The hottest Marketing Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Technology Topics
Kristina God's Online Writing Club • 2877 implied HN points • 19 Jan 24
  1. There's a new 'Spreadsheet Directory of Publications' to help writers find collaboration partners. It makes networking easy and fun.
  2. Many creators are looking for ways to work together to grow their subscriber base. Networking can lead to more followers and success.
  3. Creators can also use the new Creator Network by ConvertKit to find others with similar audiences. This can help them reach and engage more subscribers.
Altered States of Monetary Consciousness • 609 implied HN points • 25 Nov 25
  1. What began as an outside description was turned into a marketing command: companies named and promoted Black Friday until people treated it as something they had to take part in.
  2. Words and slogans can make things real — marketers use speech acts and interpellation to address people as if the shopping event already exists, which pulls people into the behavior.
  3. Many celebrations have been hollowed out into occasions that demand buying, and Black Friday is the clearest example of a festival whose only meaning is commerce.
The Future Does Not Fit In The Containers Of The Past • 49 implied HN points • 15 Feb 26
  1. Data and algorithms are powerful but can't capture human imagination and messy emotions, so decisions must blend math with empathy and creativity.
  2. True diversity is more than representation—it means actually hearing different voices, because varied perspectives drive innovation and fairness.
  3. People join jobs for pay but stay for connection, purpose, and growth, and businesses should also value older customers and employees since age and experience hold huge economic and creative power.
Kyle Poyar’s Growth Unhinged • 465 implied HN points • 17 Dec 25
  1. Outbound/ABM, partner/ecosystem plays, and events/community were the biggest growth channels in 2025 — they generated the most pipeline despite the AI hype.
  2. AI-driven content and discovery plus product-led tactics also paid off, with wins from AEO/LLM work (JSON-LD, custom GPTs) and freemium/mini tools that captured high-intent leads.
  3. Execution mattered most: tried-and-true tactics succeeded when done exceptionally — examples include automated intent-based outbound, "give-to-get" partner programs, and intimate in-person or virtual events.
Simon Owens's Media Newsletter • 399 implied HN points • 12 Dec 25
  1. 6AM City uses AI to launch newsletters in smaller cities without hiring editors right away. This approach helps them start at low cost and grow until they can add human editors later.
  2. Their newsletters focus on local news and community events, using a friendly tone and avoiding divisive topics. This strategy helps attract advertisers and maintain a loyal subscriber base.
  3. Instead of just relying on traditional reporting, 6AM City uses technology to gather and compress information from local sources. This allows them to produce accurate content quickly while keeping costs down.
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Ronin’s Newsletter • 245 implied HN points • 08 Jan 26
  1. A $50,000 creator bounty program rewards content about Grand Arena over a 12-week period, with submissions accepted from January 12 to April 6 and anyone eligible regardless of follower count.
  2. The prize structure includes a shared pool (about $7,500 every 4 weeks, with an extra $7,500 if 100 approved pieces are reached) that pays roughly $150 per approved piece, plus a $5,000 bonus pool for weekly and top content awards; payouts are distributed every 4 weeks in Ronin (RON equivalent).
  3. Creators can submit many content types—threads, videos (30s–10min), art, memes, music, cosplay, and podcasts—via the submission form starting Jan 12, and entries are judged on quality, originality, and consistency while spam, stolen, or low-effort work won’t be rewarded.
Astral Codex Ten • 6400 implied HN points • 14 Jan 25
  1. You can subscribe to Astral Codex Ten for paid access, which includes extra articles and special threads for subscribers. It's a chance to support the blog and get more content.
  2. The blog had strong subscriber growth at first but has seen a drop in recent years. The author encourages financial support but understands if people cannot afford it.
  3. Several subscriber-only posts offer unique insights, covering topics like historical figures and personal reflections. When you subscribe, you can access a lot of great content.
Kenny’s Sub • 299 implied HN points • 22 Jul 24
  1. Haggling often doesn't work well in the long run. It's better to stick to your price and negotiate on other terms if needed.
  2. $1 can feel expensive to some people. They may not see the value in what they are buying or find it too much effort for a small price.
  3. You need to have products ready to sell. Without anything to offer, it's tough to make money. Planning ahead is crucial.
Public Universal Friend • 79 implied HN points • 02 Sep 24
  1. Using a customer engagement platform like Customer.io can help marketers improve their targeting and maximize growth. It offers better data management and less need for technical support.
  2. Spring is a great time for businesses to focus on improving conversions through digital marketing strategies. Real-time data can help companies get more return on their investment.
  3. Personal connections and genuine interactions are valuable, even in business communication. Taking the time to show real interest can make a difference.
