The hottest Marketing Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Technology Topics

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
  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.

Brand vs Build

Net Interest • 9 implied HN points • 06 Jun 25
💼 Business Marketing
  1. JPMorgan's Chase app used traditional advertising instead of trendy methods, showing off its benefits like 1% cashback to attract customers.
  2. Despite initial success with a large number of customers and deposits, acquiring new customers is getting more expensive for Chase compared to smaller banks like Monzo.
  3. JPMorgan views its UK expansion as a long-term plan, using this venture as a model for potential growth in other markets if it proves successful.

The MKT1 Field Guide to B2B Startup Marketing

MKT1 Newsletter • 6 implied HN points • 31 Jul 25
💼 Business Marketing
  1. Having a specific marketing strategy helps avoid random activities that don't contribute to goals. Focus on what works for your startup and stick to it.
  2. Your marketing efforts should combine 'fuel' (the content and messages you create) with an 'engine' (the channels and processes you use). Keep both balanced for better results.
  3. Building a strong marketing team involves hiring versatile members who can contribute to multiple areas. This approach helps create a more effective and adaptable marketing strategy.

The Bank of Starbucks

Of All Trades • 9 implied HN points • 27 May 25
💼 Business Marketing
  1. Starbucks makes a lot of money, earning about $36 billion in revenue in 2024. This shows that their business is not just about coffee, but also a serious finance player.
  2. By allowing customers to load money onto their app for purchases, Starbucks essentially acts like a bank. They hold this money without needing to give customers cash back, making it a profitable system for them.
  3. Starbucks holds more customer deposits than about 80% of U.S. banks, even though it's primarily a coffee company. This highlights how big their banking-like system has become in the consumer market.
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Staying Human in the Age of Data.

The Future Does Not Fit In The Containers Of The Past • 20 implied HN points • 15 Dec 24
💼 Business Marketing
  1. Data is important, but focusing too much on it can harm the long-term success of both businesses and people. It's crucial to balance numbers with human emotions and culture.
  2. Leaders should encourage open discussions about tough topics and avoid wasting time in unnecessary meetings. This helps create a culture where everyone feels comfortable sharing their thoughts.
  3. Successful companies need to remember that their employees are not just numbers. Investing in their development and well-being leads to a more motivated and productive workforce.

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 Marketing
  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.

Big as the what? Big as the Super Bowl: Marketing, Storytelling &...

The Social Juice • 17 implied HN points • 30 Jan 25
💼 Business Marketing
  1. Good brand storytelling is not just about being creative; it's important to have a clear strategy. A story that resonates can build trust and engage your audience.
  2. You should always focus on solving a problem your audience has when telling your brand story. This helps make the story relevant and valuable to them.
  3. When a brand fails at storytelling, it loses customer loyalty and trust. But if a business fails in its brand storytelling, it risks shutting down completely.

Seven ways to reach more people on LinkedIn

A Bit Gamey • 6 implied HN points • 03 Aug 25
💼 Business Marketing
  1. To reach more people on LinkedIn, engage with your own posts. Reply to comments and add value to your content to increase visibility.
  2. Use images that grab attention in your posts. Good visuals can help keep readers interested and encourage more clicks.
  3. Make sure the people in your network are relevant. Cleaning up your connections can lead to better engagement and a wider reach.

a good MVP is a scrappy MVP

Tech Ramblings • 19 implied HN points • 02 Jul 23
💼 Business Marketing
  1. It's better to launch your product early to get feedback. Waiting too long can mean wasting time and not understanding what people really want.
  2. Your first product doesn't have to be perfect. It just needs to show your vision and allow you to listen to customer feedback.
  3. Iterate on your product based on feedback. Keep shipping new versions to get better and connect with what the market wants.

Nike’s Marketing Blindspot

SatPost by Trung Phan • 74 implied HN points • 04 Aug 23
💼 Business Marketing
  1. Nike lost top athletes Messi and Curry due to corporate incompetence.
  2. Nike prioritizes marketing superhuman aesthetics over regular person looks.
  3. Lesson: Extraordinary skills and unshakeable wills matter more than fitting a brand's archetype.

winning at the internet

let them eat cake • 159 implied HN points • 14 May 20
🍲 Food & Drink Marketing
  1. In the age of the internet, some argue that restaurants should transform into content creators to stay afloat, shifting focus away from creating food.
  2. Becoming successful independent restaurants used to involve creating a strong online presence as a marketing strategy, shifting focus from food and hospitality to internet competitiveness.
  3. For many restaurants, adapting to the challenges of the current landscape, like offering takeout, may not be enough to ensure profitability, and finding new ways to make food at a profit is crucial.

