The hottest Marketing Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Technology Topics

AI lets you scalably do things that don't scale

Generating Conversation • 70 implied HN points • 14 Nov 24
💼 Business Startups Marketing Sales Technology Customer Service
  1. AI helps businesses do tasks that usually require a lot of personal attention but can now be done at a larger scale. This means companies can reach more people without losing that personal touch.
  2. Using AI can improve customer support and technical help by automating common questions and providing quick solutions, allowing teams to handle more inquiries efficiently.
  3. Startups can grow faster with AI because it lets them do more with less staff. This ability to automate and customize tasks helps them stay lean while still offering great service.

Oh no, don't look - it's Developer Marketing

Permit.io’s Substack • 39 implied HN points • 24 Jul 24
💼 Business Marketing Conferences Technology Community Product Development
  1. Marketing to developers is really different from regular marketing. You can’t just tell them they’re doing things wrong; you need to connect with their community and understand their challenges.
  2. At conferences, it’s important to engage with developers at different levels. Not everyone taking a sticker will become a customer, and that's okay. It's more about building relationships.
  3. Offering flexibility in your product is key. Developers have different needs, so let them use only what they want without forcing features on them.

How I made $750k in the last 6 months

Kenny’s Sub • 379 implied HN points • 06 Jan 24
💼 Business Entrepreneurship Finance Marketing Personal Development Lifestyle
  1. Many success stories online lack important context and can be misleading. It's essential to look deeper into the circumstances behind these successes.
  2. Instead of comparing yourself directly to others, ask yourself key questions about your own situation. Consider your job, resources, and personal life before setting expectations.
  3. Stay curious and inspired by success stories, but remember to adapt their strategies to your unique circumstances for more realistic goals.
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What happened in marketing: TikTok ban, OpenAI expensive and Trends everywhere

The Social Juice • 44 implied HN points • 08 Dec 24
💼 Business Marketing Advertising Social media Trends Technology
  1. The US appeals court has upheld the TikTok ban, making it more likely that the app will have to be sold or face further restrictions in the country.
  2. OpenAI has launched a new, pricey subscription service called ChatGPT Pro, costing $200 a month, which offers advanced features for its users.
  3. Social media platforms like Pinterest and Google are sharing their trend predictions for 2025, indicating major shifts in how users will engage with content online.

The difference between making money and a hobby

Kenny’s Sub • 239 implied HN points • 04 Mar 24
💼 Business Entrepreneurship Marketing Startups E-commerce Freelancing
  1. Tinkering can be fun and educational, but it often doesn't lead to making real money. People who quit their jobs to experiment might not find traction if they aren't committed to serious efforts.
  2. If you want to succeed financially, it’s important to pick ideas with high demand. Avoid spending lots of time on small projects that don’t bring much profit.
  3. A solid marketing plan is just as crucial as having a good product. Without a way to promote what you're selling, you might just have a hobby instead of a business.

How writers, podcasters, and creators are building real communities on Substack

Substack • 409 implied HN points • 02 May 24
💼 Business Entrepreneurship Marketing Community Building Content creation Digital Platforms
  1. Using chat features on Substack helps writers attract more subscribers. When creators use chat, they often see 10% more subscribers at launch.
  2. Paywalled chat conversations can significantly boost paid subscriptions. Writers who have these chats are growing their revenue twice as fast as those without.
  3. Regular chat participation keeps subscribers engaged. Creators with ongoing chats are 12% more likely to retain their paid readers.

Recruiting Brainfood - Issue 345

Recruiting Brainfood • 589 implied HN points • 21 May 23
💼 Business Recruitment AI Marketing Work Operations
  1. Candidate experience is crucial for winning top talent in 2023, focusing on pillars like transparency, reciprocity, and unity.
  2. The WEF Future of Jobs report highlights regional variances in employment and the decline in real wages, impacting recruitment strategies.
  3. AI is transforming recruitment processes, from Google AI Search changing internet dynamics to AI assisting in automating hiring processes and message composition.

Herding in Queues: Why we Can’t resist Long Lines for Bagels

Gad’s Newsletter • 32 implied HN points • 23 Dec 24
🍲 Food & Drink Consumer behavior Psychology Economics Marketing
  1. People often wait in long lines for things like bagels because they believe that if a lot of others are waiting, then the product must be really good. This is called social proof.
  2. Even though waiting can be frustrating, many customers think the experience is worth it. They might feel like they're part of something special when they join a long line.
  3. Humans tend to mimic what others want rather than deciding for themselves. This means our desires can be influenced by seeing others enjoy something, like delicious bagels, leading us to wait in line too.

What happened in marketing: TikTok's last chance, ChatGPT hotline and LinkedIn's campaign manager makeover

The Social Juice • 31 implied HN points • 22 Dec 24
💼 Business Marketing Advertising Social media Consumer Trends Digital Strategy
  1. TikTok is facing potential bans as the US Supreme Court considers a case about it. Companies are trying to find ways to keep users engaged despite the uncertainty.
  2. ChatGPT has launched a hotline, allowing people to interact with AI in new ways, which could change customer service and support.
  3. Platforms like LinkedIn and Instagram are updating their features to help marketers better reach their audiences, including new ad tools and insights.

