Ali's Newsletter

Ali's Newsletter covers a range of topics including technical writing, entrepreneurship, leveraging social media for business growth, remote working, and living as an expat in Asia. It shares personal experiences and practical advice on building businesses, generating income, and effective communication strategies.

Technical Writing Entrepreneurship Social Media Strategy Remote Work Living Abroad Freelancing Client Acquisition Online Business

The hottest Substack posts of Ali's Newsletter

And their main takeaways
39 implied HN points 27 Oct 24
  1. YouTube videos can stay relevant for a long time, unlike posts on other social media that quickly disappear.
  2. Creating videos helps build trust with your audience and shows your true self, making you stand out.
  3. Vlogging can be challenging but rewarding, especially when you think about leaving a lasting mark for future generations.
19 implied HN points 11 Oct 24
  1. The author is excited to move back to Indonesia after a long break in Canada. They have booked their flight and are looking forward to starting a new chapter.
  2. They plan to start vlogging their life in Indonesia, sharing travel experiences to lesser-known islands and focusing more on video content.
  3. The author will continue to maintain their newsletter while creating long-form weekly vlogs, which they see as a way to keep a journal for themselves and their kids.
139 implied HN points 06 Oct 23
  1. The author is starting to sell coconut-based products internationally.
  2. They will be focusing on selling products like soap bars, sugar, and cream.
  3. The author plans to start selling on Etsy first and expand by writing articles on coconut-based products to drive traffic.
99 implied HN points 21 Feb 23
  1. To be a successful freelance writer, focus on building your own network and putting yourself out there
  2. Utilize platforms like LinkedIn and Twitter to connect with potential clients and share your work
  3. Highlight your unique background and skills to attract attention and stand out in the freelance writing industry
99 implied HN points 07 Feb 23
  1. Twitter provides high reach and high leverage for your content.
  2. Twitter allows for authentic interactions and showing your true self.
  3. Even with a low number of followers, Twitter can give you significant exposure.
Get a weekly roundup of the best Substack posts, by hacker news affinity:
39 implied HN points 14 Oct 23
  1. Sent a cold email to the CEO and got an offer
  2. Applied on the website and then reached out to the CEO directly
  3. Received an opportunity to join the technical writing team
39 implied HN points 10 Oct 23
  1. When sending cold emails, use short and engaging subject lines to initiate a response.
  2. Include a one-liner offer and a call to action in your email.
  3. Follow the process: Initiate with a question, pitch your offer, and add a call to action.
39 implied HN points 05 Oct 23
  1. To make $60k/month with technical writing, you need a productized service and think like a business.
  2. Platforms like Upwork and Fiverr aren't the way to make significant money through technical writing.
  3. Package your technical writing as a service and become subscription-based to reach higher income levels.
39 implied HN points 11 Aug 23
  1. Tanweer Ali took a break but is back with updates from Batam, Indonesia.
  2. He is exploring remote sales and appointment setting as a lucrative opportunity.
  3. Opportunities in appointment setting are vast and can be done from anywhere.
39 implied HN points 25 Apr 23
  1. Cold DMs can be effective in getting leads, like the author did with LinkedIn.
  2. Key factors for successful cold DMs include personalizing the message, keeping it concise, and showcasing expertise.
  3. Launching a paid coaching program to help with landing high-ticket clients using cold emails and DMs, with bonus marketing tips.
19 implied HN points 17 Oct 23
  1. The amount you can make as a technical writer depends on who you work with and your writing skills.
  2. Charge more as you build trust with clients and deliver high-quality work.
  3. Building a portfolio and getting testimonials from clients is crucial for scaling your online business.
39 implied HN points 04 Apr 23
  1. Landed a client on Twitter with a simple, genuine DM.
  2. No need for fancy hacks or automation, just connect with shared interests.
  3. Being human and genuine in DMs can lead to opportunities.
19 implied HN points 01 Sep 23
  1. Monetizing a skill online involves attracting attention to what you offer.
  2. You can use writing, audio, or video to showcase your skills and attract clients.
  3. Landing clients online can be simple if you focus on showcasing your offerings effectively.
19 implied HN points 25 Aug 23
  1. Rent in Indonesia can be very affordable compared to other countries.
  2. Living in South East Asia as a writer can be cost-effective if you earn in US dollars.
  3. Retainer clients can provide steady income for writers and reduce the need to look for new clients.
19 implied HN points 08 May 23
  1. Building genuine relationships with prospects and clients is key before pitching anything.
  2. Avoid relying heavily on automation tools for outreach as it may lead to losing potential leads.
  3. Warm outreach tends to be more effective than cold outreach in closing deals.
1 HN point 07 Oct 23
  1. Avoid working with broke clients to have peace of mind in business.
  2. Rich clients see investments, while poor clients see losses.
  3. Rich clients understand business and have an abundance mindset.