I am short of another milestone – to reach my 1,000 followers target!
A Look Back at Eight Years
As the clock ticks down to the New Year 2024, I find myself in an exciting yet slightly nerve-wracking position.
I’m just 23 followers short of reaching a significant milestone in my blogging journey: 1,000 followers.
Author’s Snapshot on Dec. 31, 2021
This goal, which once seemed like a distant dream, is now tantalizingly close.
Reflecting on the past eight years, my audience consistently hovered around 200 followers. Despite my efforts, breaking out of this range felt like an insurmountable task.
That was until a pivotal moment at the end of September 2023, which marked my entry into the Medium Partner Program.
A Turning Point with Medium
Joining Medium was like opening a door to a world brimming with insightful writing tips and a vibrant community of writers.
The platform gave me access to a wealth of knowledge, and I eagerly dived in.
I began implementing the tips and tricks I learned from other successful Medium writers, and the results were almost immediate.
My initial target was modest: gain at least 5 new followers each day.
However, to my surprise and delight, this number soon doubled to 10 followers daily. This growth, I believe, stemmed from my active engagement within the Medium community.
I spent considerable time reading articles by other writers, leaving thoughtful comments, and following others in similar niches.
This expanded my network and enriched my understanding of what resonates with readers.
The Final Push
As of today, I stand 23 followers short of my goal. It’s a mix of excitement and uncertainty.
Will I hit the 1,000 mark before the year ends? It’s hard to say, but one thing is sure: January 2024 looks promising.
The prospect of reaching this milestone fills me with a sense of achievement and anticipation.
The Value of the Medium Partner Program
I cannot overstate the value of joining the Medium Partner Program, particularly the paid subscription.
It has been instrumental in my growth as a writer.
The unlimited access to the collective wisdom of other Medium writers has been a game changer.
It’s not just about the numbers; it’s about the growth journey and the community that supports and inspires you along the way.
A Message of Gratitude and Hope
As I stand on the cusp of this milestone, I want to extend my heartfelt gratitude to my old and new followers.
Your support and engagement have been the driving force behind my journey.
My advice to those still contemplating whether to join platforms like Medium is simple: leap.
The benefits, both in terms of personal growth and audience engagement, are well worth it.
Happy New Year to all of you!
Here’s to reaching new heights, not just in follower count but in the quality of connections and content we create.
Whether I reach the 1,000 mark now or a bit later, the journey has been incredible, and for that, I am profoundly grateful.
[Update: 1/1/2024]
Surprise! Surprise!
When I woke up this morning and checked my profile… yes! It has reached 1K target!
For the first ten years of my career, my role as a lecturer at Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) has offered me a treasure trove of experiences, deeply enriching my understanding of education and student engagement.
This period has refined my professional abilities and spurred significant personal development, transforming me into an educator of greater influence and confidence.
Grasping the True Essence of Student Needs
In my early days, I viewed teaching primarily as imparting knowledge.
It didn’t take long to recognize that students sought something more profound – a blend of motivation, engagement, and practical knowledge application.
Recognizing and adapting to these needs marked a pivotal transformation in my teaching approach.
Strategies to Engage and Inspire
Capturing the interest of students requires an innovative approach.
I turned to interactive methods, using group discussions, real-life scenarios, and digital technology integration to make my lectures more dynamic and relevant.
These techniques made learning more enjoyable and deepened students’ comprehension and interest.
The Power of Knowledge and Earning Respect
One vital realization was the necessity of thorough preparation and expertise in my field.
Students naturally gravitate towards and respect lecturers who demonstrate comprehensive subject knowledge.
Earning this respect was instrumental in creating an environment conducive to learning and engagement.
Cultivating Confidence Through Public Speaking
Delivering regular lectures became a foundation for honing my public speaking skills.
Over time, this consistent practice significantly boosted my confidence, equipping me to present with poise and clarity at international conferences.
The skill of effective communication, garnered through my teaching experiences, has been invaluable.
My responsibilities extended far beyond the lecture hall, involving rigorous research and academic paper publication.
Staying at the cutting edge of my field advanced my professional development and offered tangible benefits to my students.
