The hottest Marketing Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Technology Topics

MicroTimes Interviews T/Maker’s Heidi Roizen and Royal Farros (1994)

Computer Ads from the Past • 256 implied HN points • 08 Dec 25
💼 Business Marketing
  1. They pivoted from selling a Mac word processor to focusing on content like ClickArt and multimedia ZoomBooks, and that shift unlocked rapid growth and consistent profits.
  2. They took VC money, bought other art libraries, and brought in experienced managers to redesign products and packaging so they could win retail shelves and sell at multiple price points.
  3. They invested in technical know-how (CD-ROM, multi-platform formats, a reusable ZoomBooks interface) and used joint ventures with TV networks and publishers to share costs and reach much bigger audiences.

The Sad Saga of Bud Light

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 2986 implied HN points • 07 Feb 25
💼 Business Marketing
  1. Bud Light was once America's favorite beer, but it lost its top spot after a marketing move focused on social issues. Many customers turned away from the brand.
  2. The shift towards diversity and inclusion in corporate strategies can sometimes backfire. For Bud Light, it cost them loyal customers and sales.
  3. It's important for companies to balance social goals with their business interests. Ignoring customer preferences can lead to serious repercussions.

On 40 Hours: A Book For A Time Like This

Day One • 938 implied HN points • 09 Mar 24
💼 Business Marketing
  1. Time is the most valuable asset as it cannot be created or bought back. Focus on utilizing your time effectively to reach your goals.
  2. Distractions such as social media, excess entertainment, and procrastination can hinder progress. Identify them and work towards eliminating them to achieve success.
  3. Prioritize learning from helpful resources and taking action. Choose a few key lessons to implement, banishing distractions until they become part of your daily routine.

This Week in Marketing: TikTok is local, Instagram is loco, Discord is locked, and AI is labor

The Social Juice • 39 implied HN points • 15 Feb 26
💼 Business Marketing
  1. Social platforms are racing to add new features and revenue streams — think TikTok’s local feed and Shop, X and LinkedIn subscriptions, and Meta/YouTube ad and AI tools driving creator commerce.
  2. Those product pushes are colliding with privacy, safety and legal headaches — Discord’s age checks sparked backlash, Instagram faced scrutiny over youth harm, and Google and Meta are under regulatory and antitrust pressure.
  3. AI is booming in investment and productization, but it’s also intensifying work and creating real risks — studies, botched real‑world uses, fake experts and automation worries show the tradeoffs as companies rush to monetize AI.
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How I Grew My Substack Newsletter Views by 511% in 30 Days🤯

Kristina God's Online Writing Club • 819 implied HN points • 19 Mar 24
💼 Business Marketing
  1. Experimenting can lead to big results in growing your newsletter. Trying new things is important for success.
  2. You might be surprised by how much more traffic your newsletter can get. It's possible to improve your visibility and engagement.
  3. Joining supportive communities and learning resources can really help you grow. Connecting with others can provide valuable insights and motivation.

The Audiobook Is Out!

Injecting Freedom • 33 implied HN points • 18 Feb 26
📚 Literature Marketing
  1. The audiobook Vaccines, Amen! is now available on Audible/Amazon.
  2. There are 25 free US and 25 free UK promo codes up for grabs — comment with your preferred marketplace to request one, and eligible readers will receive a private Substack message; codes are first come, first served.
  3. Readers are asked to leave quick, honest reviews and to share or post about the book, and a few trolls have already posted negative reviews.

You should be playing with AI agents for marketing

Kyle Poyar’s Growth Unhinged • 1301 implied HN points • 02 Jul 25
💼 Business Marketing
  1. Using AI agents for marketing can boost efficiency by handling various tasks that would normally require multiple team members. These agents are like having a group of helpers that can work around the clock.
  2. Each business can create a tailored set of AI agents specific to their needs. This means that instead of treating AI like just another tool, businesses can think of AI agents as part of their team.
  3. It's important for leaders to delegate tasks to AI agents. The benefit comes from identifying workflows that can be automated and training the AI to take over those responsibilities.

