If you’re anything like me, your inbox is almost always overflowing. It’s a constant battle; and while “inbox zero” is not something I even try to achieve on a daily basis, I do attempt to minimize the extra fluff that comes through so I can focus on what’s most important.
That being said, I’ve found a few newsletters that I find valuable enough to open, read and click through every day. Here are my top five:
1. Sidebar
Sidebar, a simple daily email that includes the 5 best design links of the day, was created by designer, coder and entrepeneur Sacha Greif. The way it works is that the editors post any recommended links to the /new page where they are voted on. Then any link that gets more than 3 votes ends up on the home page, and the top 5 end up in the day’s newsletter.
2. Brennan Dunn’s “Grow Your Business” newsletter
I’ve subscribed to several more business-focused newsletter over the years, and so far Brennan Dunn’s “Grow Your Business” newsletter is the one who has most consistently provided quality, actionable tips and insights into running a successful business. The advice is targeted towards freelancers and small businesses so anyone who is working for themselves on a small scale will find valuable information in his (almost) weekly messages.
3. Netted
The Netted newsletter is a daily email that introduces you to the “best sites, apps, and connected products that make life better.” While I know it’s easy to go overboard with app downloads—I’m guilty of that at times—I have discovered so many great apps and sites through this newsletter that I recommend it despite that risk. The topics they cover range from productivity to organization to travel to personal wellness and more. So there really is something for everyone.
4. Very Short List
Very Short List is a “delightful e-mail that shares cultural gems from a different curator every day.” The curators they choose come from all different fields, and cover a wide variety of topics. Just this past week the list featured a curator at the Museum of Natural History, a creative director and an organic garden expert.
5. Percolate’s The Daily Brew
Unfortunately an invite is required to sign up for Percolate’s daily email, but if you can get your hands on one I’ve found it’s worth the sign-up. The Daily Brew is similar to Sidebar in that includes a digest of top links emailed to you daily. The difference is that Percolate personalizes the links for you by pulling them from “your world,” using social media to curate a handful of links daily.