This aspect of my career has been particularly gratifying, contributing to the broader academic sphere.
Fostering Enduring Connections
One of the most fulfilling outcomes of my tenure at UTM has been the lasting relationships established with students.
Many of them have evolved into friendships, professional relationships, or even client connections, often reminding me of my positive influence during their academic journey.
This has underscored the enduring impact that educators can have on their students’ lives.
Reflecting on this decade-long journey, it’s evident that my experiences at UTM have been as much about personal learning and growth as they have been about imparting knowledge.
I am very thankful. The lessons learned have enhanced my capabilities as a lecturer and enriched my life in numerous ways.
My tenure at UTM underscored that being an educator transcends teaching; it’s about inspiring, connecting, and continually evolving personally and professionally.
The story of my second job in a corporate organization (telco):
As 2023 draws close, I reflect on a significant milestone in my writing journey: reaching the $50 earning target on Medium.
This goal is not just a number for me; it embodies my dedication, learning, and evolving strategies that have shaped my experience in the Medium Partner Program (MPP).
Why $50 Matters
1. Meeting My Medium Partner Program Subscription:
In October 2023, I embarked on a journey with the Medium Partner Program, a platform that promised to be a new avenue for my creative expression and growth.
The $50 mark is critical as it equals the yearly subscription fee for the MPP.
Reaching this target means my passion for writing is not just self-sustaining but also an investment that pays for itself, literally.
2. Joining the Elite 8%:
Another reason this target is significant is its symbolic value.
Earning $50 places me halfway to the $100 mark, a feat achieved by only 8% of Medium writers.
This benchmark is not just a testament to my writing skills but also to my perseverance and dedication to my craft.
The Journey So Far
My initial goal when I joined MPP was modest – to earn at least $5 monthly.
However, as December unfolded, my earnings surprisingly reached $48.26, with three days remaining.
This progress was not just encouraging; it transformed my perception of what’s achievable.
[Update: Dec. 30, 2023]
Today, I have reached my target and I am super excited!
Strategies That Made the Difference
Engaging with Other Writers:
I realized early on that writing in isolation on Medium doesn’t spell success. Engagement with other writers – commenting, responding, and clapping – has been pivotal.
It created a supportive community around my work, increasing visibility and readership.
Pinning Articles and Crafting Headlines:
The way I present and promote my articles transformed.
Pinning articles strategically and crafting compelling headlines significantly increased the readership.
These are about more than just attracting readers; they are about ensuring they value what I say.
Looking Ahead: Boosting My Articles and Celebrating Success
As I look towards 2024, I aspire to see my articles get boosted, reach a wider audience, and create a more significant impact.
Achieving the $50 mark is not just about meeting a financial target; it’s about affirming my writing and strategies.
Reaching the $50 earning target on Medium is more than a monetary achievement.
It’s a validation of my efforts, a proof of my evolving strategies, and a stepping stone towards more significant accomplishments.
As I continue this journey, I’m filled with hope and excitement for what the future holds, not just for my earnings but for the growth and impact of my writing.
This article reflects my journey of reaching a significant milestone in the Medium Partner Program and the strategies that made it possible, highlighting the importance of community engagement and effective article promotion.
In the heart of the year, a dream takes flight, A writer’s journey, in the soft moonlight. Twenty-Twenty-Four, a canvas new, A story begins, painted in hues true.
Words dance like leaves in a gentle breeze, Capturing whispers, the soul to please. Through the pen flows a river deep, Where thoughts and dreams from shadows leap.
In pages bound by hope and light, A writer’s tale shines ever bright. In every line, a world unfurls, A tapestry of dreams, in swirls.
Each word a step on a path so wide, With passion as the ever-glowing guide. The ink, a friend, in the quiet night, Illuminates thoughts, brings dreams to sight.
In Twenty-Twenty-Four, the story’s told, Of a heart brave, and a spirit bold. A writer’s journey, from dawn to dusk, In words that whisper, in a world so lush.
Embrace the call of the muse’s song, For in your heart, it’s been all along. In Twenty-Twenty-Four, let your story soar, A writer’s dream, alive forevermore.
When I decided to join the Medium Partner Program (MPP), I promised it would at least pay for itself.