The Ultimate SaaS Messaging Framework for early-stage Startups

Startup Business Tips 🚀 • 64 implied HN points • 07 Oct 23
💼 Business Marketing
  1. Messaging is the foundation for sales & marketing assets like homepage, demos, sales decks.
  2. The 5-part Messaging Framework includes understanding the market, ideal customer profile, competitive alternatives, product, and value proposition.
  3. Creating your own Messaging Framework is essential for consistent communication and effective sales & marketing activities.

The most popular MKT1 resources & templates of 2025

MKT1 Newsletter • 1 implied HN point • 18 Dec 25
💼 Business Marketing
  1. MKT1 produced a large set of templates and resources in 2025 that people have been using.
  2. They have a “fuel” problem: lots of great tools exist but no strong system to make users aware of them.
  3. This paid-subscriber newsletter is meant to surface the most popular and useful templates to paying members so those resources get noticed.

Everything you want to know about subscriptions

Logos • 19 implied HN points • 24 May 23
💼 Business Marketing
  1. There are different types of subscription models, like 'pay to access' or 'pay to save.' Each type has different strategies for companies.
  2. Companies should know their goal for subscriptions — either to make money directly or encourage customers to spend more on other products.
  3. Offering upfront annual payments may not be the best idea. Many users who pay upfront are less likely to cancel anyway, so the discount might not be worth it.

Big TAM Founders, Small TAM Startups

Working Theorys • 58 implied HN points • 15 Nov 23
💼 Business Marketing
  1. Consider being a big TAM founder working on a smaller TAM startup for increased chance of success.
  2. Choosing a smaller market and outcome might actually reduce risks and give you more control over success.
  3. Examples like starting a newsletter as a big TAM founder on a small TAM startup show how this strategy can work.

Battle Cards!

The Security Industry • 16 implied HN points • 24 Jan 25
💼 Business Marketing
  1. Battle cards are useful tools for sales teams. They provide key information about competitors and help highlight your own product's strengths.
  2. Understanding your competition can help you sell better. Knowing what makes your product different can win over customers who are considering other options.
  3. There are now resources available that can help you create battle cards easily. Using tools like HarvestIQ.ai can make tracking competitor information simpler.

Heavy load: is Tesla using software to force customers to buy its parts?

Fight to Repair • 19 implied HN points • 07 Nov 22
💼 Business Marketing
  1. Tesla appears to be linking safety software like "Trailer Mode" to the use of its own branded tow hitch, forcing customers to buy expensive OEM parts.
  2. Using third-party tow hitches on Tesla Model X and Model Y vehicles without the Tesla Tow Package may result in safety implications and warranty issues.
  3. The situation raises concerns about potential violations of federal antitrust laws, particularly related to 'tying arrangements' where the purchase of one product necessitates the purchase of another.

✅ Monday briefing: Last call to book WaddsCon, journalists as brands, ESG washing, client and agency relationships, Socially Mobile deadline, AI garbage, Twitter GIFs, ALT tag SEO, and more...

Wadds Inc. newsletter • 59 implied HN points • 28 Mar 22
💼 Business Marketing
  1. Local newspapers are merging to stay afloat, which affects local news coverage.
  2. Many journalists are building their own brands on social media to secure their careers and reach more people.
  3. AI-written content isn't reaching the quality that humans expect, so it's still important to have real writers.

Multilevel marketing mayhem

Conspirador Norteño • 44 implied HN points • 25 Feb 24
💼 Business Marketing
  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.

Building CAUSL - Episode 10: Going Solo and Building a Product

CAUSL Effect • 19 implied HN points • 01 Jun 23
💼 Business Marketing
  1. The founder is rethinking his business after losing a co-founder, which has made it hard to focus on growth and delivery at the same time.
  2. He plans to rebuild his income through consulting while also developing a new product called Analytics Powerpack, aimed at helping teams analyze data easily.
  3. Starting something new has ups and downs, and he's learning to adapt and adjust his plans based on market needs and personal limits.

