The hottest Marketing Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Technology Topics

This Is What Fairer Trade with China Looks Like

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 1080 implied HN points • 03 Feb 25
💼 Business Marketing
  1. There are differences in the tariffs that companies like Gap and H&M pay compared to platforms like Temu and Shein. This raises questions about fairness in trade practices.
  2. Brands like Shein and Temu are gaining a lot of attention through aggressive advertising on social media and other platforms.
  3. There is a culture emerging around 'haul' videos, where influencers showcase their purchases from these low-cost retailers, promoting consumerism.

Who I Am and Why I Started This Newsletter

Nail It and Scale It • 119 implied HN points • 11 Jun 24
💼 Business Marketing
  1. The author has over 10 years of experience in advertising, tech, and startups. This gives him a unique view on problems and solutions.
  2. He has worked with both big companies and startups, helping them grow and succeed. Some of his clients have achieved significant milestones like IPOs and acquisitions.
  3. The newsletter will offer practical advice for entrepreneurs on how to grow their businesses. It will cover various topics like marketing tactics, budgeting, and using AI for efficiency.

Becoming a Cult Leader

Investing 101 • 36 implied HN points • 10 Jan 26
💼 Business Marketing
  1. Control mindshare: be the obvious voice in your category, deeply knowledgeable and present so people instinctively turn to you.
  2. Command capital: influence without funding can’t move the needle, so find the right forms of capital—VC, revenue, grants, or debt—that let you execute.
  3. Be the standard bearer: combine relentless public leadership and real financial resources to set the market’s rules and pursue your mission no matter what.

How I Hit 1,000 Substack Subs in 5 Months & How You Can Too!

Kristina God's Online Writing Club • 1458 implied HN points • 21 Mar 23
💼 Business Marketing
  1. Building a Substack newsletter can be very rewarding, and it's possible to grow your subscriber count quickly. It took just five months to reach 1,000 subscribers.
  2. Consistent and engaging content is key to attracting and retaining subscribers. People want to feel connected through what you share.
  3. Promotion and networking are important. Sharing your newsletter in the right communities can help you gain more visibility and reach potential readers.

Growth Matrix

Elena's Growth Scoop • 825 implied HN points • 02 Mar 23
💼 Business Marketing
  1. Invest across all growth notions for a sustainable growth model.
  2. Sequence is key due to resource scarcity and focus.
  3. Play across all growth motion x growth lever combinations for effective growth strategy.
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Addictibility is the Meta of Consumer Capitalism

Inland Nobody • 80 implied HN points • 04 Dec 25
💼 Business Marketing
  1. Addictibility is everywhere in modern products, not just in substances like drugs. Companies are designed to make things that keep us coming back for more, often without us even realizing it.
  2. There’s a spectrum of addictibility from engaging to addictive. Many forms of entertainment and social media hit the sweet spot of grabbing our attention and making it hard to walk away.
  3. It's difficult to regulate products designed to be addictible because defining boundaries is tricky. We need to find a way to reduce temptations while balancing innovation and consumer freedom.

This Week in Marketing: Google does Apple, OpenAI does ads, publishers do Google — What?

The Social Juice • 36 implied HN points • 19 Jan 26
💼 Business Marketing
  1. Big tech is folding AI into advertising and shopping so companies can monetize AI — OpenAI is testing ads in ChatGPT, and Google is adding personalized ads to its AI tools and shopping features.
  2. Publishers, regulators and advocacy groups are pushing back as platform ad practices and AI usage shift — major publishers are suing over ad-auction issues, traffic to news sites is dropping, and governments are challenging AI apps and policies.
  3. Social platforms and creator economics are in flux — algorithms, features and monetization keep changing, creators are valuing authenticity over AI-generated content, and new tools and payouts are reshaping how creators earn.

Inside Red Bull: The Private Playbook That Built A Global Powerhouse

Huddle Up • 43 implied HN points • 09 Jan 26
💼 Business Marketing
  1. Red Bull began when its founder discovered a Thai energy drink and struck a deal to adapt and sell it globally, with each partner investing $500,000 to launch the company.
  2. The business was built on strict financial conservatism — no debt, self-funded growth, and all expansion paid from profits rather than borrowed money.
  3. Leadership and control were tightly held and private: the founder gave very few interviews, and the original 49/49/2 ownership split kept decision-making concentrated and the Thai family with the decisive share.

3 Essentials That Will 2x Your Landing Page Conversion Rate

Nail It and Scale It • 59 implied HN points • 15 Jul 24
💼 Business Marketing
  1. Make sure your landing page clearly explains what you're offering right away. If visitors can't understand it quickly, they're likely to leave.
  2. Build trust by showing strong brands you've worked with, sharing positive customer reviews, or highlighting any expert endorsements. This makes visitors feel more secure about their decision.
  3. Keep the action simple. Have one clear button for what you want visitors to do, and ensure the page loads quickly without distractions. The easier it is, the more likely they will take action.