From $5 to $200,000 Writing on Fiverr — Interview with Maya Sayvanova

Kristina God's Online Writing Club • 679 implied HN points • 05 Apr 24
💼 Business Marketing
  1. Freelance writers need to prioritize marketing themselves. It helps build their reputation and success in platforms like Fiverr.
  2. Quitting a regular job can offer freedom and opportunities, but it requires dedication. Choosing the right clients can lead to better pay and work-life balance.
  3. To succeed as a writer, commit fully and be resourceful. It's important to overcome excuses like lack of time or money to pursue your goals.

Storytelling is the new clickbait, can B2B capitalise?

Mehdeeka • 5 implied HN points • 03 Mar 26
💼 Business Marketing
  1. New short, personal story formats grab attention by using first-person hooks, cliffhangers, and subtle or late product mentions to drive clicks.
  2. B2B can use storytelling, but only if your customers are actually on those platforms; focus on building an owned, engaged audience and a distinctive brand using platform-native formats.
  3. Don’t chase every trend — audit channels, compare time and budget to results, cut underperformers, and reallocate resources to focused experiments or to hiring/outsourcing so you can do fewer channels well.

How To Earn Foreign Currency in 2024

Day One • 1118 implied HN points • 03 Feb 24
💼 Business Marketing
  1. You can earn foreign currency by offering your current skills or business to a global market.
  2. Become good at what you do and start sharing your work from day one to build your audience.
  3. Learning the business side of your skill is crucial to monetizing it, alongside targeting the foreign market for potential growth.

This Week in Marketing: Social Media Addiction vs. Human-Free Social Media and AI Layoffs

The Social Juice • 63 implied HN points • 01 Feb 26
💼 Business Marketing
  1. Social platforms are in flux as users, creators and advertisers react to trust, moderation and product changes — some people are ditching apps like TikTok while new, AI‑only social networks and 'desocialized' feeds emerge.
  2. AI is reshaping media and jobs: companies are pouring money into agentic tools and ad tech even as some firms cut roles and many new AI startups and features debut, with uneven product success.
  3. Safety, legal and privacy pressures are rising as regulators, courts and publishers push back — youth addiction trials, encryption and data investigations, deepfakes and mass breaches are driving demands for controls and opt‑outs.

Leave the "Casino": You don't need to play silly games as an indie entrepreneur | Q&A with Jessica Lackey | #320

Boundless by Paul Millerd • 98 implied HN points • 12 Jan 26
💼 Business Marketing
  1. Don’t gamble on quick fixes, viral hacks, or pricey masterminds — those are the “casino” tactics where the house usually wins. Focus on real business models and the trade-offs that make them sustainable.
  2. Building a profitable solo business takes time and clear choices, often years of work; prioritize frameworks, consistent long-form content, and relationship-driven sales instead of chasing follower counts.
  3. Operational thinking and repeatable rhythms matter: use frameworks and processes to run your business, and treat products (like books) as leverage that still require years of work and ongoing maintenance alongside active client work.

Which brands are sponsoring newsletters?

Simon Owens's Media Newsletter • 199 implied HN points • 08 Dec 25
💼 Business Marketing
  1. Many brands are starting to sponsor newsletters, showing they see value in this advertising method.
  2. Tracking newsletter sponsorships can help publishers understand which brands are actively spending money on ads.
  3. It's helpful for anyone looking to sell sponsorships to know which brands have already advertised in other newsletters.

The Marlboro Miles Edition

Why is this interesting? • 1146 implied HN points • 26 Jun 25
🎭️ Culture Marketing
  1. The Marlboro Miles program was a clever marketing strategy that encouraged brand loyalty by offering rewards for collecting points from cigarette packages. It tapped into a desire for free stuff, especially among kids and teens.
  2. Despite its appeal, Marlboro Miles was promoting a dangerous product, and many participants, including children, received rewards through their parents' smoking habits.
  3. Today, similar gamification tactics are used in various industries, like credit card rewards and apps, showing how companies exploit psychological triggers to drive consumer behavior.