Today, I’m excited to take you through my exhilarating journey on Medium – a tale of evolving from merely covering the Medium Partner Program (MPP) fees to earning profits that surprised me.
Let me delve into the strategies that transformed my Medium experience, focusing on follows, claps, comments, highlights, replies, and the pivotal role of reading time.
The Humble Start
When I joined MPP, my goal was modest: to earn enough to pay the monthly fee of $5.00.
The early days were a blend of excitement and uncertainty.
My articles, reflections of my experiences and thoughts, seemed like tiny boats I released into the vast ocean of Medium, hoping they’d find their shore.
Turning Followers into a Foothold
Gaining followers on Medium isn’t just about numbers; it’s about building a community.
I realized that each follower represented a potential regular reader, a supporter, and an engager.
So, I started reaching out, not just through my writing but through genuine interactions.
I followed authors whose work inspired me; in return, many followed.
This reciprocity wasn’t just about growing numbers and nurturing a mutual support network.
The Magic of Claps
On Medium, claps are more than just applause; they’re a currency of appreciation.
I learned that clapping for articles wasn’t just a passive action.
It said, “I see your work, and it resonates with me.”
By consistently clapping for articles I enjoyed, I spread positivity and subtly increased my visibility within the community.
Highlighting the Highlights
Highlights on Medium are like shining a spotlight on the parts that speak to you.
I began using highlights to mark phrases or ideas that struck a chord.
This showed authors what I appreciated in their work and helped me remember these golden nuggets.
It’s incredible how a simple highlight can lead to meaningful connections and conversations.
The Power of Comments and Replies
Comments and replies are where the real magic of engagement happens.
I made it a point to leave thoughtful comments on articles I read.
This wasn’t about leaving generic praises but about engaging in meaningful discussions, asking questions, or sharing how the article affected me.
Replies to comments on my articles were just as crucial.
They were opportunities to deepen connections and show my appreciation for readers’ time and thoughts.
Maximizing Reading Time
Medium values the time readers spend on your articles.
I learned that it wasn’t just about getting clicks but about keeping readers engaged.
So, I focused on creating exciting but also valuable and insightful content.
I paid attention to the length of my articles, ensuring they were long enough to provide depth but concise enough to maintain engagement.
The December Surprise
Then came December, a month that broke all my previous records.
My earnings were enough to cover not just one but eight months of MPP fees!
This breakthrough was a testament to the power of consistent engagement and quality content.
It was a joyous reminder that when you invest in the community, the community supports back in you.
Key Takeaways for Aspiring Medium Writers
Build a Community, Not Just a Following: Engage with your followers and follow others genuinely. It’s about creating a network of support.
Clap with Purpose: Show appreciation for others’ work. It’s a simple yet effective way to connect. More claps indicate a standing ovation.
Use Highlights Effectively: Highlight parts that resonate with you in others’ articles. It’s a great way to engage and remember key points.
Engage Meaningfully in Comments: Don’t just read; participate in discussions. Your comments can open doors to new connections.
Value Your Readers’ Time: Create content that keeps readers engaged. Quality and relevance are essential.
The dream of launching a startup often conjures images of groundbreaking innovation and unbridled passion.
It’s a path glorified by success stories and celebrated in popular culture.
Yet, beneath this veneer of excitement lies a truth often unspoken: the journey of a startup entrepreneur is fraught with sacrifice and hardship.
This is especially true for those like myself, who dive into the entrepreneurial waters after decades in established careers.
After over 30 years of climbing the corporate ladder to a high management position, I took the plunge into entrepreneurship, a decision that profoundly reshaped my life.
The Financial Rollercoaster: A Tale of Uncertainty
The most jarring sacrifice for any entrepreneur, particularly for those leaving well-established careers, is financial.
The comfort of a regular, substantial paycheck is replaced by a turbulent income, often unpredictable and sometimes nonexistent.
In the infancy of my startup, there were stretches where I couldn’t draw a salary, a stark contrast to the financial stability I had known.
This financial rollercoaster isn’t just a test of one’s business skills but a trial of personal endurance and resilience.
