🎯 10 Best Newsletter Ads This Week (Apr 4–10)

👋 Welcome back to our weekly breakdown of winning newsletter ads!

Last week, we looked at ads from 1440 Media, The Average Joe, and others that are crushing it online.

This week’s breakdown includes newsletters like: 

• Digestible AI

• Refind

• The Hustle

• And more

Let’s jump into the analysis!

– Alex

📸 STATIC ADS

1. Digestible AI

Why this works:

Starting things off, Digestible AI’s ad brilliantly captures a common struggle: navigating the jungle of AI information.

The before/after visual immediately communicates the transformation from confusing chaos to organized clarity.

Most AI newsletters just promise to keep you updated, but Digestible AI goes a step further by addressing the overwhelming nature of AI news itself. 

The visual metaphor does the heavy lifting here. It shows rather than tells. When you check out their actual newsletter, you’ll find they organize content with “At a Glance” sections followed by deeper dives.

This format aligns perfectly with their promise of making complex AI topics digestible.

How to apply this concept:

• Create a visual that illustrates the transformation your newsletter provides. Show the problem and solution in one glance.

• Think about the deeper frustration behind your topic area. For AI, it’s not a lack of information – it’s too much confusing information.

• Structure your actual newsletter to match your visual promise. If you claim to simplify complex topics, your format should reflect that consistently.

2. The Neuron - AI Newsletter

Why this works:

“Become a ChatGPT power user in 48 hours” – now that’s a specific and compelling promise. The Neuron hooks potential subscribers by offering an immediate return on their attention investment.

This ad combines several powerful elements: a free educational course (value: $200), clear visuals of what you’ll receive, and the promise of boosted productivity. 

The limited-time aspect also creates urgency without feeling forced or overly salesy. After all, who wouldn’t want to master a powerful AI tool for free?

The Neuron understands that by giving away high-value content upfront, they’re building a loyal audience they can engage with long-term.

How to apply this concept:

• Create a lead magnet that delivers immediate, tangible value. Free courses or guides work exceptionally well.

• Be specific about time frames – “in 48 hours” feels achievable and urgent.

• Highlight the original price of your free offer to emphasize the value exchange.

3. Superhuman AI newsletter

Why this works:

Superhuman AI’s approach here is refreshingly straightforward. They’ve created a Google Doc-style ad showcasing “1000+ ChatGPT prompts” organized by profession. This format accomplishes several things at once.

For one, the Google Doc aesthetic shows practicality rather than flashy marketing. It feels like something you’d actually use rather than just read. 

And the breakdown by profession (with exact prompt counts) is what’s particularly clever. This allows each potential subscriber to quickly find guidance for their specific needs.

Whether they’re in marketing, operations, or just about any profession – this ad has it covered.

How to apply this concept:

• Consider using familiar formats that show practicality – like Google Docs, spreadsheets, or templates.

• Break down your content by specific categories to help different audience segments see immediate value.

• Use precise numbers instead of vague promises – “150 marketing prompts” beats “many marketing prompts” every time.

4. Refind

Why this works:

Refind brilliantly packages intellectual development into a structured 10-day journey with their “How to be a better thinker” course.

But what makes this ad truly effective is its format. They’ve used the high-converting “paper and pen” style that mimics user-generated content rather than polished marketing.

This format creates immediate authenticity – it feels like a friend sharing their personal notes rather than a company pushing a product.

Each day’s reading includes exact time commitments (4-16 minutes), addressing the common objection that personal development takes too much time.

How to apply this concept:

• Use the “printed and photographed” ad format to make your marketing feel like authentic user-generated content.

• Package your content as a structured journey with a clear beginning and end to transform an indefinite subscription into a specific commitment.

• Include specific time estimates for your content to address the “I don’t have time” objection.

5. Mike Romaine

Why this works:

Mike Romaine’s ad feels like insider advice from a friend, not a marketing pitch. Using the notes app format creates immediate authenticity.

The contrast between the old way (marked with a red X) and the new way (green check) creates a clear contrast.

We all know fighting algorithms on multiple platforms is exhausting. Writing SuperThreads and a weekly newsletter for just 1-2 hours a day, on the other hand, sounds doable.

For burnt-out creators tired of being overwhelmed by algorithms, Mike’s simple approach feels like a lifeline.

How to apply this concept:

• Use formats that feel personal and authentic. Notes apps, handwritten text, or simple screenshots can work well.

• Create a clear visual contrast between the painful status quo and your better solution.

• Address a specific pain point in your industry rather than making generic promises about quality or value.

6. Kim Komando (The Current)

Why this works:

Sometimes simplicity wins. Kim Komando’s ad reads like a personal recommendation rather than a marketing message.