How I’d Run a SaaS Pricing Project from Scratch

Good Better Best • 7 implied HN points • 07 Jun 25
💼 Business Marketing
  1. Understanding where your company is in its growth journey is important for setting the right pricing strategy. Different stages, like proving demand or expanding revenue, need different pricing approaches.
  2. Focus on areas where you can make the most impact with your pricing project, such as your product monetization strategy and pricing plans. Collaborate with other teams to ensure everyone is on the same page.
  3. When adjusting pricing, start with the fundamentals like plan structure and feature packaging before touching the actual price points. Making sure your pricing model is clear and aligned with customer needs is key.

10 Trend Predictions for Coaches, Consultants & Experts in 2025

The Ask Newsletter — by Ellen Donnelly • 15 implied HN points • 15 Jan 25
💼 Business Marketing
  1. More professionals will work part-time or freelance while running their businesses, allowing for more flexibility and varied income streams. This change is reshaping what commitment looks like in the workplace.
  2. In 2025, service providers will focus on creating one standout offer instead of many products, making it easier for both them and their customers. This means simplifying what they sell helps avoid overwhelming buyers.
  3. Successful deals will often happen quietly behind the scenes, showing that the best service providers may not always be the loudest on social media. It's becoming more common to have valuable exchanges out of the public eye.

What comes first: Your business model or your niche?

The Ask Newsletter — by Ellen Donnelly • 5 implied HN points • 30 Jul 25
💼 Business Marketing
  1. Your business model and niche are very important choices. They shape who you serve and how you earn money.
  2. Different niches require different business models, which can affect how much time you work and the money you take home.
  3. It's crucial to align your business model with your personal preferences and your clients' needs, as every path has trade-offs.

The 10 most common GTM myths about early-stage SaaS

Startup Business Tips 🚀 • 43 implied HN points • 27 Jan 24
💼 Business Marketing
  1. Having a great product is not enough, you need effective marketing and sales to succeed.
  2. Adding a free plan may not always solve the problem of acquiring paying clients, and freemium may not be suitable for all businesses.
  3. Tracking lost reasons properly, understanding the value you offer, and analyzing churn are crucial aspects that impact the success of a SaaS business.

The legend of the squeaky wheel continues...

My Home Office Hacks • 5 implied HN points • 28 Jul 25
💼 Business Marketing
  1. Don't be afraid to question your bills. You might get a better deal just by asking for one.
  2. Self-advocating can save you money. Sometimes, just asking nicely can reduce your costs significantly.
  3. If your webcam isn't clear, consider upgrading to a better portable webcam for video calls. It can make a big difference!

Your Monday briefing: #1

Wadds Inc. newsletter • 139 implied HN points • 29 Jun 20
💼 Business Marketing
  1. The news industry is facing big changes, and understanding its future is challenging. Reports like the Reuters Institute Digital News Report highlight this complexity.
  2. Brands are shifting their focus and priorities, especially in response to current social issues and the COVID-19 crisis. Trust is becoming more important than ever.
  3. Professional messaging has surged during the lockdown, increasing by 120%. This shows how important communication has become in connecting people.

What to do when your value metric becomes obsolete

Good Better Best • 4 implied HN points • 15 Aug 25
💼 Business Marketing
  1. When your pricing model becomes outdated, like moving off server counts, you need to find a new way that makes sense for your customers. This could mean switching to something like project-based pricing.
  2. It's important to simplify your pricing to make it easy for customers to understand and buy. Complicated pricing can lead to frustration and lost sales.
  3. As technology, especially AI, evolves, companies must regularly check if their pricing still reflects the value they provide. Adapting early can help businesses stay ahead.

Product Management ++ 👀

Turnaround • 138 implied HN points • 16 Dec 19
💼 Business Marketing
  1. Neil McElroy's memo proposing the 'Brand Men' role at Procter & Gamble laid the foundation for modern brand management and product management in consumer product companies.
  2. The evolution of technology has shifted the composition of Fortune 500 companies towards the technology industry, impacting the role of product managers who now require a blend of management frameworks and tech understanding.
  3. Product managers today need to not only understand management strategies but also be adept at technology to succeed in the competitive landscape of building successful companies.