Lifestyle Overhaul: Adjusting to New Realities
Hand-in-hand with financial instability comes a drastic lifestyle shift.
The corporate perks – business class flights, stays in luxury hotels – quickly became relics of a bygone era.
The entrepreneurial journey often demands a frugal approach, redirecting personal finances to nurture the growing business.
This adjustment can be particularly stark for those accustomed to a particular lifestyle, requiring financial and psychological adaptation.
Cutting Back on Personal Luxuries: A Necessary Compromise
The entrepreneurial path also necessitates cutting back on personal indulgences.
This meant scaling back on overseas vacations, delaying upgrades to gadgets like computers or smartphones, and curbing my spending on non-essentials.
Every expense had to be scrutinized and justified, a far cry from the less restrictive spending habits I had developed over the years.
Navigating Uncertainty and Isolation
Beyond the tangible sacrifices lies an emotional landscape marked by constant uncertainty, intense decision-making pressure, and sometimes a sense of isolation.
Building something from scratch and steering a venture through uncharted waters can be as emotionally taxing as it is rewarding.
There were moments of doubt, questioning whether the sacrifices were justifiable.
This emotional toll is a shared experience among many entrepreneurs, an unspoken bond that connects us in our journeys.
Perseverance and Growth: Lessons Learned on the Path
Despite these challenges, the entrepreneurial journey is one of profound personal growth and learning.
The highs and lows, the successes and setbacks, each contribute to an invaluable learning experience about business, life, and inner strength.
The journey becomes a testament to resilience, a relentless pursuit of a vision, and a constant process of self-discovery and adaptation.
Reflecting on the Sacrifices: Is It Worth It?
Whether the entrepreneurial sacrifices are worth the struggle is deeply personal and subjective.
Each entrepreneur must weigh the value of their journey against the cost of what they have relinquished.
It’s common to grapple with feelings of loss or doubt about the chosen path.
However, it’s equally important to acknowledge the growth, the accomplishments, and the unique experiences gained along the way.
A Shared Narrative: The Collective Experience of Founders
While my story is my own, it resonates with the experiences of countless other startup founders.
The entrepreneurial path demands significant sacrifices, especially from those who have already carved out a career and a lifestyle.
Yet, these sacrifices imbue the journey with its unique meaning and depth, shaping the venture and the entrepreneurs.
The Entrepreneur’s Odyssey
Becoming a startup entrepreneur, particularly later in life, is complex.
It entails significant sacrifices regarding financial security, lifestyle, personal comforts, and emotional well-being.
For many, however, the rewards lie in pursuing a dream, the lessons learned, and the personal growth experienced along the way.
It’s a path of resilience, self-discovery, and at times, triumphant success.
Whether or not it’s worth the sacrifices is a question each entrepreneur must answer for themselves.
But one thing is sure: the entrepreneurial journey is a transformative experience, profoundly shaping those brave enough to embark on it.
This journey is not for the faint of heart.
It’s a path filled with uncertainty and potential for immense personal and professional fulfillment.
Reflecting on my journey and the roads traversed, I recognize that the entrepreneurial path has been an enriching and life-defining experience despite the hardships.
It’s a journey of self-discovery, where each challenge faced and obstacle overcome adds a new chapter to the story.
Those contemplating this path know that the sacrifices are real, but so are the growth opportunities, learning, and, potentially, creating something truly impactful.
Embracing the Uncertainty: The Entrepreneur’s Mindset
One of the most critical aspects of this journey is embracing uncertainty.
As entrepreneurs, we step into a world without guarantees, where success is not promised and where every decision carries weight.
This constant state of flux requires a mindset geared towards adaptability and resilience.
It’s about being comfortable with being uncomfortable, knowing that the path to success is rarely a straight line.
Building Resilience: The Backbone of Entrepreneurship
Resilience is the backbone of any entrepreneurial venture.
There will be setbacks and failures, moments where everything seems to fall apart.
In these moments, an entrepreneur’s true spirit is tested.
The ability to pick oneself up, learn from mistakes, and move forward separates those who succeed from those who don’t.
This resilience is cultivated over time through each challenge faced and overcome.
The Power of Community and Support
No entrepreneur is an island.
