151. Best Articles of 2020 🤓
How Figma grows, why TikTok works, growth for startups, and dog pics
I share a weekly update on ways to be a better marketer, brand-maker, team-builder, and person. If you enjoy this, you can share some love by hitting the Substack heart button above or below.
Hi there 👋
I know many of you may be headed out for holiday break in the coming days (if you haven’t already). So with that, I wanted to say a very big thank you for being part of this newsletter this year. I’m very grateful to be in touch with you and looking forward to staying connected in 2021 and beyond. If there’s ever anything I can do for you in the new year, please don’t hesitate to get in touch. Merry Christmas, happy holidays, and a happy new year!
~ Kevan
P.S. If you’re looking for something to listen to over the break, I had the privilege of being a guest on The Marketing Podcast with Robin Zander who is one of the very best interviewers I have ever met. We talk about some cool stuff.
My Favorite Articles of 2020
Why Figma Wins by Kevin Kwok
Fantastic, detailed breakdown of how Figma has grown to dominate the design space.
TikTok and the Sorting Hat by Eugene Wei
Phenomenal breakdown of why TikTok has exploded in popularity.
Growth for Startups by Gustaf Alstromer
An excellent video (and transcript) with some clear and actionable growth advice for startups and tech companies.
Your Startup is a Movement by David Sacks
An inspirational substack article in easy, breezy list format.
How to Build an Audience of 1,000 True Fans in a Noisy World by Srinivas Rao
Great advice for anyone looking to develop their personal brand.
What is an Ally? by Better Allies
One of the best diversity and inclusion articles I’ve read this year.
What’s the Big IdeaL? by Ogilvy
This brand strategy concept captured our attention at Buffer in 2020.
The Kindle and the Fire by Casey Winters
One of my favorite short articles of the year: Big idea, quick read.
How I Promote My Content by Harry Dry
So much great stuff from Harry Dry this year, but this one on distribution was my fave.
Product Work Beyond Product Market Fit by Fareed Mosavat and Casey Winters
So interesting to learn how many types of product work that exist beyond the obvious one (building new things).
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And the most popular thing I wrote:
Ripples: How to prepare for the unprepare-able by Kevan Lee
This article landed during the first weeks of the pandemic, and I shared several of the stats and strategies we were employing at Buffer. Also, dog pics. 🐶
Thanks so much for reading. Have a great week!
— Kevan
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