The hottest Marketing Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Technology Topics
jsfour 0 implied HN points 24 Sep 24
  1. When thinking about business ideas, consider if they solve a real problem (painkillers) or just offer something nice (vitamins).
  2. Chewing gum has a lot of purposes, like freshening breath or relieving stress, but it may just be good marketing.
  3. Even if your product isn't a 'painkiller', like vitamins, it still has value and a market. So, don't give up on your idea!
{grow} by Mark Schaefer 0 implied HN points 30 Oct 24
  1. Unhinged brands are becoming popular because they grab attention and spark conversations. They prioritize standing out over sticking to traditional marketing rules.
  2. Brands like Liquid Death and Nutter Butter are showing that being weird or edgy can resonate well with consumers. This approach allows them to connect with those who feel disconnected from mainstream products.
  3. Indifference is a big problem for brands. By being bold and different, these brands create their own unique identities and stay relevant in a crowded market.
{grow} by Mark Schaefer 0 implied HN points 09 Oct 24
  1. Nutter Butter's new marketing campaign is loud, weird, and grabs attention. They're using strange videos to stand out in a crowded market.
  2. The goal is to evoke strong emotions, whether good or bad, because that makes people remember and share the content. This makes their ads go viral.
  3. Gen Z loves brands that are different and a bit bizarre. Nutter Butter is taking a risk, but it's working because they had nothing to lose and needed to be noticed.
Talking to Computers: The Email 0 implied HN points 04 Mar 24
  1. Redirects can help handle broad search queries better by sending users to optimized category pages instead of generic search results. This helps manage the overwhelming number of options users face.
  2. Using a smart layout with options for refining searches can improve user experience. It helps guide shoppers to what they're truly looking for rather than just presenting them with endless choices.
  3. A hybrid approach that combines category redirects with engaging banners might be more effective. This way, it keeps essential information visible and caters to user needs without overwhelming them.
Fund Marketer 0 implied HN points 14 Feb 24
  1. Niche-building is important for gaining attention and can lead to better business outcomes. When you focus on a specific area, you can connect more directly with your audience.
  2. Bill Ackman is launching a new investment fund aimed at regular investors, showing that there are ways to attract clients beyond traditional marketing methods. This move highlights the potential of directly engaging with customers.
  3. Many businesses fail because they try to be everything for everyone instead of specializing. By owning a niche and providing quality information, companies can create a loyal customer base and stand out in the market.
Get a weekly roundup of the best Substack posts, by hacker news affinity:
Kartick’s Blog 0 implied HN points 30 Oct 24
  1. Standardised services offer similar benefits and risks for all clients. You can expect predictability in delivery time and cost, like hiring an agency to find a software engineer.
  2. Custom services are unique for each client, with varying costs and outcomes. You often need to invest before seeing results, and the risks can be hard to predict.
  3. When buying standardised products or services, make sure to see the final result before committing. With custom services, be prepared for a longer conversation to understand the scope and pricing.
The Strategy Toolkit 0 implied HN points 24 Oct 24
  1. Experience strategy is important for businesses to connect better with their customers. It focuses on how customers feel about their interaction with a brand.
  2. Corporate strategy should include experience strategy to create a cohesive vision for the company. This means aligning customer experiences with overall business goals.
  3. Integrating both strategies can lead to better performance and customer loyalty. When a company works on these together, it can help grow the business.
MKT1 Newsletter 0 implied HN points 13 Nov 24
  1. This post shares updates and info just for paid subscribers. It's a special edition aimed at keeping them in the loop.
  2. There’s a marketing decision dashboard template included. This can help subscribers make better decisions in their marketing efforts.
  3. Office hours and podcast requests are also part of the post. This gives subscribers opportunities to engage and ask questions.
Organic SaaS Growth 0 implied HN points 12 Nov 24
  1. Navattic creates interactive product demos that help marketing and sales teams showcase their products. This gives potential customers a hands-on experience before they decide to buy.
  2. Word of mouth is their best-performing channel. People love sharing tools that are free to try, and this has helped increase their referrals since launching a freemium plan.
  3. When hiring a marketer, it's crucial to know what role you really need. Understanding your specific marketing goals can help you find the right person for your team.
