Advertise in Dense Discovery
Where thoughtful curation meets engaged discovery.
With 360 weekly issues published, Dense Discovery has become a trusted compass for readers navigating the overwhelming expanse of digital culture. Our audience doesn’t just read – they actively seek, discover and act on recommendations that align with their values and professional needs.
Snapshot
- Subscribers ~37,000
- Open / Click rate ~62% / 12% (list is ‘cleaned’ regularly)
- Newsletter frequency Once weekly (Tuesday morning AEST)
- Key topics Topics include culture, tech, design, art, sustainability, urbanism and more
The DD difference
Trusted discovery engine
Readers consistently describe DD as their most reliable source for finding content they wouldn’t have encountered elsewhere. When you advertise with DD, you’re not interrupting – you’re participating in an established discovery ritual that readers genuinely value.
Reader quotes
- consistent source of quality discoveries”
- my only source of great recommendations after leaving social media”
- trustworthy source for uncovering content that’s insightful, thought-provoking, and often off the beaten path”
Values-aligned community
DD’s audience is a community united by shared principles: ethical use of technology, thoughtful, sustainable design and meaningful work. Our readers seek products and services that reflect these values, making them ideal customers for companies that prioritise purpose.
Reader quotes
- a rare humanist view of technology”
- life-first approach to content and marketing”
- reliable guide to exploring the internet’s slower, more meaningful corners”
Quality over quantity
With ~37,000 subscribers and an exceptional open rate of ~62% (nearly three times the industry standard), DD maintains an intentionally curated readership. We regularly clean our subscriber list, ensuring your message reaches genuinely engaged readers rather than inflated vanity metrics.
Reader quotes
- I recommend it to good friends who usually don’t read newsletters”
- feels more like a personal letter than a generic email blast”
- intellectually stimulating without being overwhelming”
Demographics
Who reads Dense Discovery
- Geographic spread 36% USA, 31% Europe, 11% UK, 9% Australia/NZ, 5% Canada
- Gender 63% male / 35% female
-
Primary age range
35–44 years – largest segment
25–34 years – second largest segment -
Income concentration
$75k–$125k USD – largest bracket
$50k–$100k USD – second largest bracket -
Professional profile
Full-time employed – largest segment
Self-employed/owner – second largest segment
Our readers are decision-makers and influencers within their organisations with strong influence on software and tool purchasing decisions and project direction and methodology. Key work domains, in order of representation:
- Technology and software development
- Design (UX/UI, graphic, product)
- Marketing and communications
- Creative industries and consulting
- Education, media and research
Popular categories
What our readers want to see
Design & creative tools
Innovative design software, collaborative platforms and creative resources that support modern professionals in their work and learning. Thoughtful use of AI that supports and amplifies human creativity.
Productivity & utility apps
Tools that help users manage tasks, projects and knowledge efficiently – without intrusive tracking or distractions. Privacy-respecting apps for note-taking, time-blocking, habit tracking and focused work sessions.
Sustainable & ethical products
Products and initiatives focused on sustainability, ethical production and positive social impact – solutions that resonate with our values-driven audience.
Lifestyle & culture
Resources, educational content and experiences that inspire personal growth, mindful living and creative exploration.
Reader quotes
- Products from companies that have interesting stories about how they approach business differently.”
- Sustainable products that don’t compromise on quality or design. I’m willing to pay more for something that aligns with my values.”
- Books, courses and resources that help me think better about design and technology’s role in society.”
- Software that respects privacy and doesn’t try to extract every bit of data from me.”
- Local and artisanal products that have great design – things that feel special and considered.”
Case study
Proven results
In early 2021, Alex Hillman booked two sponsor slots to promote his book Tiny.MBA and shared the results of his campaign online afterwards. He sold over 100 books with an impressive conversion rate of close to 8% (resulting in a four-fold ROI). His second sponsor slot a couple of months later performed similarly, but with an even better conversion rate.
Every advertising campaign performs differently and these numbers do not represent an expected average performance. However, educational resources, design and productivity tools consistently see strong engagement with DD readers.
Options & pricing
Main sponsor
- 1 sponsor only per issue
- Prominent top placement
- Three format options
- Image, longer text and multiple links possible
More info below from $599
Classified ads
- 4 classifieds per issue
- Bottom quarter placement
- Text only, 200 characters
- Plain text, just one link per classified
More info below from $79
I Main sponsor
Our main sponsor slot appears in a yellow box in the top section of each newsletter issue, right below the introduction by editor Kai Brach – the most-viewed part of DD.
Choose from one of three formats below. For many more examples, browse the DD archive.