January Roundup (20 Pricing and Packaging Updates)

Good Better Best • 3 implied HN points • 31 Jan 25
💼 Business Pricing SaaS Marketing Economics Product Development
  1. There have been many changes in pricing models for software companies lately. Companies are focusing more on how they package and price their services to attract customers.
  2. Features are being adjusted to create clearer paths for customers to upgrade. This includes limiting features on lower plans to encourage users to move to higher-paying options.
  3. Many companies are experimenting with new pricing strategies to improve conversions. For example, adding email trials or changing how users are categorized in plans.

Why hasn’t the mainstream media embraced paid podcasts?

Simon Owens's Media Newsletter • 573 implied HN points • 14 Feb 24
💼 Business Media Subscription Publishing Marketing Startups
  1. Paid podcasts have seen success with small networks and creators, but traditional media outlets have been hesitant to embrace them.
  2. Platforms like Patreon and tools from Apple and Spotify have made subscribing to paid podcasts easier, yet major publishers are still not fully exploring this opportunity.
  3. Some media companies like Slate and The Economist are finding success with paid podcasts and hard paywalls, showing potential for revenue growth in these areas.

How DTC razor brand Billie built a $310M brand by showing body hair and bucking gender norms

the case for brand 💼 • 21 implied HN points • 03 Jan 25
💼 Business Branding Marketing Consumer Goods E-commerce Entrepreneurship
  1. Billie is changing the shaving game by showing that body hair is normal and celebrating women's choices. They make it clear that shaving should be a personal choice, not something women are pressured to do.
  2. Their success comes from offering products at fair prices without the 'pink tax'. They provide quality razors that don't charge more just because they are made for women.
  3. Billie uses clever marketing that connects with women, like campaigns that challenge beauty standards. They've built a strong brand that stands out from traditional competitors.

Your Attention Please: A New Era of Games Showcases is Here

A16Z GAMES • 139 implied HN points • 23 Apr 24
🕹 Technology Gaming Marketing Communities Innovation
  1. Game developers need to find new ways to get their games discovered in the post-E3 era.
  2. Smaller, targeted digital showcases are emerging to help reach specific player audiences beyond traditional large events like The Game Awards and Nintendo Direct.
  3. Game developers face challenges like game saturation, rising user acquisition costs, and the need for strategic marketing strategies to ensure their games get noticed.

Simplifying your product strategy is a competitive advantage

amivora • 11 implied HN points • 22 Jan 25
💼 Business Strategy Product Marketing Innovation Entrepreneurship Competition
  1. Keeping your product simple can help you stand out in a crowded market. People appreciate products that are easy to understand and use.
  2. It's important to focus on what makes your product essential, instead of trying to add too many features. This helps users quickly see the value.
  3. Prioritizing what to keep and what to cut is key. If you're not willing to cut things that seem valuable, you might not be prioritizing deeply enough.

How to Exhibit at a Trade Show

Startup Real Talk • 242 implied HN points • 23 Oct 24
💼 Business Marketing Sales Networking Strategy Events
  1. Always stand in front of your booth to grab attention. Being visible helps you connect with more people.
  2. Start conversations by inviting passersby in with something interesting, like a giveaway. This makes it easier to engage them.
  3. Follow up quickly after the event. Use your notes to personalize your messages so people remember you and what you discussed.

5 Challenges of Scaling Paid Ads for Early Stage Startups

Nail It and Scale It • 59 implied HN points • 25 Jun 24
💼 Business Startups Marketing Advertising Scaling Growth
  1. It's hard to find out why ads aren't working. There can be many reasons, like targeting the wrong audience or having a bad website design.
  2. Early stage startups often struggle to scale quickly due to internal issues. When they get more leads, they might need to pause ads to catch up, which can hurt their momentum.
  3. Finding product-market fit takes time and constant testing. Just because something works now doesn't mean it will work later, so keep experimenting with different strategies.

25-Year-Old Entrepreneur Savannah Jordan on How She Built a Multi-Million-Dollar Marketing Agency in Three Years

The Profile • 773 implied HN points • 09 Aug 23
💼 Business Entrepreneurship Marketing Success Resilience Authenticity
  1. Savannah Jordan built a multi-million-dollar marketing agency by dedicating herself fully and pushing through challenges.
  2. Seeking mentorship and learning from mistakes helped Savannah establish Alpha after a previous startup experience.
  3. To stay ahead in marketing, constant research, observing trends, and embracing authenticity are key strategies.

