🎯 10 Best Newsletter Ads This Week (Apr 11-17)

👋 We’re back with our third round of newsletter ad breakdowns! By now, you’ve probably noticed some patterns in what makes these ads work.

This week, we’ll look at 10 more fresh examples from Creator Spotlight, Sahil Bloom, DTC Newsletter, and more.

In today’s issue:

• 🎯 Newsletter ads that are crushing it right now (6 static + 4 video ads)

• 🧠 Simple breakdowns of why they work

• 🎨 Ready-to-use Canva templates to copy

• 📧 Newsletters to inspire your own

Tip: If you're using paid ads to grow, add Sparkloop to your signup flow. We’ve been using it to recoup 70-80% of our Meta ad spend.

It lets you recommend other newsletters to your new subscribers right after they sign up. When someone joins one and stays engaged, you get paid – usually $2-$5 per subscriber.

Here’s the link to sign up if you want to give it a try. It’s 100% free.

📬 Using Gmail? This email might get clipped (it's over 102KB). You can read the full post on our website here.

📸 STATIC ADS

1. Creator Spotlight

Time running: 178 days

Why this works:

Creator Spotlight nails something most brands miss: they lead with the actual problem their audience faces right now.

The Notes app format feels authentic (because it is). No fancy graphics or corporate polish. Just someone talking directly about what every creator is thinking: “reel views are down + hashtags don’t work.”

What makes this really smart is how they build credibility. Instead of saying “we’re experts,” they mention their 200,000+ creator audience.

That’s social proof that matters specifically to creators who feel isolated in their struggles.

How to apply this concept:

• Lead with the specific problem your readers are dealing with right now, not generic benefits they might want someday.

• Use social proof as evidence your solution works (like “200,000+ creators read”).

• Choose an ad format that matches the expectations of your audience – the notes app feels authentic for creators.

2. Nomad for Less

Time running: 144 days

Why this works:

What I appreciate about this ad is how bold it is. The headline immediately grabs attention because it’s the opposite of what you’d expect from a lifestyle newsletter.

Then, they lean into the sarcasm: working at the same desk for 40 years and maybe retiring when you’re 90. It’s funny, but it also makes the alternative (their newsletter) feel urgent and necessary.

This works because they’re selling an emotional change, not just information. They understand that their audience feels trapped and constantly dreams of a different life.

How to apply this concept:

• Use sarcasm or unexpected humor to highlight the pain of the status quo your newsletter helps solve.

• Create a clear contrast between the painful present and the desirable future your newsletter helps create.

• Focus on the emotional transformation your newsletter enables, not just its practical benefits.

3. The Open Letter

Time running: 40 days

Why this works:

This WhatsApp conversation format works well for several reasons. First, it doesn’t feel like an ad. It feels like you’re overhearing a genuine talk between friends.

Second, they position their newsletter as giving readers a strategic edge. The friend describes it as “like having a crystal ball” for business insights. That’s not just information, that’s competitive intelligence.

And the closing line “your future self will thank you” creates just enough urgency without being too pushy.

How to apply this concept:

• Use conversational formats (text messages, chats) to simulate word-of-mouth recommendations.

• Position your newsletter as giving readers insider knowledge or an edge over others in their field.

• Create subtle FOMO by suggesting that not subscribing means missing out on valuable opportunities.

📧 RECOMMENDATIONS

3 Newsletters to Inspire Your Own

As a newsletter operator, I subscribe to tons of newsletters to get new ideas and inspiration.

Below are some great ones if you’re looking for inspiration from high-performing newsletters:

• The Pen Pivot → Get psychology-backed secrets behind getting people to click, read, view, and engage with your content.

• I Will Teach You To Be Rich → Where 800k+ readers get actionable, no-BS advice on how to create a successful business and build a rich life without sacrificing the things they love.

• Write • Build • Scale with Sinem Günel → This helps you write confidently, build your audience, and scale your income, so you can make money doing what you love.

🔗 These are 1-click subscribe links – no email entry needed if you’re reading this in your inbox.

4. The Runway Ventures

Time running: 39 days

Why this works:

This takes some guts. The Facebook content warning format makes their content feel forbidden/exclusive.

And they’re literally telling most people not to subscribe: “If you aren’t serious about becoming the top 1% founder, this isn’t for you.”

Many marketers would be scared of people running away, but Runway Ventures understands that exclusivity = desire, especially among ambitious startup founders.

Plus, saying that they’re focused on “failed startup stories” creates curiosity because it flips the usual success-story pitch on its head.

How to apply this concept:

• Borrow familiar interface elements from social platforms to create intrigue around your content.

• Don’t be afraid to filter out non-ideal subscribers with bold statements about who should (and shouldn’t) subscribe.

• Look for untapped angles in your niche – what is everyone else NOT talking about?

5. Naples Brief

Time running: 46 days

Why this works:

This is simplicity at its finest. Naples Brief doesn’t overthink anything. Beautiful Naples backdrop, clear value proposition, done.

