The Hustle is a great example of how a business newsletter can be informative without feeling like homework. It delivers a quick daily mix of business, technology, startups and unusual economic stories, usually with enough personality to make subjects that could otherwise feel dry genuinely enjoyable.
The biggest advantage is the format: it is free, concise and designed to give readers useful context without demanding a huge amount of time. With a readership numbering in the millions, it has also built a substantial audience around this approach.
The referral program is unusually well matched to the product. Subscribers receive a personal referral link, and successful referrals can unlock rewards and exclusive perks. Since the newsletter itself is free, recommending it does not require friends to buy anything.
A smart combination of useful content, distinctive writing and word-of-mouth growth.
— The Rebel Marketer