The importance of having a support system – be it mentors, fellow entrepreneurs, friends, or family – cannot be overstated.
This journey can be isolating, and having people to share your struggles, victories, and insights with is invaluable.
Building a support network provides emotional backing and opens doors to new perspectives and opportunities.
The Rewards: More Than Just Financial
While financial success is often a key goal, the rewards of entrepreneurship extend far beyond monetary gains.
A sense of fulfillment comes from creating something from scratch, from seeing an idea turn into reality.
The skills and insights gained through this journey are unparalleled, providing a wealth of experience that can be applied in various facets of life.
The Entrepreneur’s Legacy: Impact Beyond Business
Finally, entrepreneurship is about the legacy one leaves behind.
It’s about your business’s impact on society, the jobs it creates, the problems it solves, and the innovation it brings.
This aspect of entrepreneurship is often the most fulfilling.
Knowing that your venture, your idea, has made a tangible difference in the world is an immense reward.
Final Words: The Entrepreneurial Journey is Yours to Define
In conclusion, the entrepreneurial journey is unique to each individual.
It’s a path filled with sacrifices and the potential for immense growth, learning, and fulfillment.
The decision to embark on this journey should be made with a clear understanding of the challenges ahead and the knowledge that the rewards can be life-changing.
As I continue on my entrepreneurial path, I am constantly reminded of the sacrifices made and the lessons learned.
Yet, I am also acutely aware of the growth I’ve experienced, the resilience I’ve built, and the impact my venture has had. It’s a journey I chose, and despite its ups and downs, it’s one I would choose again.
Those considering this path know that while it may not be easy, it can be gratifying.
Your entrepreneurial journey is yours to define, and the possibilities are endless.
Here is a little trick that might be your next big breakthrough on Medium.
I’m talking about the art of pinning articles – a super simple but incredibly impactful feature.
It’s like finding a treasure chest in your backyard.
Let me walk you through my journey and share some insights that might spark a revolution in your Medium game!
The Magic of Pinning: Why It’s a Game-Changer
Pinning articles on Medium – sounds pretty basic, right?
But trust me, it’s like strategically placing your best pieces in a virtual showcase.
When new visitors or loyal followers land on your profile, they first see what you choose to highlight.
It’s your golden opportunity to make a lasting impression.
I discovered this magic when I pinned my top articles.
They weren’t just sitting ducks; they turned into my star performers, my top-earning musketeers!
Below is proof of how my December earnings changed when I tried the pinning strategy.
My December earnings multiplied by almost six times when I tried pinning.
It was as if they were on a digital billboard on the busiest highway of the internet, waving at every passerby.
First Impressions: The Make or Break
First impressions are everything.
When you gain new followers (and oh, you will!), they’re likely to snoop around your profile.
And what they find first could decide whether they stick around or bounce off.
Pinning your best work is like rolling out the red carpet for them.
It’s your moment to say, “Welcome! Here’s the cream of the crop!”
I pinned articles that resonated most with my readers, and the impact was clear as day.
Engagement shot up, and so did my earnings. It’s a straightforward yet powerful strategy to keep your audience hooked.
The Pinning Experiment: Duration and Reviving Underperformers
Here’s where it gets a bit experimental.
I started playing around with how long to keep articles pinned.
The goal?
To keep my profile fresh yet impactful. It’s like curating an art exhibition; you want to give each masterpiece time to shine without turning the gallery stale.
But what about those not-so-popular articles?
Can pinning work like a charm for them, too?
I’m on a mission to find out.
It’s like giving a second chance to those hidden gems, letting them bask in the spotlight, maybe for the first time.
Below are some articles that began gaining traction when I gave them the turn to be pinned. Otherwise, these articles only get between 0 cents to $0.01.
Screenshot by author: I tried to pin these four articles, and the strategy works!
Your Turn to Pin and Win!
So, what’s stopping you?
Dive into your collection of articles and start pinning.
Pick the ones that truly embody your best work or have already won hearts.
It’s a small step for you, but it could be a giant leap for your Medium presence.
And remember, variety is the spice of life.
Keep rotating your pinned articles to see which ones resonate with your audience. It’s all about trying different flavors and seeing which tastes the best.