For local newsletters, this straightforward approach makes perfect sense. People in Naples don’t need to be convinced that Naples matters to them. They just need to know that you’ll give them useful information about their city.

The scenic background also creates that emotional connection to place that local newsletters need.

How to apply this concept:

• For location-specific newsletters, use imagery that evokes the beauty or unique character of your area.

• Keep your value proposition extremely simple – people subscribe to local newsletters for clear, practical benefits.

• Emphasize “FREE” to remove any barrier to subscription, especially for local content.

6. Cyber Corsairs

Time running: 27 days

Why this works:

We’ve featured Cyber Corsairs before, and they’re back with another smart cheat sheet ad.

This one, just like other, works extremely well because they’re giving away genuinely useful content right in the ad itself.

Also, the typo (“guid” instead of “guide”) is actually useful. It makes the ad feel more human and less corporate. People notice these things, and sometimes imperfection builds trust.

The crossed-out $100 price creates noticeable value, but the real strength here is in the practical and clean format that shows exactly what subscribers can expect.

How to apply this concept:

• Give away genuinely useful content in your ad – make the ad itself valuable even if people don’t subscribe.

• Use structured formats like cheat sheets or quick-reference guides to showcase the practical nature of your newsletter.

• Consider intentional “imperfections” that make your ad feel more authentic and less corporate.

🎬 VIDEO ADS

7. Sahil Bloom

Time running: 370 days

Why this works:

Sahil’s approach here is smart. He leads with pure motivation: “Your entire life can change in one year.” That strikes you emotionally before you even know that he’s selling something.

The video format also lets him connect personally in a way that text often can’t match.

Asking “what’s stopping you from starting today?” makes it feel like you’re being challenged by someone who genuinely wants to help.

But, it’s important to note that order matters here. Emotion first, call-to-action second. I’ve seen a lot of people do the opposite, and their ads usually don’t perform as well.

How to apply this concept:

• Lead with an emotionally resonant message before introducing your newsletter or asking for any action.

• Use videos to create a more personal connection with potential subscribers.

• Frame your newsletter as the bridge between where subscribers are now and where they want to be in their lives. Speak/write in an encouraging, aspirational tone.

8. DTC Newsletter

Time running: 152 days

Why this works:

This TikTok-style ad is relatable in an authentic way. “When you’re supposed to be an expert marketer, but you steal all of your ideas from a free marketing newsletter.”

It taps into that imposter syndrome feeling most marketers have.

Instead of promising to make you an expert, they’re suggesting that current experts are already using their newsletter. That’s a much easier mental leap for someone to make.

The format choice is significant too. They’re meeting their audience where they already spend time and using humor that feels natural to that platform.

How to apply this concept:

• Use humor that taps into common insecurities your newsletter helps solve.

• Position your newsletter as an “insider secret” that successful people already use.

• Match your ad format to the platforms where your target audience naturally spends their time.

9. The Marketing Millennials

Time running: 100 days

Why this works:

What I like about this ad is how they build their case step by step. First, they say good marketing is crucial.

Then, they position their newsletter as something that provides you with exactly that: “a swipe file of campaigns that just work.”

Mentioning a swipe file is effective because it tells the reader these are proven, easy-to-find strategies you can use right away.

And the promise of giving you “a leg up on the competition” taps into that competitive advantage every marketer wants.

How to apply this concept:

• Start your ad copy with a simple truth about your industry that no one can disagree with.

• If possible, offer a swipe file as a lead magnet in your newsletter ad. It makes the value instantly recognizable and lowers the barrier to taking action.

• Promise a competitive advantage (which is what we all want) in your ads rather than generic benefits like “learn more” or “stay informed.”

10. The Points Guy

Time running: 141 days

Why this works:

The hook here is perfect: “This is the number one mistake people make with their credit card points.” It immediately promises insider knowledge that could save you from a costly error.

They also create a clear before-and-after. Most people waste points on gift cards, but smart travelers transfer to premium partners and get “double or even triple the value.”

The visuals help too. Those first-class flights, VIP lounges, and dream vacations put a vision to the promise and make the benefits feel real. 

How to apply this concept:

• Start your ad copy with a specific mistake your audience is making that your newsletter helps them avoid.

• Create a clear contrast between the common approach and the better method your newsletter teaches.

• Use visuals in your ads that help subscribers imagine enjoying the specific benefits your newsletter provides.

👋 THAT’S A WRAP

Before you go, here are 3 ways we can help you

1. 🎯 Explore past winning ad breakdowns + templates on our website.

2. 🗂️ Grab the swipe file from this week’s newsletter ads – it includes all the ad descriptions, headlines, original images/videos, and landing pages they linked to.

3. 📧 Haven’t launched your newsletter yet? Try Beehiiv – it’s what we use, and honestly the best newsletter platform right now. They’re currently offering the first month FREE, plus 20% off for your next 3 months.

That’s it for this week’s issue – thanks for reading! I’ll see you next week for more.

– Alex

P.S. If this email ends up in your Junk or Promotions folder, mark it as “Not Junk” or move it to your Primary inbox. That way, you won’t miss the next issue!