The Lunduke Journal of Technology • 1723 implied HN points • 11 Aug 25
  1. The Lunduke Journal is having a 50% off subscription sale for the entire month of August. This is a great chance to save money while supporting independent tech journalism.
  2. You can choose between a monthly or yearly subscription, with prices starting as low as $3 a month or $27 a year, making it very affordable.
  3. There's also a special Lifetime Subscription available for half price this month, allowing you to pay once for lifetime access to all content from The Lunduke Journal.
VERY GOOD PRODUCTIZED GUIDES • 239 implied HN points • 29 Jul 24
  1. Identify where your potential customers hang out online and focus your marketing efforts there. Using platforms like Email and LinkedIn can really help you connect with the right people.
  2. List your business on free directories to improve your visibility. Even just a couple of free listings can significantly boost your website traffic and bring in more potential clients.
  3. Create attractive offers to draw in new clients and build trust. Giving something away for free can spark interest and lead to potential future business deals.
Sex and the State • 15 implied HN points • 02 Mar 26
  1. Running multiple blogs doubles the setup and maintenance work and makes it harder for new readers to discover all your writing.
  2. People follow people more than topics, so keeping your work in one place helps readers connect with you across different subjects.
  3. You can’t please everyone, so it’s better to have a distinct voice that attracts devoted readers; only split into separate blogs if the audiences or goals are truly incompatible.
Human Capitalist • 19 implied HN points • 15 Oct 24
  1. Several key job changes happened recently, showing interesting shifts in various industries. People are moving to new roles that might change their companies significantly.
  2. Big tech alumni are finding new opportunities in different fields, indicating a trend of high talent being reused across industries. This could lead to innovation in sectors outside big tech.
  3. Monitoring job changes can be valuable for investors, recruiters, or anyone interested in career movements. Staying updated helps you know where talent is heading.
Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 2170 implied HN points • 10 Jul 25
  1. Consulting firms, once seen as valuable, might be facing a decline because they are becoming less relevant and more bloated.
  2. Many believe that the work done by consultants often benefits their own profits rather than helping their clients effectively.
  3. With advancements in AI and changes in business needs, the future of consulting is uncertain, and some experts are advising against investing in the industry.
Erik Examines • 268 implied HN points • 30 Dec 25
  1. Companies often try to create desires through emotional marketing so people buy things they don’t really need, rather than just responding to clear, practical demands.
  2. Many products are built to wear out quickly or be hard to repair, and businesses use tactics like vendor lock‑in and expensive spare parts to keep customers spending.
  3. Individual shoppers can’t easily fix these incentives, so society needs rules—like warranties and limits on harmful advertising—to push companies toward more durable, honest products.
Why is this interesting? • 1447 implied HN points • 11 Aug 25
  1. Many people consume too much content and can benefit from focusing on what's truly valuable. Starting something like a newsletter can help channel that energy in a productive way.
  2. It's important to read and learn from a variety of sources outside your own interests. This helps you gain new perspectives and prevents you from getting stuck in a bubble.
  3. Travel offers amazing experiences and insights. Exploring lesser-known places can be just as rewarding as popular destinations.
Chartbook • 371 implied HN points • 06 Dec 25
  1. Walmart's business model relies on operating with very small profit margins, which helps them offer lower prices. This can make them very competitive in the retail market.
  2. The Houthi financial crisis highlights ongoing economic struggles and its broader implications on the region. Understanding this crisis can give insight into regional stability.
  3. The history of how cats came to Europe is fascinating and shows the connection between humans and animals over time. It also hints at how cultural exchanges have shaped societies.
Maryanne Demasi, reports • 1906 implied HN points • 29 Jan 24
  1. Rosuvastatin (Crestor®) quickly became a popular cholesterol-lowering drug due to an aggressive marketing campaign.
  2. In Australia, rosuvastatin is the most prescribed drug, with over 14 million prescriptions written in a financial year.
  3. Rosuvastatin was found to be the most potent statin in lowering cholesterol, but this higher potency also led to greater toxicity.
The VC Corner • 819 implied HN points • 03 May 24
  1. AI tools are changing how businesses go to market, so it's crucial to adapt to these changes. Companies need to actively promote their products rather than hoping they'll go viral.
  2. It's important to focus on attracting early customers who truly understand and care about your product. These customers can provide valuable feedback and help spread the word.
  3. The strategy for getting your first users is different from getting a larger audience later on. Initially, you should go where your target audience already is, instead of spreading your efforts too thin across various platforms.
Kyle Poyar’s Growth Unhinged • 425 implied HN points • 07 Dec 25
  1. Marketing needs a balance between great content and effective distribution. If you're creating amazing material but no one sees it, then you have a distribution problem.
  2. Product-market fit is no longer a final goal; it’s more of a constant challenge. As customer expectations rise quickly, businesses must keep up or risk losing their fit.
