No one asked, so here it is; a revamped list of newsletters worth your clicks (#1 can be found here).
Some people say newsletters are dead. These people are either subscribed to the wrong kind of newsletters or are reading newsletters that are full of crap – which are the wrong kind of newsletters.
I subscribe to a lot of newsletters and then unsubscribe pretty quickly unless they provide, you know, value.
Value in the form of resources I can actually use (work stuff) or entertainment (things I like to read or watch. Or listen to, I guess). And that – shock – is what your newsletter should provide. Value.
Anyway. I’ll stop rambling. Actually, I’m jumping back in here post-writing to say holy shit, I subscribe to a lot of newsletters. I didn’t realise it was so many. How do I even get anything done?
OK. Here we go. In no particular order:
Harry’s newsletter
Marketing stuff. Short, to the point, and while there might not be anything ground-breakingly new, there’s always something good. Something that I save, or am reminded about and that I share. Check it out.
ree’s pieces
More marketing stuff. But not just that. It’s super short with zero fluff and is a nice summary of what’s caught their (it’s an agency. I literally only just found that out) attention that week. Check it out and sign up here.
The Ann Friedman Weekly
Do you ever read a newsletter and think ‘Man, I wish I could meet this person and have a beer with them?’ Well, that’s how I feel about Ann Friedman. This has nothing to do with marketing and everything to do with culture, society and … philosophy? I’m not sure that’s entirely true, but there’s always something I dwell on. Check it out.
Total Annarchy
Ann Handley is a content guru and all-round good human. I’ve never met her but she actually replies to emails and that is impressive. Plus, she shares down-to-earth newsletters that are full of friendly chat and useful tips and resources. Always a pleasure to read – not just useful. Also, bonus points for the name. Check it out and sign up.
The Week in Patriarchy
This Guardian newsletter by Arwa Mahdawi has been on my list for a long time and is a newsletter I actually look forward to receiving. It’s a great read over your first cup of tea. It’s a summary of important stories on feminism, sexism and inequality and can be pretty horrific at times – but is always rounded off with a nice story about animals of some description which often serves as much-needed eye bleach. Check it out and sign up.
TechScape
Another Guardian newsletter, this time about tech and how it’s impacting our lives. It’s a slightly longer read, but written so well it’s always enjoyable. And interesting. Sometimes a little dystopian, but hey, that’s 2024 for you. Sign up here.
The Marketoonist
No surprises – this one is all about marketing. Chances are you know it. One cartoon, a short article about each. Always topical, always fun and always insightful. Read and subscribe here.
Laura Olin
I’m not even sure what this one is called. I’m not 100% sure what Laura Olin does (strategy, I believe), but I do know she writes a damn fine newsletter full of fun things, interesting things, recipes, music, projects and more. It’s the kind of newsletter I read and then think ‘Man, I should write a cool newsletter like this’ but then don’t because there’s no way I could top this one. Read and subscribe here.
OMGLORD
Another person I’d like to have a beer with, Gabby Lord. This newsletter is a melting pot of useful resources (design stuff) and links about music, film and culture titbits. Love it. Subscribe.
BasicArts
Alex Smith writes a weekly newsletter all about strategy. What I love most about them is that they’re never black and white. There’s always a different angle; it could be an unusual industry, a provocative take or an approach you probably hadn’t thought of. Check it out.
Garbage Day
This is relatively new one for me and one I’m sad I didn’t know about before. Ryan Broderick does all the digging for you so you get to read about all the fun and interesting stuff going on online without having to go down any rabbit holes. I raise my glass to you, Ryan. Read ‘n’ subscribe.
TheFutureParty
Another newish one for me, and another one I wish I had known about earlier. Entertainment, media and culture all wrapped up in a readable format with fun links littered throughout. Perfect to read on the metro on the way home from work. Read, subscribe.
The Business of Creativity
Written (or is it) by Sir John Hegarty, this newsletter celebrates creativity in every which way. Fashion, business, art, music – you name it, it’s a source of creative inspiration. And that’s why I love it. Subscribe here.
The Strat Labs
Last, but by no means least, The Strat Labs is written by Will Posket, a very nice human who is also great at writing about marketing strategy. Always a good story, always a good angle and also good to follow on LinkedIn. Subscribe.
Phew. I hope you found something interesting. I won’t believe you if you say no.