Format A has a similar structure to the app recommendations that follow, but includes a square image. Great for promoting digital products or services.
- Main title 2–5 short words (may be edited)
- Name & URL Name of your product and URL
- Byline 5–8 words that summarise your product
- Description The description of your product (280 characters max)
- Image A square image (JPG only, 800 by 800 pixels). The image should not contain fine details or text that competes with the text next to it. Simple photos or illustrations work best to get attention.
Format B has an image with one or multiple blocks of text next to it. Ideal for agencies, image campaigns, announcements etc.
- Main title 2–5 short words (may be edited)
- Description The main body text (450 characters max, can contain multiple links and some text in bold/italics)
- Image A square image (JPG only, 800 by 800 pixels). The image should not contain fine details or text that competes with the text next to it. Simple photos or illustrations work best to get attention.
Format C is our ‘story’ format. It includes an image with multiple blocks of text that can be a short story, pitch, FAQ or similar. This works best with a personal/approachable piece that speaks directly to our readers. To be effective, please contact us to ensure the style/format is in line with DD’s editorial style.
- Main title 2–5 short words (may be edited)
- Description The main body text (1000 characters max, can contain multiple links and some text in bold/italics)
- Image A square image (JPG only, 800 by 800 pixels). The image should not contain fine details or text that competes with the text next to it. If it’s a personal pitch, a photo of a person works well!
See the Best approach section further below to learn about the main sponsor slot can be part of a major ad strategy that stretches over several issues.
II Classified ads
Each issue of DD contains 4 text-based classified ads in the bottom quarter of the newsletter. Classifieds are limited to 200 characters of plain text and only one link. For many more examples, browse the DD archive.
After your booking, you will receive a link to your personal ad portal where you can provide text and link for your classified up to a week before the publishing date.
Past sponsors
You’re in good company
Some noteworthy past sponsors below. For many more examples, please visit the DD archive.
Best approach
The sequence strategy
The most effective DD campaigns unfold thoughtfully across multiple issues, respecting readers’ decision-making process while maintaining presence.
Begin with a main sponsor slot that introduces your offering with genuine value – early access, a meaningful discount, or exclusive content that DD readers would genuinely appreciate. This establishes credibility and demonstrates commitment to the community.
Follow with classified ads spaced over subsequent weeks. The first might remind readers of your initial offer’s deadline (“1 week remaining for DD readers”), creating gentle urgency without pressure. A second classified could reveal a different aspect – a new feature, upcoming event or case study that adds depth to your original proposition.
This approach mirrors how thoughtful people actually make decisions about meaningful purchases. Rather than demanding immediate action, you provide multiple opportunities for engagement while respecting the natural rhythm of consideration that defines this audience.
Transparent rates.
Instant booking.
Reserve your slots now
View and book available slots instantly via the link below. Further instructions are sent to you in the confirmation email.
View calendar + book instantly →
Any questions or enquiries about larger bookings, email Kai directly. All ad bookings are subject to DD’s ad terms.
Waitlist
Be notified of new openings
Sometimes slots sell out within hours after they’re released. Add your email address below to receive a short email update whenever new slots open up.
Your email address will not be added to any other lists. You can unsubscribe at any time.
Style guide
How to speak to DD readers
Embrace transparent storytelling
Share the context behind your creation. Who built this, and why? DD readers gravitate toward companies or individuals with intentional philosophies and honest stories.
Lead with genuine utility
Before explaining what your product does, articulate the problem it solves. DD readers are practical idealists who appreciate innovation only when it serves meaningful purpose.
Acknowledge the decision-making process
Our audience researches thoroughly and considers long-term value. Present information that helps them evaluate rather than pressures them to act.
Use language that connects
Clichéd marketing copy (e.g. “revolutionary, game-changing, disrupting the industry”) falls flat with readers who prefer substance over superlatives. Transparency about pricing and trade-offs demonstrates respect for their analytical process. Reference DD or its readers specifically to demonstrate that your message was crafted for this particular community, not copied from a generic template. (e.g. “As a reader of DD, we know you appreciate good taste...”)
Align with community values
Sustainability, privacy, ethical business practices and thoughtful design aren’t marketing angles here – they’re fundamental considerations that should surface naturally in authentic messaging.
Respect the editorial environment
DD’s visual clarity and thoughtful pacing aren’t accidental. Effective advertising mirrors these qualities – clean presentation, considered typography, purposeful use of space.
Statistics and quotes from a 2025 reader survey with 3000+ respondents.
View calendar + book instantly → For questions or larger bookings contact Kai.