Organic SaaS Growth 0 implied HN points 29 Oct 24
  1. Many SaaS funnels are underperforming, which is a common issue that needs attention.
  2. There's a need for guides that focus on practical and actionable steps to improve SaaS funnels.
  3. Understanding specific challenges and questions around funnel optimization can help create better resources.
the case for brand 💼 0 implied HN points 16 Nov 24
  1. JUDY, a go-bag brand, makes emergency planning fun and accessible. They focus on turning disaster prep into smart and positive emergency plans.
  2. The brand uses celebrity endorsements to gain popularity. Having the Kardashians support them helps JUDY stand out in the market.
  3. JUDY emphasizes the importance of community and expert partnerships. They collaborate with organizations like the Los Angeles Fire Department to build credibility and trust in their products.
the case for brand 💼 0 implied HN points 02 Nov 24
  1. Bobbie is changing the way people think about infant formula. They focus on building trust with customers by addressing the emotional challenges that parents face when choosing formula.
  2. During a nationwide formula shortage, Bobbie prioritized existing customers over gaining new ones. This decision helped them build strong loyalty and trust with their audience.
  3. Bobbie stands out by creating meaningful content and advocating for parents, like pushing for paid parental leave. They understand their audience and take action on issues that matter to them.
Tiny Empires 0 implied HN points 04 Dec 24
  1. Unsubscribe from emails that aren't useful. Cut out the noise in your inbox to focus only on what truly matters.
  2. Use filters and labels to organize your emails. This helps you find important messages quickly and keeps your inbox tidy.
  3. Check your email at set times, not constantly. This reduces distractions and makes your email management more efficient.
MKT1 Newsletter 0 implied HN points 29 Nov 24
  1. Paid subscribers can access exclusive discounts on various products and services. It's a good way to save money while getting useful tools.
  2. Different software tools are available for marketers, like Fiverr Pro and Riverside.fm, each offering unique features and discounts. These can help with tasks like recording podcasts or managing marketing projects.
  3. Subscribers can reach out if they want to list their own discounts or sponsor the newsletter. This creates a community where everyone can benefit from shared resources.
Computer Ads from the Past 0 implied HN points 09 Dec 24
  1. Cards can be a fun collectible, and having one or two can add to the excitement. It's nice to have unique cards that stand out.
  2. Computer ads from the past remind us of how marketing has changed over time. It’s interesting to see how design and messages have evolved.
  3. Subscribing to services can offer free trials, helping people decide if they want to continue. It's a nice way to test things out before making a commitment.
Mehdeeka 0 implied HN points 15 Dec 24
  1. It's important to figure out what work is truly necessary for your business. Talk to different teams and find out what they need, and then prioritize those tasks based on their potential impact.
  2. Once you've identified important tasks, make sure to keep everyone updated on what you're doing. Share your progress with others and show them how your work can help their teams too.
  3. To get the most done effectively, always focus on the quick wins that are easy to tackle first. These small successes can build momentum and help you tackle bigger projects down the line.
Kartick’s Blog 0 implied HN points 26 Dec 24
  1. Ranking shows preferences clearly, like choosing cars in order of what you like most. It's straightforward for comparisons.
  2. Ratings provide more detailed info with scores, but they can sometimes lead to confusion or arguments over small differences.
  3. Information can be helpful, but too much can complicate things. Sometimes, a simple ranking is better to avoid overwhelm.
Disclosing Growth 0 implied HN points 05 Jan 25
  1. It's important to validate your idea before building anything. A simple landing page can help you see if people are interested in what you're offering.
  2. You should test whether people are willing to pay for your product. Adding a pricing page can show you if users value your idea enough to commit.
  3. When launching, focus on the core features first. This helps you get feedback quickly and improve your product over time.
MKT1 Newsletter 0 implied HN points 09 Jan 25
  1. There is a video that helps you understand budgeting and efficiency metrics better. It shows how to use a template for keeping track of your expenses effectively.
  2. This post is aimed at paid subscribers, and it offers exclusive content like discounts and templates. It's part of an ongoing effort to provide value to paying members.
  3. The author is experimenting with a new round-up style to keep subscribers updated and is open to feedback. They want to know what readers think about this new approach.