The ad strips away all complexity, focusing on just three core benefits: tech news, current events, and tips and tricks.

The value proposition is instantly understandable – no fancy language or confusing promises. By showing the actual newsletter signup screen in the ad, any uncertainty about what happens next is removed.

The emphasis on “completely free!” addresses the main hesitation people have about subscribing to newsletters. And with the newsletter’s 900,000+ daily readers, this straightforward approach clearly resonates.

How to apply this concept:

• Frame your ad as a personal recommendation rather than a promotion. “Why I read…” feels more authentic than “Subscribe to…”

• Show the actual signup process to reduce friction and uncertainty.

• Highlight “free” prominently if your newsletter doesn’t require payment – this removes a major barrier to subscription.

🎬 VIDEO ADS

7. Evelio Silvera

Why this works:

Bull Street’s ad uses the powerful “POV” (point of view) framework to put viewers in a future where they’re already benefiting from the newsletter. The end value is immediately communicated.

The video format also creates an aspirational mood—walking confidently in a suit with upbeat music suggests success.

This ad taps into the emotional desire behind financial newsletters: feeling confident and on top of market movements.

Market intelligence typically comes at a premium, so offering it for free creates an attractive value proposition for anyone interested.

How to apply this concept:

• Use the “POV” framework to help potential subscribers imagine already experiencing the benefits of your newsletter.

• In video ads, create a mood that matches the emotional outcome your newsletter provides – confidence, calm, excitement, etc.

• Focus on the end benefit (“aware of market opportunities”) rather than just the features (“we send market news”).

8. Jay Shetty

Why this works:

Jay Shetty masterfully builds curiosity here by challenging expectations. “The most powerful thing I learned in 3 years as a monk” sets up a promise of exclusive insight.

Then he flips expectations: “It wasn’t meditation, it wasn’t mindfulness, it wasn’t even enlightenment.” This pattern interrupt makes viewers stop scrolling. What could possibly be more valuable than these widely respected spiritual practices?

Adding that he “reveals these hidden truths to 749,500+ people every Thursday” creates social proof and exclusivity.

The specific subscriber count (not rounded to 750,000) adds even more credibility. The peaceful background and thoughtful music reinforce and complement his brand.

How to apply this concept:

• Create curiosity gaps by challenging assumptions about what’s most valuable in your field.

• Use the “it wasn’t X, it wasn’t Y, it wasn’t even Z” format to build anticipation.

• Include specific subscriber numbers rather than rounded figures to increase believability.

9. Leander Scoop

Why this works:

Leander Scoop’s ad targets an extremely specific local pain point: finding things to do in three specific Texas towns.

By underlining the location names (Leander, Liberty Hill, and Cedar Park), they immediately grab attention from residents of these areas.

No grand promises or complex value propositions – just a simple solution to a common local frustration.

For local newsletters, geographical specificity is a superpower. When you see your town’s name in an ad, it immediately feels relevant to your life.

The “ABSOLUTELY FREE!” emphasis removes any barrier to subscription. This is especially crucial, though, for local content where willingness to pay falls below that of professional newsletters.

How to apply this concept:

• For local newsletters, make location names visually prominent in your ad creative.

• Address a specific, common frustration that residents in your area face.

• Keep your value proposition straightforward – complex messaging isn’t needed when addressing clear local needs.

10. The Hustle

Why this works:

This week’s final ad from The Hustle opens with a bold claim: “If you had to choose one email to get for the rest of your life this should be it.” The statement immediately elevates their newsletter as essential, not optional.

This language also perfectly matches the target audience of no-nonsense professionals who value their time.

The million-plus subscriber reference provides powerful social proof without feeling too forced. The urban backdrop visually reinforces the newsletter’s focus on business and startups. And it’s free (notice a theme?).

How to apply this concept:

• Make a bold positioning statement that elevates your newsletter from optional to essential.

• Match your language to your audience – The Hustle’s direct approach works because it aligns with their readers’ communication style.

• Integrate social proof naturally rather than making it feel tacked on.

That’s it for this Thursday’s breakdown, hope you learned something useful! You can view our past issues on our website.

P.S. Got a question with your newsletter? Whether it's:

• 📈 Growing your newsletter with paid ads

• 🐝 Beehiiv tips, customization, or feature guidance (If you're thinking about switching to beehiiv, use this link to get your first month FREE + 20% off the next 3 months.)

• 💰 Monetization strategies like sponsorships, paid subscriptions, Sparkloop integrations, etc.

Just hit reply and let me know what's on your mind – I'll do my best to help.