🎯 10 Best Newsletter Ads This Week (Apr 25-May 1)

Welcome back to another edition of Newsletter Ad Vault!

My name is Alex and if you’re just joining us, every Thursday I break down 10 winning newsletter ads that top newsletters use to bring in thousands of new subs every week.

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.

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📸 STATIC ADS

1. TLDR Newsletter

Time running: 22 days

Why this works:

TLDR uses a simple side-by-side comparison that hits home for anyone trying to keep up with tech news.

On the left, they show all the annoying parts of getting news from Twitter – endless threads, clickbait, and zero context – with emojis that capture that daily frustration.

On the right, they show their solution with clear benefits. I like how direct they are with “tech newsletter you’ll actually read.”

It’s not trying to be clever, it’s addressing the exact problem we all have. We want to stay informed but don’t have time for all the noise.

This kind of clarity beats creativity every time. When someone can understand your value in under 2 seconds, you’ve won half the battle.

How to apply this concept:

• Put the painful current situation next to your solution. This before/after approach often beats showing just the solution alone.

• Use emojis as emotional shortcuts. They make your points easy to scan and add feeling without extra words.

• Focus on the daily frustrations your audience faces. The more your ad reflects their real experience, the more your solution feels like the answer they’ve been looking for.

2. Creator Spotlight

Time running: 178 days

Why this works:

Most creator ads make big promises about growth, but Creator Spotlight takes a smarter approach. They offer specific insights upfront, before even asking for a subscription.

I love the headline because it creates a perfect knowledge gap: “What creators with 10-100k followers know that you don’t.”

Then they challenge common advice with “hashtags and post timing DO NOT WORK.” This makes them look like truth-tellers who won’t waste your time with the same old tips.

At the time of writing, this ad has been running for nearly 6 months! When you show your expertise rather than just claiming it, people trust you before you ask for their email.

How to apply this concept:

• Share actual helpful tips in your ad. I’ve tested this a lot, and ads that give away real value typically get better quality subscribers than those that just make promises alone.

• Take a stand against common myths in your field. Having a clear opinion makes you more memorable.

• Make your ad look like content your audience already enjoys. For creators, the social media format feels natural.

3. The Points Guy

Time running: 44 days

Why this works:

The Notes app format has been winning across different newsletter types lately, and The Points Guy uses it perfectly. Their headline speaks to a real worry travel fans have: wasting credit card points they worked hard to earn.

Instead of just saying “get more value,” they paint a clear picture: fly first class rather than economy. That’s something anyone can instantly want.

I also like how they bold both “1M savvy travelers” and “free” – handling the two biggest signup roadblocks (proof and cost) in one move.

How to apply this concept:

• Try the notes app format for your next ad. It makes your content feel like tips from a friend rather than marketing from a company.

• Bold the parts that address the main conversion barriers. For newsletters, cost and subscriber count are key.

• Focus on the specific upgrade your newsletter provides. People sign up to become a better, smarter version of themselves.

📧 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. Kim Komando (The Current)

Time running: 246 days

Why this works:

The Current gives people a clear choice: be clueless about tech/AI or be the savvy person getting quick tips. The visual contrast between question marks and a lightbulb makes this choice instantly clear.

They’re smart with their bolding as well, highlighting “The Current,” “100% free,” and “easy-to-understand tech tips” to guide readers through the key points. Nothing fancy, just clarity that works. 

What I really like, though, is the way they address tech insecurity. It acknowledges the frustration but positions the newsletter as the bridge from confusion to confidence. I’ve seen many tech newsletters get this wrong, but The Current nails it.

How to apply this concept:

• Create a simple visual choice between two types of people. When someone can instantly see “this is me now” versus “this is who I could be,” deciding to subscribe becomes much easier.

• Use bolding to create a clear path through your most important points. Random emphasis just confuses people.

• Instead of just highlighting the problem or only showcasing the solution, show how your newsletter is the specific path from one to the other.

5. The Good Trade

Time running: 235 days

Why this works:

In a feed full of busy, noisy ads, The Good Trade’s clean and minimal approach instantly stands out. That peaceful lake image doesn’t just look nice – it captures the exact feeling their newsletter promises to create.

Instead of listing features, they share one thoughtful comment about starting your day “intentionally and mindfully.”

I’ve found that this kind of technique is rare but powerful: saying one thing well works better than saying many things poorly.

Their subscriber count (225,000 readers) adds social proof without bragging. The whole ad is basically a preview of what subscribers will experience: calm, intentional, and uncluttered reading.

How to apply this concept:

• Let your image set the emotional tone. Depending on your niche, the right image often sells your newsletter better than words can.