MKT1 Template Library

MKT1 Newsletter • 7 implied HN points • 28 May 25
💼 Business Marketing
  1. There's a collection of over 50 templates and resources available. You can use these to help with your projects and ideas.
  2. The templates are exclusive to paid subscribers, so you'll get special access if you subscribe.
  3. The resources cover various tools like Docs, Sheets, and Figjam, making it easier to implement strategies and advice.

Building CAUSL - Episode 9: The Cinderella of Lead Generation

CAUSL Effect • 19 implied HN points • 25 Apr 23
💼 Business Marketing
  1. The author is shifting focus from company updates to more engaging discussions that inspire thought and community interaction. They believe it's important to write about topics that spark conversations rather than just update on business progress.
  2. They define a lead as an actual conversation about their services, not just messages without responses. They're monitoring their lead data closely and have gained 15 leads so far, which they consider a decent start after a few months.
  3. Managing leads can feel stressful, especially when unsure if the opportunity will come through. The author prefers clear 'closed' leads over 'open' ones, as the uncertainty in 'open' leads can be more anxious than outright rejection.

Would you pay up for climate pledges?

Klement on Investing • 1 implied HN point • 08 Dec 25
🌞 Climate & Environment Marketing
  1. Shoppers are willing to pay a noticeable premium for products with a climate pledge—about $7 more on a $25 gift card (roughly 30%).
  2. Explaining pledges with bullet points or a traffic‑light label makes people look at them more, but many still don’t understand differences like carbon neutral versus net zero.
  3. Because consumers are largely uninformed and show no higher willingness to pay for net zero versus carbon neutral, firms can capture the premium with weaker pledges, creating room for greenwashing.

A gift guide for your internet friends

The Ask Newsletter — by Ellen Donnelly • 15 implied HN points • 18 Dec 24
💼 Business Marketing
  1. Consider giving gifts that support big-picture thinkers and business owners. These gifts can offer new perspectives and help them grow.
  2. Look for gifts that inspire creators, such as courses and tools that help them express their ideas and build their projects.
  3. Gift tools that assist planners and dreamers in organizing their thoughts and achieving their goals for the upcoming year.

A story and an opportunity.

Turnaround • 98 implied HN points • 31 Jul 20
💼 Business Marketing
  1. Listening is a crucial skill - don't just hear customers, listen actively to truly understand.
  2. Being attentive in product management and marketing can lead to significant product improvements.
  3. Consumer-related laws evolving can impact e-commerce practices and strategies, requiring a reevaluation of business policies.

MasterClass: High-Priced Edutainment with Celebrity Sparkle, but is it Truly Scalable?

Gad’s Newsletter • 50 implied HN points • 02 Oct 23
💼 Business Marketing
  1. MasterClass offers high-priced edutainment with celebrity instructors, blurring the lines between entertainment and education.
  2. Evaluating scalability involves factors like growth potential, constraints, alignment, leadership, and efficiency.
  3. High production costs might challenge MasterClass's path to profitability, impacting its ability to balance growth and maintain quality.

In the Early Innings of Ecommerce

Ben’s Newsletter • 79 implied HN points • 08 Jun 21
💼 Business Marketing
  1. Ecommerce is growing quickly, attracting more retailers and shoppers every year. Companies need to improve their processes to offer better customer experiences.
  2. Using social media for shopping is becoming very popular. It allows customers to discover products through their friends and communities.
  3. Personalization is important for online shopping success. Customers are more likely to buy when they feel the experience is tailored to their needs.

AI in Action

Tippets by Taps • 6 implied HN points • 12 Jun 25
💼 Business Marketing
  1. AI tools like Claude and Cursor are really helping with coding tasks, but sales AI tools still have a long way to go. Many founders are using AI to save time and improve accuracy in their work.
  2. Custom GPTs are a favorite among founders because they solve specific problems quickly. People are moving away from traditional CRMs to more AI-native options that offer deeper insights.
  3. While AI is making strides in development, many sales tools are still underwhelming. Founders are frustrated that they have to customize solutions instead of relying on existing AI products to meet their needs.