How I Write A Newsletter On An iPad

+ two big announcements

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278,658 views.

135 posts.

25 months.

4 days ago, I hit 1000 subscribers on this newsletter.

Here's how I did everything on an iPad.

Getting Started

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Starting out was scary. It was terrifying. It was trepidation-invoking.

But like with every idea out there, it comes down to one thing: just start.

No matter how you want to build an online audience, there's one small task you can complete. It could be:

• writing your first word

• designing your first graphic

• drawing your first wallpaper

• creating a video script

Everyone sucks in the beginning. But you will get better. Trust me.

The Platform

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I'm a naturally creative person.

Since I was a kid, I always experimented with content creation (I just turned 18 and I've started 5 unsuccessful YouTube channels).

As someone who is pretty busy with school and extracurriculars, Substack became the perfect platform for me. It simplifies everything—all you gotta do is create.

Here's what I love about the platform:

1. no weird website bs

2. your views aren't reliant on an algorithm

3. you own your subscribers' info

4. they only make money when you make money

Substack is my number one choice if you're interested in online writing. It's also my number one choice if you aren't.

Even if you want to start a YouTube channel or build an X following (still sounds weird), you should have a newsletter.

It gives you some control over your audience. And control is everything.

Promotion

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If you're the best writer in the world, you can't build an audience if you don't know how to promote.

That may or may not be a big deal to you. If it is, listen up.

It's a simple process (definitely not easy though):

1. Create an ideal reader—for me, it's iPad users who want to maximize their iPads through iPadOS features, apps, and accessories

2. Think about where your ideal reader will be—for me, it's Medium, Reddit, Discord, Twitter, YouTube, and TikTok

3. Think about 1 or 2 platforms you can really focus on—for me, that's Medium

4. Promote, promote, promote (but don't be annoying)

Medium and Reddit have historically been my biggest drivers of traffic.

I didn't figure this out by being lucky. I figured this out by experimenting with every platform I mentioned.

TikTok didn't work out. YouTube didn't work out. Twitter (or X) was a big failure.

None of that mattered—Medium and Reddit gave me an audience that liked my content. And that's all I needed.

Writing

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I wrote about my writing routine here.

Here's a quick summary if you don't want to click the link:

Brainstorming

ChatGPT to come up with half-good ideas.

Concepts to turn these half-good ideas into insanely awesome posts.

PS—you can get a free 30-day trial to Concepts' paid plan here (no credit card required).

Writing

Bear. That's what I'm writing on right now. Used it for months (maybe even years by now) and it's been awesome.

Apple Music. That's what I'm listening to right now (Utopia was my #1 album on Replay).

Some Motivation

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Find like-minded people.

Starting a creative journey is tough. You need to stick with it for a loooooong time if you want results.

Join a community. Document your journey. Get excited. Don't give up.

Here's my number one tip: be obsessed.

A small announcement

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I'm starting a Discord server for this blog. Join here.

A big announcement

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(Some of you are probably gonna be slightly annoyed).

I'm adding a paid subscription to this newsletter (don't worry, you'll still get free content weekly).

It will include:

• Access to private Discord channels (with Q&As, feedback sessions, and general discussion)

• Bonus content (extra posts, e-books, and the occasional aesthetic wallpaper)

• Good karma

It'll cost $9.99/month or $99.99/year.

I'm also planning on creating an online writing course in the near future. Paid subscribers will get it for free.

Don't feel forced to subscribe—if you're a free subscriber, nothing is changing.

A paid subscription is for those who want to:

• learn what it takes to grow and run a newsletter

• have 1-on-1 chats

• discuss iPads with other super-fans

• or just wanna help out 🙏

Final Thoughts

Thank you to:

• everyone who's read a post (either two and a half years ago or today)

• every writer I've worked with over the course of this blog

• Concepts for supporting my work through their sponsorship

It's been a long journey, but I'm excited to see what comes next.

Thanks for reading!

Adi