🎯 10 Best Newsletter Ads This Week (Apr 18–24)

👋 Hey!

In this collection of newsletter ads, I’ve noticed something interesting: some of the most effective ads aren’t necessarily the most complex.

In fact, it’s often the opposite.

This week, we’ll look at 10 ads that focus on simplicity to drive subscriptions.

Let’s see what’s working for newsletters like The Rundown, Mindstream, The Good Trade, and more.

– Alex

📸 STATIC ADS

1. The Rundown

Why this works:

Starting our analysis this week is The Rundown’s very simple notebook-style ad.

It organizes AI learning into an easy three-step process: stop scrolling social media, subscribe to their newsletter, and learn AI in 5 minutes a day.

The elementary-style drawings reinforce the message that this is approachable for anyone. What makes this ad effective is that it addresses both a problem and offers a simple solution.

The problem? Wasting time on social media. The solution? Their newsletter with a clear benefit. They make AI, a complex topic, feel accessible to complete beginners.

How to apply this concept:

• Break down your complex offer into a simple, numbered process that feels achievable.

• Use visuals that make intimidating topics feel approachable – sometimes less polished is more effective.

• Compare a common time-waster with your newsletter’s efficient alternative.

2. WealthFit

Why this works:

WealthFit uses the notes app format that proves highly effective for newsletter ads. They lead with actionable benefits rather than pain points.

Their promise of “actionable tips on investing, saving, and building wealth” positions the newsletter as a practical resource. The check marks create a satisfying list of tangible outcomes.

The humor they inject softens what could otherwise feel like dry financial content. Lines like “even your bank account will be impressed” and “make Mondays feel like Fridays” make it relatable.

Social proof (“Join over 80,000 weekly readers”) addresses one key objection: Is it worth my time?

Repeatedly emphasizing that it’s free (“No, seriously, it’s free”) addresses the other: Will it cost me money?

How to apply this concept:

• Lead with concrete, actionable benefits rather than vague promises.

• Use light humor to make traditionally “serious” topics more approachable.

• Emphasize “free” multiple times if your newsletter doesn’t require payment – people are naturally skeptical.

3. The Average Joe

Why this works:

The Average Joe demonstrates the power of simplicity with this winning ad. Their black-and-white design with orange highlights draws attention to key selling points.

Things like “research-backed stock picks,” “250,000 investors,” and “5 minutes to read” stand out clearly. This strategic use of color guides the eye to the most compelling elements.

The ad also directly addresses a major pain point for investors – spending hours digging through financial reports.

Then it offers a clear alternative. So not only do they save you time with research, they make it incredibly clear who’s delivering this value.

How to apply this concept:

• Use strategic color highlights to draw attention to your most compelling selling points.

• Address a specific time-consuming task your newsletter eliminates or simplifies.

• Pair social proof (large subscriber numbers) with low time commitment to create an irresistible value proposition.

4. 1440 Media

Why this works:

1440 Media employs a powerful visual contrast between “Zuckerberg’s news feed” and their own offering. One side looks chaotic, stressful, and biased. The other appears organized, fact-based, and calming.

This before/after format creates an immediate emotional reaction. The messy, red-tinged left side feels stressful. The organized, blue-toned right side feels peaceful.

The X and check emojis reinforce the contrast, creating a clear choice for the viewer. Their “3M+ subscribers” social proof is exceptionally strong. Where many newsletters highlight thousands of readers, 1440 can showcase millions.

The “5-minute read” promise is also crucial. Busy people want to stay informed but don’t want another time-consuming obligation.

How to apply this concept:

• Create visual contrast between the stressful status quo and your peaceful solution.

• Use color psychology to reinforce your message – red for stress, blue for calm.

• Make the benefit of switching to your newsletter immediately clear through simple visual comparison.

5. Scottsdale Scoop

Why this works:

Just like Naples Brief from last week, Scottsdale Scoop understands that local newsletters thrive on specificity. The image of Old Town Scottsdale immediately creates relevance for local residents and visitors.

Their question – “struggling to find things to do in Scottsdale?” – directly addresses a common frustration for people in the area.

The ad doesn’t overcomplicate things. It simply states the problem and offers the solution: “Each week we email all the best events and deals in our newsletter.”

And looking at their actual newsletter content, they clearly deliver on this promise. Articles like “New Local Burger Spot in Scottsdale” and “Scottsdale’s Wine & Dine Weekend Awaits” provide local, actionable information.

