behind actions can drive success.
  2. Sinek's Golden Circle model applies the concept of 'why, how, what' to brand messaging, emphasizing the importance of emotional appeal.
  3. Critiques challenge the scientific basis of Sinek's theories, highlighting the impact of rhetoric, marketing strategies, and storytelling in business success.

October Summary

The Hive • 19 implied HN points • 19 Nov 23
💼 Business Marketing
  1. MRR decreased by 5.2% in October
  2. New subscribers increased by 14.2% in October
  3. Preparation for GPT vision launch in October paid off in November

✅ African public relations agency recognised by The Financial Times

Wadds Inc. newsletter • 39 implied HN points • 04 May 23
💼 Business Marketing
  1. BHM, an African public relations agency, was named one of Africa's Top 100 fastest-growing companies by The Financial Times. This is a big deal for a privately owned firm.
  2. The agency focuses on helping African businesses reach international markets and helping foreign companies understand Africa. This is important as businesses look for new opportunities.
  3. BHM values hard work and community involvement, with a strong team made up of people who have grown within the company. They even created World PR Day to highlight the importance of public relations.

My Book, Get Funded!, Is 50% Off This Weekend!

Startup Strategies • 14 implied HN points • 13 Jun 25
💼 Business Marketing
  1. The book 'Get Funded!' offers essential tips on how to successfully secure funding for your startup or project. It's a helpful resource for anyone looking to raise money.
  2. Right now, the book is available at a 50% discount, making it a great time to buy if you're interested in learning about fundraising.
  3. Despite being published in 2020, the book has continued to be popular and relevant, showing that good advice lasts over time.

How to get unstuck: 5 marketing thought experiments

MKT1 Newsletter • 3 implied HN points • 19 Nov 25
💼 Business Marketing
  1. Using thought experiments can help marketers shake off rigid thinking and find fresh ideas. Trying out different scenarios forces creative solutions to the surface.
  2. Focusing on redistributing existing content rather than creating new content can lead to better results. This helps teams see the value in leveraging what they already have.
  3. Prioritizing lifecycle marketing and engaging existing leads instead of always chasing new ones can boost growth and improve ROI. It's crucial to not overlook your current audience.

When Personalization Feels Fake: Starbucks’ Cup Messages, AI, and the Quest for Genuine Connection

Gad’s Newsletter • 26 implied HN points • 24 Feb 25
💼 Business Marketing
  1. Starbucks' new initiative to have baristas write messages on cups seemed nice but felt forced and scripted. Customers want genuine interactions, not corporate mandates.
  2. Personalization in marketing works best when it's real and meets customer expectations. If customers feel it's fake or too much, it can harm trust and satisfaction.
  3. AI can help personalize experiences, but it can also make customers uneasy if they feel their privacy is being invaded. The key is to balance tech use with genuine human connections.

What Are You Selling Online? (Plus WhatsApp Attention Guide)

Day One • 259 implied HN points • 01 Jun 20
💼 Business Marketing
  1. To succeed in making money online, focus on providing value rather than just seeking income. Value delivery is key.
  2. Consider leveraging social media platforms to create and extract value, even without a website or ads. Identify needs and offer solutions.
  3. Engage in classes or courses to learn and implement strategies for monetizing platforms like WhatsApp, focusing on building attention and providing value.