Unlock Your Medium Potential: Essential Tips for Success
Written on
Getting Started on Medium
If you're here, it's likely because you're eager to enhance your earnings on Medium but are unsure how to begin. You may be curious about how some of the platform's most successful writers managed to pull in over a thousand dollars each month.
In my early days as a writer, I scoured countless articles about achieving success, earning money, and gaining followers. Unfortunately, many of these resources offered little help, often repeating the same advice. Frustrated by the lack of practical guidance, I turned to the most successful writers to uncover their secrets.
To my surprise, I found some valuable insights, and I'm excited to share them with you here—absolutely for free. After all, it doesn't seem fair to charge newcomers for the knowledge they need to start earning.
Before diving in, I want to acknowledge that I don’t have all the answers. My success largely stems from figuring out how to navigate my uncertainties rather than relying solely on what I know. This article is a reflection of my experiences, aimed at answering many of your questions.
I believe sharing what I've learned is more important at this stage in my life than pursuing further personal success. So, let’s break this down into actionable tips!
Tip #1: You Don't Need a Massive Following
Last year, I ranked among the Top 1000 writers on Medium, yet I had fewer than 1000 followers. Unlike other social networks, Medium's success is determined by how much time readers spend engaging with your content, not merely by the number of followers you accumulate.
To qualify for the Medium Partner Program, having at least 100 followers is essential, but don’t fret—this article will guide you on how to reach that milestone.
Moreover, it's crucial to note that Medium's focus is more on topics than on followers. Choose who you follow based on their writing and ensure they align with your interests. Remember, building a following takes time and consistency.
SEO, marketing, and quality content will help you reach your first 1K readers. And believe it or not, a single story can potentially earn you around $1,000 if you provide real value.
How to Avoid the #1 Mistake Beginners Make on Medium - This video outlines common pitfalls that new writers encounter on the platform and offers practical advice on how to navigate them.
Tip #2: Deliver Value
"Deliver value" is a phrase you’ve likely encountered repeatedly. Yet, there are diverse interpretations of what this means, and all perspectives hold validity.
Some believe value comes from mastering a skill, while others view it as offering solutions or teaching something new. Personally, I think it's all about engaging and entertaining your readers. We all have passions and hobbies, and sharing that enthusiasm through your writing is a powerful way to connect.
For instance, I learned to review tech products by watching videos from creators like MKBHD and iJustine. I absorbed their techniques and styles, which not only improved my reviews but also made the process enjoyable.
Ultimately, the goal is to engage your readers. When your content captivates them, it not only fosters a connection but also enhances your chances of being curated by Medium's algorithm.
Tip #3: Getting Published in Various Publications
As a newcomer, I absorbed every piece of advice on how to succeed on Medium. A common suggestion is to write for large publications, but that's not the only path to success.
If big publications don’t accept your work, does that mean you should give up? Absolutely not! Writing for smaller or medium-sized publications can also be beneficial, and you can even create your own publication.
When seeking publication, choose one that resonates with you. Familiarize yourself with their content by reading what they publish. This understanding will guide you in crafting a suitable submission.
Here’s a helpful trick: Append "/archive" to the end of any publication’s URL to access their story archives. This will reveal their most popular articles and trends, giving you insight into what works.
One of These Will Surprise You! Best Glue Pouring Medium - This video explores various glue pouring mediums, providing insights that can enhance your creative projects.
Tip #4: Niche or Diversify?
Writers often debate whether to focus on a single niche or branch out into multiple areas. I advocate for diversification—provided you have a passion for various topics.
Take Shelby Church, for example; her YouTube channel covers a wide range of subjects, which broadens her audience. While Medium’s algorithm rewards quality and engagement, it doesn’t confine you to one topic.
By writing about diverse subjects, you’ll not only engage a broader audience but also discover where your strengths lie. Over time, you can identify which topics resonate most with your readers and refine your focus accordingly.
Tip #5: Master SEO and Self-Promotion
Remember that "/archive" trick? It’s pivotal for identifying trending topics and keywords. SEO (Search Engine Optimization) is about enhancing your article's visibility through strategic keyword usage.
Select two specific tags that accurately describe your article and three additional tags that target your likely audience. After publishing, self-promotion is crucial; share your work across all social media platforms.
Don’t wait for others to promote you—take charge and market your own content!
Tip #6: Start Writing Today
Simply reading this article won’t lead to success. To achieve your goals, you must act. Writing is a muscle that needs to be exercised regularly to grow stronger.
Just as knowing how to get fit isn’t enough—you have to commit to the process. It's the same with writing. Create a system that allows you to consistently produce quality work.
Ultimately, your journey on Medium will require effort and perseverance, but with dedication and passion, you can achieve your financial goals.
Final Thoughts: Share this knowledge with your fellow writers. Understanding how to utilize Medium effectively will empower you on your writing journey.
Bonus Resources:
- Newsletters: Mailchimp, Revue, Substack, ConvertKit
- Social Media Tools: Brandbird, Swapstack
- Writing Tools: Grammarly, Hyperwrite
- Image Resources: Unsplash, Pexels
Feel free to reach out with any questions or for further assistance. Let’s uplift each other on this writing adventure!