  3. Understanding your target buyer is crucial for success in selling your business. Different buyers look for different qualities, like profitability or growth, so tailor your approach accordingly.
Kristina God's Online Writing Club • 639 implied HN points • 18 May 24
  1. Medium has a unique publications system that helps writers reach more readers. Getting published in the right ones can boost your visibility and earnings significantly.
  2. There are thousands of publications on Medium covering a wide range of topics. With so many options, it's important to find the top ones that align with your interests and goals.
  3. Recent changes in Medium's programs allow editors to support writers more effectively. This means writers can earn more and gain better access to their target audience.
Kyle Poyar’s Growth Unhinged • 544 implied HN points • 16 Nov 25
  1. AI can help marketing teams improve lead enrichment by gathering more complete data from multiple sources. This makes it easier to reach out to better-suited customers quickly.
  2. Using AI as an 'inbound BDR' can automate personalized outreach and meeting scheduling, leading to more meetings and opportunities for sales teams. This saves time and enhances engagement.
  3. Creating a custom AI app layer for sales and marketing can streamline customer information and actions needed. This leads to faster responses and improved conversion rates for sales teams.
Kristina God's Online Writing Club • 1638 implied HN points • 08 Feb 24
  1. Collaborating with other newsletter writers can make the process more enjoyable and less lonely. It’s great to find support and connect with like-minded people.
  2. Using Substack’s recommendation features can help grow your subscriber base. Many writers have successfully gained subscribers through community recommendations.
  3. Letdir is a new directory for Substack writers that helps you discover and connect with others in your niche. It’s an easy way to find collaboration opportunities.
Kristina God's Online Writing Club • 1318 implied HN points • 07 Mar 24
  1. Recommendations are a great way to grow your subscriber base. Almost 28% of new subscribers can come from other newsletters suggesting your work.
  2. You don't need to spend money on ads to gain subscribers. Many writers have seen success by simply building relationships and getting recommendations for free.
  3. Substack’s recommendations engine is powerful and can help you increase your audience quickly. It works for new writers just as much as for those with a big following.
Kristina God's Online Writing Club • 1678 implied HN points • 03 Feb 24
  1. Substack is great for starting and growing an email list without any upfront costs. You can begin your newsletter today and only pay a small fee if you earn money.
  2. You own your email list on Substack, meaning you can take it with you if you decide to leave. This gives you more control than relying on social media followers.
  3. Substack combines features of websites, blogs, and community platforms all in one place. It's designed to be user-friendly for beginners and offers a chance to monetize your writing easily.
Elena's Growth Scoop • 3301 implied HN points • 14 Apr 23
  1. Acquisition channels are saturated and overloaded, making it hard to get noticed by buyers.
  2. Cost of acquisition is increasing due to heightened channel accessibility and competition.
  3. Product-led sales strategy focuses on enabling end-users to discover the product's value, leading to enterprise-level upgrades.
Kristina God's Online Writing Club • 1378 implied HN points • 23 Feb 24
  1. The writer reached 4,000 subscribers in just 15 months, which is a big achievement for a newsletter. They did it without relying on friends and family for support.
  2. They are thankful for their readers, especially the paid subscribers, who help keep their content going. This support allows them to focus on creating quality material.
  3. The writer wants to know more about their audience's interests. They plan to use a new survey tool to ask readers directly what they would like to see in the future.
Simon Owens's Media Newsletter • 274 implied HN points • 12 Dec 25
  1. Fashion influencers are moving to Substack to earn more money through subscriptions and reliable audience reach. This shift helps them avoid the unpredictability of social media algorithms like Instagram’s.
  2. YouTube is becoming a big player for creators, allowing them to earn through memberships and ads as they publish content like audiobooks. This helps authors gain a following while generating revenue.
  3. The focus for media publishers is shifting from growing their audience size to keeping readers engaged longer. By increasing how many articles a visitor reads, they can boost revenue and encourage subscriptions.
benn.substack • 1534 implied HN points • 11 Jul 25
  1. Salesforce is more than just a way to store lists; it's also a guide for sales teams on how to navigate complex selling processes. It provides structure to help salespeople do their job better.
  2. Creating a personalized software solution might require more work, but could lead to better results than a one-size-fits-all approach like Salesforce. Custom solutions can fit specific needs more effectively.
  3. Instead of relying solely on software to manage processes, hiring experts can be a better option. Experts can use their knowledge to adapt methods for your unique situation and simplify tasks.
Simon Owens's Media Newsletter • 274 implied HN points • 10 Dec 25
  1. Tracking newsletter sponsorships can be tricky due to many brands and no standard ad units. Some suggest starting with brands already advertising in other newsletters.
  2. Forbes is cutting back on its contributing writers to focus on a more financially sound model as they face pressures from declining traffic and revenue.