How to apply this concept:

• For local newsletters, lead with imagery that locals will immediately recognize and connect with.

• Frame your newsletter as the solution to a specific local challenge or frustration.

• Keep your promise simple and focused on delivering clear, practical local value.

6. Active Chiropractic & Wellness

Why this works:

Active Chiropractic & Wellness takes a clean, professional approach with their ad targeting fitness enthusiasts in the Cayman Islands. The image of a person running visually reinforces the “active” theme.

The bulleted list clearly communicates the newsletter’s varied content. This approach works because it’s transparent about exactly what subscribers will receive.

The local focus creates immediate relevance for their target audience. By specifically mentioning “all things active in the Cayman Islands,” they attract the right subscribers.

The balance of wellness tips, events, offers, and local activities shows they understand their audience’s diverse interests.

How to apply this concept:

• Use clear, bulleted lists to show exactly what content your newsletter includes. 

• Include imagery that visually represents your newsletter’s core theme or audience.

• For business newsletters, balance promotional content with genuinely useful information to provide real value.

🎬 VIDEO ADS

7. Mindstream

Why this works:

Mindstream’s video ad brilliantly taps into workplace insecurity with the line “how to look like a genius at work.”

This speaks directly to professionals who fear falling behind on AI trends. Many want to stay current but don’t have time to become experts.

So, the promise of “5-minute guides for the top 30 AI tools” offers the perfect solution. It gives them quick mastery without a huge time investment.

The city background suggests professionalism. The eerie/insightful music adds a sense of significance to the message.

The emphasis that these guides work “even if you’re a beginner” removes the barrier for those intimidated by AI.

How to apply this concept:

• Lead with a benefit that addresses professional insecurity (“look like a genius at work”).

• Emphasize speed and accessibility for busy professionals who need efficient solutions.

• Use background imagery and music that match your target audience’s professional development.

8. Matej Dolenec

Why this works:

Matej Dolenec’s ad immediately captures attention with high-energy music and visuals of people making money. The direct question “do you run ecomm store?” creates immediate relevance for their target audience.

The promise is specific, tangible, and valuable: “150+ hooks that have generated millions of $ in sales” for ecommerce store owners.

The brief sneak peek of actual hooks at the end of the video is particularly clever. It gives viewers just enough to see the value without giving everything away. This creates curiosity and a desire to see the full collection.

The “download for free” call to action removes any payment barrier. This makes it an easy decision for the target audience to subscribe.

How to apply this concept:

• Use high-energy visuals and music for offers related to business growth and revenue.

• Show a brief preview of your actual content to prove its quality and spark curiosity.

• Be extremely specific about what subscribers will receive (exact numbers like “150+ hooks”).

9. The Good Trade

Why this works:

This ad by The Good Trade creates a completely different mood from most newsletter ads. The calming music, peaceful tea-pouring imagery, and gentle tone position their newsletter as an antidote to stressful morning routines.

The framing is brilliantly relatable: “this is a better alternative to scrolling social media first thing in the morning.”

The personal testimony approach feels authentic rather than promotional. “It’s transformed how I start my day” sounds like advice from a friend.

The “30 seconds” time commitment emphasizes that this peaceful morning routine won’t disrupt busy schedules.

How to apply this concept:

• Use music, imagery, and tone that embody the emotional experience your newsletter creates.

• Position your newsletter as a healthier alternative to common digital habits.

• Be specific about the variety of content you offer to showcase the extent of your value.

10. TLDR Newsletter

Why this works:

To end off this week’s breakdown, we have TLDR’s video ad which uses a brilliant narrative twist. It shows someone relaxing and enjoying life, seemingly not working hard.

But the text reveals they’re actually “ahead on everything tech and crushing it at work.” This creates immediate curiosity. How can someone be both relaxed AND high-performing?

The reveal that they spend “0 time scrolling reddit or hacker news” to stay informed suggests the newsletter is their secret weapon.

This addresses a major pain point for tech professionals who feel obligated to spend hours staying current.

By promising both professional success and more free time, the ad offers the ultimate value proposition. 

How to apply this concept:

• Create a surprising narrative that challenges assumptions about work and success.

• Show the lifestyle benefit (relaxation, free time) your newsletter enables, not just the information it provides.

• Address the hidden inefficiencies in how your audience currently consumes information.

That’s it for this week’s analysis! Looking forward to bringing you more knowledge next Thursday. You can check out previous winning ad breakdowns + templates 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.