Squirrel Squadron Substack 0 implied HN points 07 Jan 25
  1. People have two main mental roles: the Thinker, who comes up with ideas, and the Prover, who searches for proof of those ideas. It's important to realize that the Thinker leads the way.
  2. If you want to persuade someone, focus on connecting with the Thinker first. This means building trust and understanding their feelings rather than just presenting facts.
  3. When trying to sell a product or convince a team, emotional storytelling can be more effective than logical reasoning. People often need a narrative that resonates with them before they look for evidence.
Kartick’s Blog 0 implied HN points 19 Jan 25
  1. In sales, it's important to recognize the difference between a customer's need for a product and their timeline for buying it. Some people might need something now but are not ready to buy right away.
  2. Salespeople often mistakenly try to convince customers who have already expressed a need that the product is good, instead of focusing on when the customer plans to make the purchase.
  3. Understanding the BANT criteria in sales, which stands for Budget, Authority, Need, and Timeline, can help clarify these distinctions and improve sales strategies.
Disclosing Growth 0 implied HN points 09 Jan 25
  1. Building an email list before launching can really help. Eight Sleep had 25,000 subscribers who were ready to buy when they launched their product.
  2. Understanding what customers want is key. Surveys helped Eight Sleep find out what issues people had with sleep and shaped how they talked about their product.
  3. Getting professional help, like a PR team, can make a big difference. It helped Eight Sleep get a lot of media attention, which added excitement and credibility to their launch.
Divinations 0 implied HN points 28 Jan 25
  1. A cult following is about belief, not size. Fans are deeply engaged and support the brand like it's part of their identity.
  2. To monetize your following, create products that involve fans and allow them to participate in your community. It's about building relationships rather than just selling stuff.
  3. Keep your core product strong and control it closely, while letting the surrounding community and ecosystem thrive. This helps maintain loyalty and manage growth.
Kartick’s Blog 0 implied HN points 09 Feb 25
  1. How you present choices can greatly influence decisions. Present key options clearly and guide clients towards the best choice without overwhelming them.
  2. Using defaults can simplify decisions. If you recommend a primary option and label it as the default, it can help clients make quicker choices.
  3. It's important to frame choices positively. Highlighting gains or losses can affect how clients perceive options and may lead to better sales outcomes.
Kartick’s Blog 0 implied HN points 06 Feb 25
  1. Competing on price means attracting customers by offering the lowest cost. This often leads to a tough business environment where customers constantly look for cheaper options.
  2. Competing on benefit focuses on providing more value or quality to the customer, even if the price is higher. Customers are willing to pay more if they believe they will get better results or experiences.
  3. Most businesses don't only compete on price or benefit; they do both. They try to offer good value while also managing costs to appeal to customers.
Respectful Leadership 0 implied HN points 01 Feb 25
  1. The next event is on February 27th, and it's going to be amazing with great speakers. It's a chance to learn new ideas quickly.
  2. Last month's event was a big hit, with attendees loving the short talks and different speaking styles. They felt like they got a lot of value in a short time.
  3. People can join the event for different parts based on their schedules, but tickets sell out quickly, so it's important to grab one soon.
MKT1 Newsletter 0 implied HN points 19 Feb 25
  1. The podcast offers templates and resources that are only available to paid subscribers. These resources can help marketers improve their work.
  2. Listeners can access a template library that includes everything discussed in the podcast episodes. It's a great way to get practical tools for marketing.
  3. This initiative encourages marketers to subscribe for more valuable content and tools that can enhance their skills. Subscribing could be beneficial if you're serious about marketing.
Digital Native 0 implied HN points 06 Feb 25
  1. AI is making ad creation easier and faster. You can make your own ads in just a few minutes with AI tools, saving time and costs.
  2. Search is changing too, with AI providing quick answers instead of users sifting through links. Brands now have to focus on being visible in AI search results.
  3. Influencer marketing is evolving with AI, allowing influencers to license their likeness for ads. This offers new passive income opportunities for them and makes the ad process more efficient.
Organic SaaS Growth 0 implied HN points 20 Feb 25
  1. Free tiers can be more harmful than helpful for many SaaS companies. They often attract users who don’t convert to paying customers, which can drain resources.
  2. Instead of launching with a free tier, focus on getting a small group of paying users early on. This allows for valuable feedback and steady income.