  3. More independent media outlets may start experimenting with print media to engage fans, as it offers a tangible experience away from online platforms.
HEATED • 2692 implied HN points • 02 Nov 23
  1. Kim Kardashian's new nipple bra advertisement is an example of greenwashing.
  2. Greenwashing involves exaggerating environmentally friendly actions to boost sales.
  3. The ad utilizes various greenwashing tactics, such as vagueness and jargon, to mislead consumers.
Kristina God's Online Writing Club • 839 implied HN points • 12 Apr 24
  1. There are new features for Substack that help non-native writers, like setting a default language for their newsletters.
  2. German-speaking writers want to connect and collaborate more, and there's a new online space for this group to share and improve their skills together.
  3. It's important for writers to stay consistent and confident, even if they feel like no one is reading their work.
A Bit Gamey • 13 implied HN points • 08 Mar 26
  1. Judgment — With information and execution becoming cheap, the scarce value is knowing what truly matters and making better decisions.
  2. Curation — As content and options multiply, people pay for clear filters that surface the useful signal from the noise.
  3. Direction — Speed alone creates faster confusion, so helping others choose the right path and save time is where durable value lives.
Startup Business Tips 🚀 • 108 implied HN points • 18 Jan 26
  1. Make your ICP a hard constraint across everything — homepage, CRM, demos, outbound lists and content — and enforce disqualification criteria so you focus on buyers who actually convert.
  2. Choose a clear product category or primary use case before you try to differentiate. Name the main alternative you replace so buyers immediately know what to compare you against.
  3. Treat GTM as an end-to-end system: design structured demos, a simple sales process with stage exit criteria, aligned buyer-facing assets, and a content strategy that targets high-intent buyers. Doing fewer, consistent things beats many disconnected activities.
Why is this interesting? • 301 implied HN points • 29 Nov 25
  1. The U.S. Army successfully boosted its recruitment by changing its marketing strategy, enlisting over 62,000 recruits in a year. This shows that a fresh approach can make a big difference in attracting new participants.
  2. Fatih Birol has become an influential figure, gaining attention from various groups, including politicians and climate activists. His insights on energy and climate issues are in high demand.
  3. Forbes created an email service that lets people send messages to their future selves, leading to a unique way for individuals to reconnect with their past thoughts and feelings. Many people have received emails from their younger selves, creating a bridge to their former lives.
Startup Business Tips 🚀 • 34 implied HN points • 15 Feb 26
  1. Know exactly who to sell to — document a five‑point ICP and a list of disqualifiers (ANTI‑ICP) and enforce it so your pipeline stops getting noisy.
  2. Pick one clear positioning anchor (product category or use case) and make it consistent across homepage, LinkedIn, demos, and sales materials; pause weak channels and focus deeply on the strongest one.
  3. Tighten execution with simple processes and metrics — add source attribution, track lost reasons, set hard open/close deal criteria, review demo recordings, and actively use case studies and referrals.
Where's Your Ed At • 13056 implied HN points • 26 Oct 23
  1. Elon Musk is perceived as a modern-day hustler, skilled at manipulating media and markets without creating tangible value.
  2. Musk's success lies in picking companies and products that promise eternal growth, even if the reality doesn't align with the hype.
  3. The acquisitions of SolarCity, Twitter, and the Cybertruck showcase Musk playing outside the odds, relying on emotion, and making risky bets.
Danielle Newnham • 19 implied HN points • 10 Oct 24
  1. Charlotte Stavrou shares how her childhood shaped her determination and drive as an entrepreneur. She believes that personal experiences can greatly influence one's work ethic.
  2. She discusses her recent dyslexia diagnosis and how it helped her feel more complete, as the education system made her feel inadequate before.
  3. Many founders are starting to become influencers now, partly due to the changes brought by COVID-19. Charlotte's agency provides insights on how influencers can better price their services.
The Bear Cave • 326 implied HN points • 20 Nov 25
  1. Sportradar is a big player in sports tech, helping sportsbooks with data and software. They work with major sports leagues to provide real-time data for betting.
  2. There's concern that Sportradar might be involved with shady gambling operations, even while claiming to monitor fair play. They have partnerships that may not always align with regulated markets.
  3. With growing competition and complex regulations, investors are warned not to overlook the potential challenges faced by Sportradar as they navigate the gambling world.
Snowball • 2614 implied HN points • 29 Mar 23
  1. Snowball+ is a new collective of newsletters focused on personal finance in France, featuring various experts and tools.
  2. The launch price for Snowball+ is 9€ per month or 80€ per year, offering additional content and a diverse range of financial topics.
  3. Existing subscribers to Snowball will experience a price increase soon; new content will be added regularly to Snowball+.