The Community Round - equity crowdfunding to hack superfans, distribution, & growth 🤝

Channels of Growth • 530 implied HN points • 08 Jul 23
💼 Business Crowdfunding Startups Investing Entrepreneurship Marketing
  1. Launching a Community Round can bring on investors who are also your product's early adopters.
  2. Giving users equity can increase their commitment and drive word-of-mouth referrals.
  3. Raising a Community Round is most effective when you already have a product and a supportive community base.

I've found the last missing piece 🔍

André Casal's Substack • 19 implied HN points • 13 Aug 24
💼 Business Startups Entrepreneurship Marketing Product Development
  1. The founder had productive calls with developers, gaining insights to improve their project after the launch. It's important to listen to experienced people to refine your ideas.
  2. They enhanced their landing page by adding testimonials and changing the pricing strategy, which could help attract more customers. Good copy and clear pricing can make a big difference.
  3. The next steps include generating social proof and setting up a Product Hunt pre-launch page, showing a plan to engage potential users and increase visibility before launch.

Unlocking simplicity: Customer empathy as a (not-so-secret) weapon

amivora • 5 implied HN points • 05 Feb 25
💼 Business Customer Experience Strategy Product Development Marketing User Research
  1. Spending time with customers is really important for understanding what to simplify in your product. It might not seem helpful right away, but it leads to better decisions in the long run.
  2. Using your own product to identify issues can teach you a lot. Observing how customers interact with it often reveals what's working and what's frustrating for them.
  3. Deep emotional responses from customers indicate what matters most to them. Getting those insights helps shape what you should focus on and improve in your offerings.

360° SaaS GTM assessment: 10 areas to diagnose your SaaS GTM health

Startup Business Tips 🚀 • 47 implied HN points • 17 Nov 24
💼 Business SaaS Marketing Sales Growth Strategy
  1. Diagnosing your Go-To-Market (GTM) strategy is crucial for the success of your SaaS business. You need to have a clear plan before jumping into execution, or you might waste resources.
  2. Your GTM strategy should include elements like understanding your ideal customers, defining your market position, and creating clear messaging. This helps in attracting and converting potential clients effectively.
  3. Regularly reviewing both your GTM strategy and execution helps you identify what works and what doesn't. This way, you can adjust your tactics to improve performance and achieve your growth goals.

Novo Nordisk (Finally) Faces Some Consequences for Their Deceptive Marketing Tactics - Part 1

Weight and Healthcare • 639 implied HN points • 29 Mar 23
🏥 Health & Wellness Pharmaceuticals Marketing Deception Regulations
  1. Novo Nordisk faced consequences for deceptive marketing tactics such as using astroturf organizations and promoting their drugs without disclosing ties.
  2. The Association of the British Pharmaceutical Industry suspended Novo Nordisk for breaching their code of practice related to a promotional course and inducing healthcare professionals to prescribe their drug.
  3. Novo Nordisk's appeal for the breach was unsuccessful, leading to public reprimand for failings and suspension for two years from ABPI membership.

Preparing to launch 🚀

André Casal's Substack • 19 implied HN points • 12 Aug 24
💼 Business Entrepreneurship Startups Marketing Finance Product Development
  1. Testing the payment flow is crucial. It's important to ensure the payment system works correctly before launching, so real-world testing with coupon codes can help ease nerves.
  2. Improving the landing page can make a big difference. Sometimes stepping away helps you see what's unnecessary or unclear, allowing for better, more precise wording.
  3. Planning next steps is essential for a successful launch. Focus on pricing strategy, generating social proof, and preparing for platforms like Product Hunt to boost visibility.

Videos in Chat, app updates, and Substackers at events and in the news

Substack • 281 implied HN points • 06 Jun 24
💼 Business Publishing Marketing Community Technology Finance
  1. Publishers can now share videos directly in their Chat space, which helps them connect with subscribers better.
  2. The Substack app has new features, like controlling video autoplay and the ability to embed YouTube and Spotify links in notes.
  3. Substack is hosting community events and encourages publishers to share their milestones and news.

HIBBETT: A Mathematical Nike | Financial Deep-Dive (Part 1)

Value Investing Substack • 275 implied HN points • 21 Jan 24
💰 Finance Investing Stocks Financial Analysis Marketing
  1. Hibbett is a unique retail company marketing to a niche customer demographic in the sneakerhead culture.
  2. The business model of Hibbett resembles marketing-focused businesses like fashion brands rather than traditional retail.
  3. Hibbett's management exhibits strong financial acumen through optimal capital allocation and cost management.

What happened in marketing: Reddit is more AI, Instagram is better and Agency chaos: IPGxOmnicom

The Social Juice • 31 implied HN points • 15 Dec 24
💼 Business Marketing Advertising Social media Technology Trends
  1. Reddit is improving its search features with AI, making it easier for users to find answers and content. This change could enhance the overall experience of using the platform.
  2. Instagram is rolling out new features, like Trial Reels, to engage users more effectively. These updates aim to keep the platform fresh and appealing.
  3. The agency landscape is changing with big mergers, like Omnicom acquiring IPG. This could mean more competition and innovation in marketing strategies.