  3. Only consider adding a free tier after establishing a solid product and user base. At that point, it can help expand your market without overwhelming your resources.
Kartick’s Blog 0 implied HN points 25 May 25
  1. Use different escalation levels in sales conversations to shift approaches when discussions stall. Just like a car needs different gears for different conditions, sales talks need different strategies for success.
  2. Start conversations by gathering information to understand the lead's needs better. This means asking questions and listening more than you talk to really get to the root of the problem.
  3. When necessary, be firm and clear in your communication. If someone can't follow your advice, be direct about what needs to change or you may need to walk away from the deal.
OSS.fund Newsletter 0 implied HN points 17 Apr 25
  1. Adding AI features to a SaaS product can lead to increased costs without improving sales, which is seen as the 'AI Tax'.
  2. Companies need to clarify the value of their AI features and ensure that pricing matches this value to encourage growth.
  3. It's essential to track how AI features are used and their associated costs to manage margins effectively and prevent losses.
OSS.fund Newsletter 0 implied HN points 03 Apr 25
  1. Salespeople today need to have technical skills, not just good people skills. Understanding the tech products you're selling is crucial to close deals.
  2. There's a new type of salesperson known as the 'full-stack salesperson.' They can talk tech and solve problems, making them more valuable in today's market.
  3. It's important for sales teams to adapt to changes in customer expectations. Knowing when to use technical knowledge or relationship skills can make a big difference in winning sales.
Squirrel Squadron Substack 0 implied HN points 17 Jun 25
  1. Fixing problems quickly makes a strong impression on customers. If a hotel or service handles issues well, people remember that positively.
  2. Customers are often less upset about mistakes if they see prompt and effective solutions. It's more about how you respond to problems than the problems themselves.
  3. In today's tech world, many people face constant bugs and bad user experiences. If you can help them easily, you'll stand out and earn their loyalty.
Organic SaaS Growth 0 implied HN points 03 Jul 25
  1. The Content Moat Blueprint is a detailed content strategy plan that helps businesses understand their competitive position and content gaps.
  2. It's specifically aimed at B2B SaaS founders and marketers who want to improve their content but need a clear plan to follow.
  3. There are limited spots available for this pilot program at a special price, offering a great opportunity for those ready to enhance their content strategy.
Organic SaaS Growth 0 implied HN points 01 Jul 25
  1. As AI-generated content becomes common, it's important for businesses to find ways to stand out and be memorable. This means creating unique content that can't be easily replicated.
  2. With AI tools providing direct answers to questions, businesses need to think of new ways to draw visitors to their websites. It's all about attracting people even when answers are just a click away.
  3. A well-planned content strategy can help businesses create a 'content moat.' This means building a strong foundation now so that they can thrive in the changing landscape of online content.
Organic SaaS Growth 0 implied HN points 24 Jun 25
  1. NitroPack started as a small plugin and grew quickly, showing that a simple idea can lead to big success. They eventually got bought by a larger company, which shows their impressive growth.
  2. The company built a strong reputation before offering a free version, helping them attract more users. They also took advantage of important changes in technology like Google's Core Web Vitals.
  3. Even with some criticism from the community about their product, NitroPack kept pushing forward and found ways to grow. Their journey offers valuable lessons for new business founders.
OSS.fund Newsletter 0 implied HN points 26 Jun 25
  1. AI security will be crucial for businesses by early 2026, as companies will require proper certification for using generative AI. This means there are important opportunities for companies to prepare and offer services that help with these certifications.
  2. There are various services that people will need, such as AI security testing and monitoring, to ensure compliance and manage risks effectively. This creates a chance for businesses to develop tools and services that meet these needs.
  3. Those who act quickly to provide solutions related to AI security certification can gain a significant advantage in the market, turning security challenges into profitable opportunities.
MKT1 Newsletter 0 implied HN points 24 Jul 25
  1. The GACCS brief helps teams stay aligned on their goals and projects. It includes important elements like audience, creative ideas, and channels.
  2. There are tools available to help create GACCS briefs easily, like an app and Google Docs templates. These can be used for things like product launches and events.
  3. Using a structured brief can improve communication and planning within a team, making it easier to manage marketing campaigns effectively.