Quitting freelancing to build products

Kenny’s Sub • 239 implied HN points • 01 Apr 24
💼 Business Marketing
  1. Freelancing can consume a lot of time and energy, making it hard to work on personal projects. Focusing entirely on building your own products might be a better choice for growth.
  2. Getting paid as a freelancer can be tricky and often requires chasing clients. Having good platforms can help with payment security and reduce the hassle.
  3. When developing products, it's important to try out various ideas. Finding what works best often means experimenting and adjusting based on feedback and demand.

#14: Five ideas from the airline business

Bureau of Adventure • 119 implied HN points • 01 Jun 24
💼 Business Marketing
  1. Airlines can use different route models, like hub-and-spoke or point-to-point. Each has its benefits, with point-to-point focusing on direct flights and hub-and-spoke maximizing connections.
  2. Focusing on trip costs rather than unit costs can be more effective. Sometimes a smaller plane with higher costs per seat is better for fewer passengers, rather than trying to fill a large plane.
  3. Using an 'out and back' flying strategy can help airlines run more efficiently. It allows them to keep crew costs low and isolate delays, while also making it easier to cancel unprofitable flights.

Where do purple cows come from?

Prime Future • 452 implied HN points • 08 Jan 24
💼 Business Marketing
  1. Agribusiness marketing managers often give out branded swag for brand awareness.
  2. People in agriculture appreciate receiving free branded merchandise.
  3. Consider new marketing strategies beyond the traditional methods in agribusiness.

Why Longer (Content) Isn’t Always Better

Kristina God's Online Writing Club • 739 implied HN points • 15 Sep 23
💼 Business Marketing
  1. Short content can be more powerful than long content. It grabs attention quickly and gets straight to the point.
  2. Consistency in creating short content can build a strong following. Regular updates keep readers engaged and coming back for more.
  3. Longer content isn't always necessary to convey a message. Sometimes, less is more, and being concise can be more effective.

2025 was the year we lived alt-2016 and debated everything.

The Social Juice • 73 implied HN points • 13 Dec 25
🎭️ Culture Marketing
  1. Algorithms and AI sped up and broke culture into smaller silos, turning niche memes into fast, disposable content and forcing people to invent codes and private signals to keep communities intact.
  2. People and brands learned to play the attention game — using keywords, hidden messaging, anti‑AI posturing, and even ragebait — which moved us from naming neat trends to living in messy, performative moments.
  3. The year felt full of ambient anxiety about jobs, health, and loneliness, so many people leaned into escapism, nostalgia, small communities, and a gambling mentality where every choice felt like a risk.

Lessons in persuasion from the Father of Advertising

A Bit Gamey • 13 implied HN points • 15 Feb 26
💼 Business Marketing
  1. Big ideas are usually simple and come from a well‑informed mind, so play with ideas, aim high, and look for one clear, memorable insight.
  2. Write plainly to real people — use the language they think, address them as individuals, and favour clarity over cleverness so your words change behaviour.
  3. Be disciplined: test relentlessly, edit your drafts ruthlessly, tell the truth, and repeat what works until it stops selling.

This company is building the world's biggest streaming network for baking creators

Simon Owens's Media Newsletter • 449 implied HN points • 06 Jun 25
💼 Business Marketing
  1. A company is creating a big streaming network just for baking creators. This could help bakers reach a wider audience and share their skills.
  2. The Washington Post might be trying a new model for publishing more opinion pieces, even from non-professionals. This could attract more readers but might also hurt the paper's reputation if quality drops.
  3. Hollywood should stop viewing YouTube as a competitor and start using it as a way to share content. By partnering with YouTube, traditional media can reach more viewers and monetize better.

Sensefully Selling Coffee

thestoa • 393 implied HN points • 21 Jan 24
🍲 Food & Drink Marketing
  1. Creating with a partner can bring about uncertainty but also deeper relational layers.
  2. The concept of a 'source role' in creative projects can lead to clarity and prevent conflicts.
  3. Focusing on the vibes and aesthetics of a product can guide business decisions and create a unique selling experience.

Vision

Sucks to Suck • 707 implied HN points • 13 Jun 23
🕹 Technology Marketing
  1. Software designers should be eager for the success of new technologies like AR/VR for continued employment opportunities.
  2. Apple's new AR/VR headset, Vision, follows a historical pattern of product launches indicating a potential for success.
  3. An important consideration for the future of Vision is whether it will evolve to address hardware design, pricing, and human possibilities.

Stop Building Startups. Start Consulting Instead.

Michael’s Newsletter • 707 implied HN points • 28 Mar 23
💼 Business Marketing
  1. Consider starting a consultancy business instead of a startup as it is more manageable and helps avoid common mistakes.
  2. Consulting allows you to solve real problems, start faster, and serves as a stepping stone to product development.
  3. Leverage your existing network for consulting opportunities, including past clients, recruiters, and real-life communities.

