Newsletters Killing the Game

In a complex digital environment, newsletters remain the anchor of a brand’s digital relationship with its consumer. From fleeting pageviews to shifting social algorithms, email serves as the ultimate relationship vehicle between client and customer. From idea to inbox, here’s a roundup of newsletters slaying the game. #inboxspo

The Hustle

From it’s quippy subject lines (“Well, Apple had a big day”), to smart calls to action (“bye bye buzz” in relation to as story on the rise of non-alcoholic beverages),  The Hustle’s clean UI, self deprecating writing style, and ability to summarize timely news events into bite-sized pieces, makes this newsletter an all around delight to receive as a consumer. It will make you smirk, inspire you, and keep you informed all from even just a passing glance.

National Geographic

Image is everything in this case, and despite a smaller view pane in inboxes, the highly visual elements of the National Geographic’s photography and still images translate just as seamlessly to the inbox as they do from the print and online product. While many brands eliminate images from newsletters in order to shorten the length of email, National Geographic doubles down on it’s best asset including up to 5 large images per newsletter.

Vox Sentences

Capitalizing on the short and sweet nature of consumers, Vox sentences offer a quick daily recap in a clear, concise format. No bells and whistles, just content that cuts right to the chase - perfect for busy consumers on the go.

Washington Post

Bow down to the original newsletter King.  The WaPo’s newsletters are methodical, well-oiled content machines visible in the sheer volume and vertical options. While other brands are taking a simplified all-inclusive newsletter option, WaPo’s readership of nearly 8 million demands niche verticals for every type of consumer.

Moz Top 10

If you’re looking for SEO and marketing news (but don’t want to be overwhelmed) Moz delivers a semi-monthly newsletter with the best, most relevant industry news. It’s the type of stuff you want to read, but maybe it’s not sexy enough to hit the front page of other new sources.

The Skimm

I’m not sure there is a list of good newsletters to follow out there that doesn’t include The Skimm. The originator of the quippy story style worthy of sharing with friends reminded us that a medium that’s been around for ages could still be cool. Thanks Skimm, rising tides raise all ships. And many a publisher is indebted to this team for putting newsletters back into the millennial mindset.

D Brief

Pioneering the news-driven newsletter amongst city and regional brands, D Brief serves as the most altruistic version of the newsletters listed so far (no clicking to get to you what you want).  By serving all content within the medium itself in its simplistic easy-to-read format, this brand extension is here to serve reader’s only.

Los Angeles Magazine Daily Update

Albeit a city regional publication, their newsletter topics are often of national interest, too, and offer a one-stop-shop for news in Los Angeles while being equally playful and informative.

Down East Snapshot

Focused on the beautiful aesthetic that Maine brings in all seasons, Down East sends out a weekly newsletter curated by their in-house photographer, Benjamin Williamson. The newsletter features boastful scenic imagery, directing traffic to their site to view more lovely photography and offers takes customers on Photography Workshops hosted by Benjamin to teach them how to best capture Maine. We love how this newsletter speaks directly to its audience with content, but also provides a way for them to get involved.

HubSpot Marketing Blog

Last but certainly not least, the HubSpot Marketing Blog. HubSpot rounds up it’s recent blogs to give you a quick overview of what was published on their site this week. They provide everything from templates for content strategy, guides on how to set up UTM strings, eCommerce best practices, free font packs to use, and so much more. Depending on what avenue of marketing you specialize in or want to learn more about, it’s practically guaranteed that you’ll learn something new every week.