The Defiant Way to Build an AI-First Brand (Stop Playing Safe)

Crypto Good • 9 implied HN points • 10 Mar 26
💼 Business Marketing
  1. Use AI to be defiant, not just efficient — make visuals that demand attention instead of blending in.
  2. Use bold images paired with fearless quotes. Pull inspiration from songs, books, or found objects and learn the AI skills to remix and superimpose text into unique visuals.
  3. Build with AI every day and combine multiple models and workflows to keep your brand voice unmistakable. Share your process, iterate publicly, and use practical tools to accelerate your mission.

Foxtrot's ashes still burn

Snaxshot • 599 implied HN points • 28 Apr 24
💼 Business Marketing
  1. Foxtrot's financial troubles include 6-figure unpaid invoices and lawsuits.
  2. Snaxshot became a go-to source for news about Foxtrot's closure, acknowledged by various reputable outlets.
  3. Subscribing to Snaxshot gives access to exclusive content and a 7-day free trial.

How brands make culture

The Sociology of Business • 1315 implied HN points • 15 Jan 24
💼 Business Marketing
  1. Brand marketing has shifted from promoting products to making noise and cultural impact.
  2. Modern brand marketing focuses on entertainment, providing constant content and unique campaigns.
  3. Brands should engage existing fans, prioritize collaborations, and emphasize emotional connections over traditional promotion.

Will the real oil industry please stand up

Irina Slav on energy • 963 implied HN points • 07 Feb 24
💼 Business Marketing
  1. Oil companies are rebranding and changing their names to reflect a shift to broader energy sources.
  2. Some oil companies are emphasizing technology and investments in non-oil sectors.
  3. Although oil companies are trying to reposition themselves, they are still primarily part of the oil industry.

I'm looking for newsletters that monetize with ads

Simon Owens's Media Newsletter • 199 implied HN points • 03 Dec 25
💼 Business Marketing
  1. There is a new index for newsletters that want to find brands willing to advertise. It helps connect brands to various newsletters without taking a cut of the money.
  2. YouTube is becoming a popular choice for TV viewers, turning into a go-to place for casual watching. This is threatening traditional streaming services as people prefer YouTube for light viewing.
  3. NBC News is trying something new by offering a subscription that removes ads but doesn’t hide any content behind a paywall. This could change how media companies think about subscriptions.

How I'm Building My Business To Run Without Me

VERY GOOD PRODUCTIZED GUIDES • 179 implied HN points • 04 Jul 24
💼 Business Marketing
  1. Many business owners think their business can't run without them due to fear of losing quality. But with the right systems, it can thrive even in their absence.
  2. Bottlenecks come from controlling client communication and deliverables too tightly. Letting go and empowering others can free up time and improve efficiency.
  3. Creating clear processes and hiring help allows business owners to focus on growth. Shifting to scalable models can also help in generating consistent income.

Inside The Savannah Bananas: $80M+ In Ticket Sales, $50M+ In Merch, And A $1B Valuation Debate

Huddle Up • 61 implied HN points • 26 Jan 26
🎾 Sports Marketing
  1. The Savannah Bananas sold about 2.2 million tickets across 113 games. That likely generated roughly $75–80 million in ticket revenue, putting them on par with many MLB teams.
  2. Merchandise became a massive revenue stream, with 787,000 buyers purchasing nearly 2 million items and driving over $50 million in sales. That likely exceeds retail revenue for many MLB clubs.
  3. Big revenues hide big costs: high player salaries, 700+ employees, and large travel and production budgets make the operation resemble a touring show more than a single-stadium team. Those expenses complicate profit margins and any claim of a $1 billion valuation.