Let me take you on a little journey that led me to triple my Medium earnings in just one magical month, December.
You see, my earnings took a nosedive back in November despite my relentless daily publishing.
Baffling, right? But as they say, necessity is the mother of invention.
So, I rolled up my sleeves and revamped my strategy.
Want to know how I turned things around?
Buckle up because here we go!
My December 2023 EarningsThe constant engagement has a big impact on the increase in views.
1. Building a Vibrant Network: Following Active Medium Writers
First things first, I decided to expand my network aggressively.
But this wasn’t about mindlessly hitting the ‘Follow’ button.
My focus was on active Medium writers – the ones who regularly engaged with recent articles.
Imagine Medium as a buzzing beehive; I wanted to connect with the busiest bees who make the most honey.
This approach had a simple yet powerful logic: I was setting the stage for meaningful exchanges by connecting with active members.
It’s like walking into a party and mingling with the liveliest groups.
This amplified my presence and ensured a dynamic and reciprocal network.
2. Engaging on a Deeper Level: Starting Conversations, Not Just Comments
My second move was to level up my engagement game.
On Medium, your worth isn’t just measured in words; it’s also in the connections you forge.
So, instead of just dropping comments here and there, I started initiating conversations.
Picture this: someone drops a thoughtful comment on your article.
Instead of a simple ‘Thanks,’ I dove into a full-fledged conversation, discussing their views, sharing insights, and sometimes, just having a friendly chat.
This wasn’t just about being polite but building a community.
People gravitate towards those who value their input.
It’s like creating a cozy corner in the vast world of the internet where every voice matters.
3. A Gesture of Appreciation: Clapping for Comments
Next up, I embraced the power of appreciation – through claps.
On Medium, claps are more than just a virtual pat on the back; they are a currency of gratitude.
Whenever someone left a comment, I gave them a round of applause.
It’s a small gesture, but it speaks volumes. It says, “I see you, hear you, and appreciate you.”
This simple act of acknowledgment can turn a casual reader into a loyal follower.
It’s about creating an atmosphere of mutual respect and appreciation, a community where everyone feels valued.
Beyond Strategy: Continuous Improvement and Crafting Catchy Headlines
But let’s not forget the backbone of any successful Medium profile: great content.
Alongside my networking and engagement strategies, I improved my writing.
I experimented with styles, dabbled in different genres, and fine-tuned my voice.
Every article was a new adventure, a new story to tell.
And headlines?
Oh, they became my secret weapon. A catchy headline is like a flashy signboard that invites people into your world.
I spent hours crafting headlines that were intriguing, witty, and impossible to scroll past.
The Game-Changing Impact
So, what was the result of all this hustling?
My Medium profile didn’t just grow; it exploded.
My followers multiplied, my views skyrocketed, and my earnings tripled.
It felt like striking gold in the digital world.
This wasn’t just about the money, though. It was a validation of the power of community and engagement on Medium.
I created a ripple effect that extended far beyond my expectations by focusing on active networking, deepening conversations, showing genuine appreciation, and continuously upping my content game.
A Recipe for Success
Here’s the deal: success on Medium, or any platform, isn’t just about what you write.
It’s about how you connect with your audience, how you engage with your peers, and how you keep evolving as a writer.
The strategies I used might seem straightforward, but trust me, they’re like hidden gems.
They can transform your presence from just another profile into a thriving community hub.
Remember, every follower, every clap, and every comment is a step toward building a loyal and engaged audience.
Treat these interactions not as metrics but as opportunities to connect, learn, and grow.
So there you have it – my tale of turning the tides on Medium in December.
It’s a story of resilience, strategy, and a lot of heart.
If you want to boost your presence and earnings on Medium, why not try these strategies?
Who knows, you might find yourself writing your own success story soon!
And remember, in the world of content creation, your greatest asset is your unique voice and your willingness to connect.
It’s not just about reaching the destination; it’s about the experiences, the connections, and the growth you encounter along the way.
Embracing the Journey
As you embark on this path, remember that every writer’s journey is unique.
What worked for me might need some tweaking to fit your style, and that’s perfectly okay.
