But I have spent hours writing and engaging on Medium daily compared to a couple of minutes (sometimes just under one minute) to create my TikTok content.
And yet, my TikTok has better engagement. However, I still need to monetize it.
So, why the heck am I focusing on Medium?
It took me some time to realize that I still stay at Medium because the content is not the same, and the kind of satisfaction is also different.
Although my TikTok channel can be a form of edutainment, it targets different audiences.
I will never get the same followers or demographics from TikTok as my Medium.
Two different markets and two different kinds of satisfaction.
My followers from TikTok are specific to younger audiences attracted to my IoT edutainment content.
Finally, I decided to maintain both accounts.
And hey! Did I also mention that I am also active on Podcast and YouTube?
An entirely generated Medium article using AI is no excuse, but what if I used AI to help perfect my points and turn them into a well-written essay or blog?
Using ChatGPT to help me expand my main points into an article would be okay. But oh boy, I was wrong!
No wonder Medium never boosted my articles on the “For You” tab.
I could get some views, reads, and claps, but it never helps boost what all writers seek.
I have seen many articles by the same writers being boosted almost daily, and I questioned myself — why not me?
The number of COVID-19 cases is rising as we approach the end of 2023.
Are we going to face another pandemic?
I don’t think any country or business can survive another lockdown. The price of a lockdown is very high, as we have faced in 2020–2021.
The COVID-19 pandemic has posed unprecedented challenges for businesses worldwide, mainly for startups that may need more financial cushion or market presence of larger companies.
Adopting a strategic approach is crucial for survival and growth in these turbulent times. The T.O.U.G.H strategy provides a roadmap for startups to navigate this crisis effectively.
T — Tighten Financial Controls
In the face of economic uncertainty, stringent financial management becomes the lifeline for startups. The first step is to conduct a thorough review of your financials. This means going beyond the usual budget checks and delving into a meticulous analysis of all expenditures.
Cutting Non-Essential Costs: Begin by identifying and cutting back on non-essential expenses. This might include postponing major purchases or cutting back on discretionary spending.
Cash Flow Management: Cash flow is the lifeblood of your business. Develop a cash flow forecast to anticipate incoming and outgoing cash and make informed decisions.
Emergency Fund: Building an emergency fund can provide a buffer to help your startup weather unforeseen financial challenges.
Exploring Funding Options: Investigate all available funding options, including government relief programs, grants, and loans designed to help businesses during the pandemic.
O — Optimize Operations
The following key area is optimizing operations to ensure maximum efficiency. This is a multifaceted approach that involves reevaluating your operational strategies.
Adopting New Technologies: Embrace technologies that can automate and streamline processes, such as cloud computing, AI, or project management tools.
Outsourcing: Outsourcing non-core activities can help reduce costs and allow your team to focus on critical business functions.
Remote Work Models: Adopt flexible work arrangements to maintain productivity while ensuring the safety of your team.
Lean Operations: Aim for a lean operational model that maximizes resources and minimizes waste in all forms.
U — Understand Your Customers’ Changing Needs
The pandemic has altered consumer behaviors and expectations. Adapting to these changes is crucial for maintaining relevance and competitiveness.
Market Research: Conduct ongoing market research to understand how customer needs and behaviors evolve.
Customer Engagement: Maintain open lines of communication with customers through social media, surveys, and direct outreach.
Adapting Offerings: To align with current market demands, pivot your products or services. This could mean anything from tweaking your product features to completely overhauling your service delivery model.
Value Proposition: Reevaluate your value proposition to ensure it aligns with your customer’s needs and pain points.
G — Go Digital
The pandemic has accelerated the digital transformation. For startups, this presents both a challenge and an opportunity.
Enhancing Online Platforms: Invest in your website and e-commerce platforms to ensure they are user-friendly, secure, and capable of handling increased traffic.
Digital Marketing: Leverage digital marketing tools and platforms to reach a wider audience. This includes SEO, content marketing, social media, and email marketing.
Virtual Services: If applicable, transition to offering services virtually. This could involve online consultations, digital product delivery, or virtual events.
Data Security: With increased digitalization, ensure your data security measures are robust to protect your business and customers.