You Can Meet 6-Figure Fiverr Writer Maya Sayvanova Who Got Featured in Business Insider LIVE

Kristina God's Online Writing Club • 539 implied HN points • 08 Apr 24
💼 Business Marketing
  1. Maya Sayvanova is a successful freelancer on Fiverr who has earned over $200,000. She went from making just $5 to becoming a top-rated writer, showing how hard work pays off.
  2. Despite her success, she faced challenges and failures along the way. It's important to keep pushing through tough times and not let setbacks define you.
  3. There's a live event where you can learn from Maya's experience and ask her questions. It's a great chance to get inspired and improve your writing skills.

Why Most Online Advertising Benchmarks Are BS (And What To Do Instead)

Nail It and Scale It • 119 implied HN points • 22 Jul 24
💼 Business Marketing
  1. Many online advertising benchmarks are unreliable because they don't account for differences in pricing and offers. This means you might be comparing apples to oranges, leading to wrong conclusions.
  2. To get better benchmarks, focus on two key metrics: Cost-Per-Click (CPC) and Conversion Rate. These give you a clearer picture of how your ads are performing compared to others.
  3. Joining groups or talking to industry experts can help you find more accurate conversion rates for your products. Sharing data with peers is a good way to understand what's normal in your field.

A good analogy can sell boring

Creative Samba • 19 implied HN points • 04 Oct 24
💼 Business Marketing
  1. ETFs can be a smarter way to invest than buying individual stocks. They let you own a piece of many companies without the hassle of picking each one.
  2. ETFs are cheaper and accessible for everyday people, unlike traditional investing options that often favor big investors. This means anyone can get involved in the market.
  3. Using good analogies in marketing can make dull products exciting. For iShares, a clever ad strategy helped them reach a new audience when they were losing market share.

Meme-company

benn.substack • 997 implied HN points • 27 Jun 25
🕹 Technology Marketing
  1. The role of software engineers is changing as AI improves, shifting from coding to managing and overseeing AI tasks. This means that skills like project management and having good taste are becoming more important.
  2. Companies can succeed through clever marketing and creating buzz rather than just building the best product. Sometimes, getting awareness before having a good product is the smart move in tech.
  3. In today's world, being a celebrity or influencer can drive success in technology, similar to the art world. People care about the creators more than the specific products, so having a strong personal brand can be very valuable.

Homepage Teardowns: What 6 Top SaaS Companies Get Right (and Wrong)

Startup Business Tips 🚀 • 43 implied HN points • 01 Feb 26
💼 Business Marketing
  1. Make your homepage instantly clear about who the product is for and what it does, use contextual social proof and realistic product visuals, and guide visitors to deeper pages with CTAs and FAQs instead of dumping too much detail.
  2. A sales-led motion can work below €10k ACV if you meet the right metrics: fast CAC payback (ideally under 6–12 months), enough ARR per AE, win rates above ~20%, short sales cycles, and mostly inbound-driven demos.
  3. Use early sales as a learning channel: document a simple visual sales process with clear CTAs, qualification rules, and next steps so you can learn how customers buy, improve positioning, and scale repeatably.

TikTokers are spreading North Korean propaganda to sell supplements

Taylor Lorenz's Newsletter • 3582 implied HN points • 09 Oct 24
🎭️ Culture Marketing
  1. Some TikTok users are sharing North Korean stories to promote supplements. They claim life in North Korea is better than in the U.S.
  2. These videos often use AI-generated images and stories to grab attention and sell products. They can be bizarre and hard to believe.
  3. After being reported, many of the accounts promoting this content were taken down, but some continue to operate and push these products.

What GTM teams are doing with ChatGPT

Kyle Poyar’s Growth Unhinged • 851 implied HN points • 30 Jul 25
💼 Business Marketing
  1. GTM teams are increasingly using ChatGPT because it helps streamline many tasks, making it the go-to tool for marketers. Instead of juggling multiple tools, many prefer this single platform for various needs.
  2. ChatGPT is versatile and can be used for a variety of functions like persona research, new product positioning, and creating content outlines. This flexibility helps teams save time and improve productivity.
  3. Using AI like ChatGPT reduces costs and enhances marketing efforts, such as localizing content and generating targeted event invitations. It allows teams to operate more efficiently and effectively reach their audience.