• Use one strong testimonial instead of several generic ones. A single comment that captures your core benefit creates more impact than multiple surface-level endorsements.

• Keep it simple. Instead of adding to the noise, be the thoughtful alternative your audience is actually looking for (research other ads in your space!).

6. Jupiter Daily

Time running: 69 days

Why this works:

Local newsletters need specificity, and Jupiter Daily nails it. The stunning beach image creates instant recognition for locals. It’s not just any beach, it’s their beach, which triggers that powerful sense of place.

They also directly address the problem their audience faces: “Struggling to find things to do in Jupiter?”

It’s not clever or complex – it’s just useful, which is exactly what a local newsletter should be. Usefulness beats creativity almost every time in this space. If you’re running a local newsletter, take notes!

How to apply this concept:

• For local newsletters, use images that reflect recognition and pride. Location-specific images (not generic ones) are a must.

• Address the practical problem your audience faces. Local content thrives on solving real, everyday challenges.

• Lead with a direct question that addresses your audience’s specific need.

🎬 VIDEO ADS

7. James Clear

Time running: 262 days

Why this works:

James Clear’s approach works well here because it strikes a balance between professionalism and aspiration. The city background gives the ad an upscale vibe, while the voiceover builds credibility.

I love his setup – mentioning Atomic Habits first to establish trust before introducing the newsletter.

And highlighting that “it’s been coined as the most wisdom per word of any newsletter on the web” is an incredibly powerful statement that immediately sets it apart.

His content promise is also perfectly simple. The 3-2-1 format feels different and unique; it gives subscribers a proven formula they can count on week after week.

How to apply this concept:

• If you have any personal recognition, leverage it in your ad. Credibility boosts significantly improve conversions.

• Use a powerful positioning statement that sets your newsletter apart. “Most wisdom per word” instantly communicates unique value.

• Create a simple content structure that’s easy to remember. When your format has a distinctive pattern, it not only helps with expectations but also becomes part of your brand identity.

8. Tyler Denk (Big Desk Energy)

Time running: 155 days

Why this works:

Tyler Denk is known for his great lead magnets, and this one’s especially smart. Instead of vague advice, he’s sharing the actual pitch deck that helped his company reach “$1M in revenue per month.”

The success it had makes “stealing” it a no-brainer. Who wouldn’t want something like that?

And the “48 hours” deadline creates real urgency that pushes people to act now. I’ve found that limited-time offers work extremely well for high-value resources like this.

How to apply this concept:

• Share resources with proven results rather than theoretical advice. Actual templates and frameworks consistently beat general guidance.

• Include specific numbers that show real value. “$1M in revenue per month” is far more compelling than vague promises about “growth” or “success.”

• Create urgency when possible. In my testing, limited-time offers can boost conversion rates massively when they’re honest and tied to truly valuable content.

9. The Mommy

Time running: 137 days

Why this works:

The Mommy uses a conversation here between two moms that mimics real life. The opening about a daughter asking if her mom was “just guessing” immediately resonates – we’ve all had those moments of feeling completely unprepared. 

What’s smart is how they use dialogue to handle objections naturally. It’s how real people talk! Nothing too salesy, just handling objections naturally.

Authenticity and relatability are very important for parenting newsletters – parents want solutions from people just like them who understand their daily challenges.

How to apply this concept:

• Use realistic dialogue to address common concerns naturally. Implementing conversation-based ads is a great way of adding authenticity.

• Create scenarios that your audience immediately recognizes from their own lives. When people see themselves in your ad, they’re much more likely to see your newsletter as a must-read.

• Position your newsletter as the “trusted friend” rather than the expert.

10. CB Newsletter

Time running: 229 days

Why this works:

Lastly, we have the Concept Bureau with their effective sticky note ad that’s been running for over 7 months at the time of writing!

Their opener – “If you’re a manager or director in brand strategy, listen up” – immediately qualifies their audience. They’re not trying to appeal to everyone, and that targeting actually increases relevance for the right people.

What I love is how each note reveals a new piece of information. It creates a natural flow that keeps people engaged.

Their social proof is also especially strong, with people from “companies like Nike, Disney, and Lego” reading the newsletter.

How to apply this concept:

• Start by qualifying your audience clearly. I’ve found that ads that clearly signal “this is specifically for X” often convert better for newsletters, even with smaller reach.

• Name specific, well-known companies or people who read your newsletter.

• Present information as a progressive reveal. Breaking offers into bite-sized pieces makes them easier to understand, especially for professional and B2B newsletters.

👋 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

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