Searching for insight

benn.substack • 1099 implied HN points • 29 Nov 24
💼 Business Marketing
  1. Many jobs in areas like think tanks or journalism are more about creating a background or illusion rather than producing real change or value. They serve as props for the more influential figures.
  2. There's a concern that as AI becomes capable of producing content, it might not be because it’s better, but because the original jobs might not have mattered as much as once thought.
  3. In analytics, there's a question of whether the insights businesses claim to offer are real or just part of the narrative they tell to appear competent and important.

The sordid tale of a Victorian beauty guru

Random Minds by Katherine Brodsky • 93 implied HN points • 26 Nov 25
🪞 Fashion & Beauty Marketing
  1. Madame Rachel was a famous beauty con artist in the Victorian era, offering women dangerous beauty treatments that promised to enhance their looks.
  2. She created a lavish image for her beauty business, which made her clients believe they were getting special, luxurious treatments.
  3. Madame Rachel's methods included blackmailing clients with their secrets, showing how the beauty industry exploits insecurities, a tactic still seen today.

The Ultimate Game Dev's Guide to Working with Content Creators

A16Z GAMES • 199 implied HN points • 09 Apr 24
💼 Business Marketing
  1. One of the biggest challenges for game developers is working with content creators to market their games effectively. It's important to find creators that resonate with your game and engage with them early on.
  2. Each content creator is unique, so it's crucial to tailor your approach to match their audience and content style. Understand their goals and create experiences that align with them.
  3. Building long-term relationships with content creators requires kindness, respect, and genuine engagement. Treat them well, consider their needs, and value the relationship beyond short-term marketing gains.

Want to Build Your Client Base? Get Started with These 3 Things First

VERY GOOD PRODUCTIZED GUIDES • 79 implied HN points • 22 Jun 24
💼 Business Marketing
  1. Start with identifying a problem that needs solving. Focus on what others need instead of just your own ideas.
  2. Choose the right clients who align with your values and needs. This helps you work better and smarter with a specific group.
  3. Give before you ask for anything. Start by offering something for free to build trust and show what you can do.

Moats: How to Build a Scalable Business Competitors Can't Copy

Nail It and Scale It • 59 implied HN points • 08 Jul 24
💼 Business Marketing
  1. A business moat is a special advantage that helps a company stand out and protect itself from competitors. Just like a moat around a castle keeps invaders out, a strong business moat helps companies earn big profits over time.
  2. There are different types of moats, like network effects where the value increases as more people use a service, and cost advantages that make switching harder for customers. Companies like Uber and Walmart have used these techniques smartly.
  3. Building a solid brand and having strong cultural values can also create powerful moats. For example, Patagonia builds loyalty by promoting environmentalism, making it harder for customers to switch to other brands.

I want to break free

In Bed With Social • 455 implied HN points • 14 Jan 24
💼 Business Marketing
  1. Brands face challenges in gaining organic visibility on social media, leading to a shift towards pay-to-play advertising.
  2. High-quality advertising content in 2023 is characterized by surprise and the unexpected.
  3. Weird and thought-provoking content is gaining popularity in advertising, sparking curiosity and questions.

Amazon never figured out its podcast platform strategy

Simon Owens's Media Newsletter • 274 implied HN points • 06 Aug 25
🎙 Podcasts Marketing
  1. Amazon struggled with its podcast strategy because it had separate teams for Amazon Music and Audible, which made it hard to compete in the market. This led to a lot of wasted talent and opportunities.
  2. Using content marketing is often more effective than traditional PR. Creating valuable content lets businesses connect better with their audience compared to just sending press releases.
  3. More media companies are starting to hire influencers and independent creators, like ESPN has done. This trend shows that traditional career paths in media are changing, and new talent is being recognized.

How Bolt.new hit $40M ARR in 5 months

Kyle Poyar’s Growth Unhinged • 362 implied HN points • 09 Jul 25
💼 Business Marketing
  1. Bolt.new succeeded because it had the right technology at the right time, quickly building on improvements in AI. This allowed them to grow rapidly after initially struggling for years.
  2. They made their user experience simple and easy for anyone to use, which helped people feel excited about creating and sharing their projects. This lack of barriers led to more users trying their product.
  3. Their growth strategy revolves around users sharing their creations, which naturally attracts new users. They also focus on quickly releasing updates and new features, keeping excitement high among users.

The Best of MRR Unlocked 2025

Startup Business Tips 🚀 • 43 implied HN points • 28 Dec 25
💼 Business Marketing
  1. Build a strong GTM foundation before you scale: be clear on one primary ICP, your positioning, and your dominant go-to-market motion so growth is repeatable, not random.
  2. Continuously analyze and refine your ICP and messaging as your product and market evolve, and keep that messaging consistent across website, content, outbound, and demos.
  3. Use founder-led channels like LinkedIn intentionally so content compounds, and focus on one or two high-impact growth channels plus a simple, documented sales process to drive wins, retention, and expansion.