Experiment, adapt, and find your rhythm. Medium isn’t just a platform; it’s a canvas, and you’re the artist.
Paint it with your words, your interactions, and your passion.
A Few Parting Tips
Here are a few nuggets of wisdom I picked up along the way:
Be Authentic: People can spot inauthenticity from miles away. Be genuine in your interactions and your writing. Your authenticity is your trademark.
Stay Consistent: Whether it’s your writing style, your posting schedule, or your engagement, consistency is key. It builds trust and establishes your presence.
Keep Learning: The digital world is ever-evolving. Stay curious, keep learning, and adapt to new trends and algorithms. But always maintain your essence in the process.
Value Every Interaction: Value every interaction, from a simple clap to a detailed comment. These are the building blocks of your community.
Have Fun: Last but not least, have fun with it. Writing is a creative process; the moment it feels like a chore, it’s time to take a step back and reevaluate.
In Conclusion
Tripling my Medium earnings in December was a milestone, but the real achievement was the journey that led me there.
The connections I made, the conversations I had, and the personal growth I experienced were priceless.
So, go ahead, give these strategies a try, and embark on your Medium adventure.
Who knows where the journey will take you, but one thing is certain – it will be a ride!
Happy writing, and here’s to a flourishing journey on Medium!
As a newbie content creator, I’ve faced a dilemma that’s probably familiar to many: picking the right platform that truly resonates with my creative spirit and connects with my audience.
My journey, straddling the worlds of TikTok and Medium, has been nothing short of an eye-opener.
Let’s dive into the numbers first.
On TikTok, where I’m known as iotman2030, I’ve managed to gather a cool 5,783 followers.
Over on Medium, things are a bit more humble with 685 followers. But here’s where it gets interesting: my TikTok videos reel in hundreds, sometimes thousands of views, while my Medium articles?
They’re scraping by with just about ten reads daily.
So, why do I keep pouring my heart into Medium when TikTok is clearly the winning horse in terms of engagement?
It’s a tough nut to crack, and it really made me think about the diverse nature of creating content for different platforms.
TikTok: The Fast Lane
On TikTok, everything moves at lightning speed. Crafting a video is super quick, sometimes taking less than a minute.
This platform loves snappy, visually catchy content, and boy, does it deliver instant gratification!
Seeing those views and likes pile up almost instantly is a real rush.
But, trying to make some cash on TikTok? That’s a whole different ball game. The ways to monetize aren’t as clear-cut as you’d think.
Medium: Digging Deeper
Now, Medium is a different beast altogether.
I spend hours, sometimes days, writing articles, engaging with readers, and fostering a sense of community.
It’s not about churning out content. It’s about crafting pieces that resonate with depth and insight.
Medium’s crowd craves quality over quick fixes. The real reward here isn’t in big numbers, but in the meaningful conversations and connections that bloom from each article.
Different Strokes for Different Folks
The audiences on TikTok and Medium couldn’t be more different.
TikTok is like a buzzing beehive of younger folks who dig my IoT edutainment clips.
Medium, on the other hand, attracts a more mature crowd who appreciate a well-thought-out article that offers more than just surface-level insights.
It’s like catering to two different worlds, each satisfying in its own unique way.
Embracing Both Worlds
After much pondering, I decided why choose one when I can juggle both?
Each platform has its perks. TikTok gets my creative juices flowing with its fast-paced vibe, while Medium allows me to connect on a deeper level with my readers.
This dual approach has become my game plan in the diverse landscape of content creation.
The Adventure Continues…
But wait, there’s more!
My journey doesn’t stop at TikTok and Medium.
I’ve also dipped my toes into podcasting and YouTube, exploring different formats and reaching out to varied audiences.
Podcasting lets me dive into lengthy discussions, while YouTube merges TikTok’s visual charm with more substantial content.
It’s all about mixing and matching to see what resonates best.
Nuggets of Wisdom for Budding Medium Writers
If you’re thinking of taking the plunge into Medium, here are some lessons I’ve picked up along the way:
Know Your Battlefield: Medium is all about depth and quality. Make your articles insightful and valuable.
Connect and Converse: Medium thrives on interaction. Engage with your readers and build that community vibe.
