From Zero to One Engagement on Medium

WRITER’S JOURNEY

Using these three (3) essential steps

When I started writing on Medium, I was eager to share my insights on IoT, smart cities, and entrepreneurship. However, like many new writers, I struggled to gain traction.

It was frustrating to see my articles receive little to no engagement despite the effort I put into them.

Over time, I realized that successful Medium writers often adopt specific strategies that set them apart. Drawing from my personal experiences, I’ll share three essential tips that helped transform my writing journey.

1 — Consistency is Key

When I began, I wrote sporadically, sometimes posting two articles in a week and then disappearing for a month.

This inconsistency was one of the main reasons my audience didn’t grow as I had hoped.

Successful Medium writers, I discovered, are remarkably consistent.

They show up regularly, daily, weekly, or bi-weekly.

Building a Routine

“Okay, Mazlan, you need a writing schedule,” I told myself one evening after noticing a particularly inactive month on my blog.

I decided to treat writing like any other important task in my life – something that required discipline and commitment.

I set a goal to write at least three articles a week.

Initially, it was challenging.

There were days when inspiration was elusive, and the words wouldn’t flow.

But I pushed through, reminding myself of the importance of consistency. Over time, writing became a habit, almost second nature.

Embracing the Grind

Sometimes, I felt like giving up, questioning if my efforts were worth it. “Is anyone even reading this?” I’d wonder aloud.

But then I remembered the advice of successful writers: consistency pays off. It’s a marathon, not a sprint.

Slowly but surely, my audience began to grow.

People started to recognize my name, and my articles received more engagement.

2 — Write for Your Audience, Not for Yourself

One of the biggest mistakes I made initially was writing articles that I found interesting without considering what my audience wanted.

Successful Medium writers understand their readers deeply and create content tailored to their interests and needs.

Understanding My Audience

To better understand my audience, I started paying close attention to the comments on my articles, the questions people asked, and the topics that resonated most with my readers.

I realized that while I loved diving deep into the technical aspects of IoT, my readers were more interested in practical applications and real-world case studies.

“Why don’t you write more about how IoT can solve everyday problems?” a reader once commented.

It was a lightbulb moment for me.

Adapting My Content

With this new understanding, I shifted my focus.

Instead of writing purely technical articles, I started sharing stories of how IoT technology was being used innovatively to improve lives.

I wrote about smart cities implementing IoT solutions to reduce traffic congestion or farmers using IoT devices to optimize crop yields.

This shift made a significant difference.

My articles started to resonate more with my audience.

They found value in my content because it addressed their interests and provided practical insights they could relate to.

3 — Engage with the Community

Writing on Medium isn’t just about posting articles and hoping for the best. It’s about being part of a community.

Successful Medium writers actively engage with other writers and readers.

They comment on others’ posts, respond to comments on their articles, and participate in discussions.

Building Relationships

I realized that I needed to be more active in the Medium community to grow as a writer.

I started reading more articles from other writers, leaving thoughtful comments, and engaging in conversations.

This helped me learn from others and increased my visibility on the platform.

One day, I left a comment on an article about the future of smart cities.

The author responded, and we ended up having a lengthy discussion about the potential of IoT in urban planning.

This interaction led to a collaboration on a co-authored article, bringing new readers to our profiles.

Responding to Feedback

Engaging with my readers also meant responding to their comments and feedback.

Initially, I would just hit the “like” button on comments, but I soon realized that taking the time to respond thoughtfully made a big difference.

It showed my readers that I valued their input and appreciated their engagement.

“Thank you for this insight! Have you considered writing about IoT in healthcare?” a reader once asked.

This led to an entire series of articles exploring the use of IoT in different sectors, which became some of my most popular posts.

Reflections and Growth

Looking back, these three tips – consistency, writing for my audience, and engaging with the community – have been crucial in my growth as a writer on Medium.

They transformed my approach and helped me connect with readers more deeply.

The Road Ahead

As I continue my writing journey, I remain committed to these principles.

There’s always room for improvement, and I constantly seek ways to refine my craft.

Writing is a continuous learning process; each article is an opportunity to grow and connect with my audience.

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If you’re a new writer on Medium, remember that success doesn’t happen overnight.

It takes time, effort, and a willingness to adapt and learn.

Be consistent, understand your audience, and engage with the community.

These strategies won’t just help you grow as a writer – they’ll help you build meaningful connections and create content that resonates.

As I write my next article, I remind myself of my journey.

The struggles, the small victories, and the lessons learned along the way.

And with each keystroke, I’m one step closer to becoming the writer I aspire to be.

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Writing on Medium has been a rewarding experience filled with challenges and growth.

By adopting the strategies of successful writers, I’ve learned to navigate this journey with a clearer sense of direction and purpose.