Why don't media outlets personalize their homepages?

Simon Owens's Media Newsletter • 224 implied HN points • 21 Nov 25
💼 Business Marketing
  1. Most major news outlets haven't personalized their homepages like social media has, which feels surprising given the tech advancements. Publishers often think their audiences prefer a curated experience instead of individualized content.
  2. Patreon is focusing on content discovery outside big tech companies, promoting quality over sensationalism. This could help creators earn more money without relying on engagement-driven algorithms.
  3. The Guardian has gained a strong membership base in the U.S. by directly confronting right-wing extremism, which sets it apart from many American news outlets that shy away from such stances.

Lessons From Over 13 Million Naira Worth of Organic WhatsApp Sales

Day One • 758 implied HN points • 24 Feb 24
💼 Business Marketing
  1. Building trust and authority through valuable content is essential for selling products or services online
  2. Utilizing testimonials and free high-quality content can greatly persuade potential customers to make a purchase
  3. Addressing objections, providing ongoing support, and reducing buyer's remorse are key to maintaining customer satisfaction and loyalty

Successful Startups Grow Quadratically, Not Exponentially. | VC Jobs

Venture Curator • 239 implied HN points • 11 Jun 24
💼 Business Marketing
  1. Successful startups grow quadratically, not exponentially, debunking the common misconception about their growth pattern.
  2. A framework for finding the right customers for your MVP involves focusing on a special subset of users who are excited about the long-term vision of the product.
  3. Understanding the Power User Curve can help identify and cater to highly engaged users, leading to more targeted product development and growth strategies.

Brands are keeping celebrity culture alive, questioning role of politics, and the vibe shift

The Social Juice • 53 implied HN points • 31 Jan 26
🎭️ Culture Marketing
  1. Celebrity culture is front and center — brands keep leaning on celebrities, creators, and star-powered stunts to grab attention across campaigns and big events.
  2. Brands are conflicted about politics and purpose. Some do real on-the-ground action, others post performatively, so know your customer and only speak up if your action will create real change.
  3. The vibe is shifting toward trend-chasing and AI 'slop' — lots of cheap engagement from memes and long Super Bowl teases, while the best work focuses on interactive OOH, clear storytelling, or meaningful use of AI.

There's a whole lot of ugly out there when it comes to growth teams.

Elena's Growth Scoop • 904 implied HN points • 29 Jan 24
💼 Business Marketing
  1. The growth teams face systematic failures in the industry due to various issues like unclear growth fundamentals and bad strategic decisions from executives.
  2. Symptoms of a bad growth team include not focusing on monetization, neglecting retention, and obsessing over 'hacks' instead of building sustainable growth engines.
  3. To build a successful growth team, companies need to prioritize monetization, retention, and data-driven decision-making, and ensure alignment between departments for optimal results.

How I Productized A Service Business And Earn Recurring Income

VERY GOOD PRODUCTIZED GUIDES • 79 implied HN points • 05 Aug 24
💼 Business Marketing
  1. To turn your service into a product, pick a specific service to offer and make it easy for clients to understand what they're getting. This helps people know exactly what to expect.
  2. Identify your ideal clients to better tailor your services to their needs. Knowing who your customers are makes it easier to attract and keep them.
  3. Create a clear system for how you deliver your service, and hire help early on. This frees up your time so you can focus on growing your business instead of just doing all the tasks yourself.

Introducing Substack Study Hall: Advice from top creators on getting started, going paid, and more

Substack • 1088 implied HN points • 06 Jun 25
💼 Business Marketing
  1. Being consistent is more important than being perfect. Just share your thoughts regularly, and you'll connect with your community better than waiting for everything to be flawless.
  2. When you start charging for your content, keep it simple. You don’t need to overwhelm people with perks; focus on delivering one valuable thing that you can promise consistently.
  3. Using social media is a great way to show a bit of your content and invite people to check out your main platform. Share interesting snippets to draw them in instead of just posting links.