Quality is King: Unlike TikTok’s quantity game, Medium values well-crafted pieces. Put in the time to make your articles stand out.
Carve Your Niche: Medium readers love expertise. Find your special corner and own it.
Patience Pays Off: Growing a following on Medium is a marathon, not a sprint. Build trust and credibility steadily.
Spread Your Wings: Don’t put all your eggs in one basket. Explore different platforms to broaden your reach.
Money Matters: Get to know Medium’s monetization tricks, like the Partner Program, and plan your content strategy around it.
Stay Sharp: Keep up with the latest trends in content creation and evolve your approach accordingly.
Be True to You: Pick topics that you’re passionate about. Authenticity is a magnet for readers.
Diversify Your Portfolio: Treat your social media presence like an investment portfolio. Mix it up for the best overall returns.
In wrapping up, my escapade across TikTok and Medium has been a masterclass in understanding the diverse world of social media.
By embracing the unique flavor of each platform, I’ve learned to navigate the digital realm effectively, striking a balance between reaching out to my audience, engaging them meaningfully, and finding personal fulfillment in the content I create.
My journey as a content creator has mirrored these changes, adapting and growing with each new turn.
Before TikTok captured the zeitgeist of our times, YouTube was my canvas, a space where I painted my creative expressions.
This adventure took off with the creation of several YouTube channels, each linked to a unique Gmail account and dedicated to a distinct theme, like vibrant colors in a kaleidoscope.
These channels spanned a wide array of subjects, from the cutting-edge buzz of the latest tech gadgets to the wanderlust of travel adventures, intimate personal vlogs, and deep dives into the world of entrepreneurship and technology.
This variety in content was an exploration of my multiple interests and a bridge to connect with a diverse audience, each with their unique tastes and preferences.
Remarkably, most of these channels are still thriving, standing as monuments to their continued relevance and my dedication to keeping them alive — a stark contrast to the ephemeral nature of digital content we often saw a decade ago.
More recently, I’ve poured my heart into one personal YouTube channel while simultaneously steering the ship for other business-related media ventures, stories of which I’m eager to unfold soon.
One channel, in particular, resonates with me deeply. Launched 13 years ago, it was a labor of love from my fascination with electronic gadgets.
‘My Gadget’ became a beacon in the tech world, offering the latest news, how-to guides, and insights, particularly for Android and iOS users.
It was an exciting time, coinciding with significant technological breakthroughs in smartphones and tablets.
As the world welcomed iPhones and Android devices, I immersed myself and shared every discovery and insight with my audience.
My engagement went beyond mere reviews; I plunged into the heart of these devices. Jailbreaking iPhones to explore new apps became a staple on my channel, captivating my tech-hungry viewers.
As my journey expanded, so did the scope of my content.
Travel soon wove its way into my narrative, allowing me to share the world’s beauty through my lens, adding a rich, vibrant layer to my digital collection.
The birth of my startup, called Favoriot, marked a new era in my life and, consequently, in my content journey.
This venture opened doors to opportunities like interviews and TV appearances, enriching my content with tech talks and adding a new depth to my digital storytelling.
Juggling content creation across various platforms was a colossal task, demanding time, meticulous editing, and a never-ending flow of creative ideas.
Eventually, I embraced a more natural, spontaneous approach to video posting, lightening the editing burden and bringing a genuine, relatable touch to my work.
As the digital landscape continued to transform, so did my methods of connecting with my audience.
Podcasting emerged as the new frontier, and I set sail in this exciting direction, eager to open another chapter of connection with my audience.
I look forward to sharing this new journey, filled with unique stories and experiences, soon.
Reflecting on this digital odyssey, I’m awed by the incredible transformation of technology and social media and how they’ve reshaped our ways of creating, consuming, and sharing content.
From the early days of YouTube to the dynamic world of TikTok and the emerging realm of podcasting, my journey has been a testament to learning, adaptability, and a relentless pursuit of passion.
As we welcome the New Year, I extend my warmest wishes to all. Happy reading, and a joyous New Year! I invite you to join me as we continue to navigate and share in this ever-changing world of digital content creation.
Dr. Mazlan Abbas 