H — Hold onto Your Core Values
In times of crisis, a company’s core values and culture become its guiding star.
Mission and Vision: Reaffirm your company’s mission and vision. This helps in keeping the team focused and motivated.
Transparency and Communication: Maintain transparency with your team and stakeholders. Open communication fosters trust and loyalty.
Employee Well-being: Pay attention to the well-being of your employees. Supportive leadership can boost morale and productivity during challenging times.
Community Engagement: Engage with your community. Whether supporting local initiatives or offering helpful services, community engagement can enhance your brand’s reputation and relevance.
The T.O.U.G.H strategy offers a comprehensive approach for startups navigating the COVID-19 pandemic. By Tightening Financial Controls, Optimizing Operations, Understanding Customers’ Changing Needs, Going Digital, and Holding onto Core Values, startups can survive the current crisis and lay the groundwork for future resilience and success.
The pandemic, while challenging, also presents opportunities for innovation and growth.
Startups that adapt swiftly and effectively to these changing circumstances are well-positioned to emerge more substantially and resilient in the post-pandemic world.
Remember, resilience in business is not just about weathering the storm but also about being prepared to seize new opportunities in its aftermath.
Have you ever wondered why some articles grab your attention like a magnet while others float away in the sea of digital content?
What makes you click, read, and stay engaged with a piece of writing?
Could secret traps lurk in the shadows, waiting to snatch away the impact of your carefully crafted words?
Welcome to a journey through the maze of content creation, a world where pitfalls are as common as opportunities.
This comprehensive exploration aims to unveil and dissect the subtle yet significant pitfalls in article writing, encapsulated in the acronym “W.H.I.N.I.N.G.”
Wrong Audience Targeting
One of the fundamental errors in writing is the misalignment with the intended audience.
Understanding your audience is like having a roadmap; without it, your content is likely to get lost in the vastness of the internet.
It delves deep into the strategies for identifying your target audience, understanding their needs, preferences, and pain points, and tailoring your content to resonate with them.
You need to explore how demographic research, reader personas, and audience engagement metrics can guide you to create more targeted and impactful content.
2. Hyperbole Overload
In a bid to capture attention, writers often resort to sensationalism. But there’s a fine line between engaging and exaggerating.
It addresses the risks of overusing hyperbole and sensationalist language.
It’s how credibility and trustworthiness can be compromised by exaggeration and how to strike a balance between being engaging and authentic.
Real-life examples will illustrate how subtlety and nuance are often more potent than overstated claims.
3. Inconsistent Quality
Consistency is the key to building a loyal readership.
Fluctuations in style, tone, or accuracy can be jarring and off-putting to readers.
Here, you must maintain a consistent voice and quality in your writing.
You must cover techniques for developing a consistent writing style, ensuring factual accuracy, and maintaining a steady tone that aligns with your brand or personal voice.
4. Neglecting SEO
In the digital world, being visible is as important as being good.
Ignoring the principles of Search Engine Optimization (SEO) can bury your content under the avalanche of online information.
SEO is essential for writers. You must examine how keyword research, understanding search intent, and optimizing content can enhance your article’s visibility and reach.
You must find ways to integrate SEO seamlessly into your writing process.
5. Irrelevant Content
Staying relevant is crucial.
Diverging from the central theme or incorporating irrelevant content can quickly disengage your audience.
Relevance is vital in content creation. It explores strategies for staying on-topic, aligning content with audience expectations, and avoiding the pitfall of including irrelevant information.
You must tactfully weave in diverse perspectives without straying from the core message.
6. No Unique Perspective
In a sea of content, uniqueness is your lifeboat.
Failing to offer a fresh or unique perspective can render your article just another drop in the ocean.
You must explore the importance of bringing a unique angle or insight to your topic.
Try to hone your unique voice, draw on personal experiences or expertise, and present familiar topics in novel ways to make your content stand out.
7. Grammatical Errors
The devil is in the details, and grammatical errors are the nemeses of good writing.
Take note the impact of grammatical precision and the common pitfalls that can undermine your article’s professionalism.
Get the right tools for ensuring grammatical accuracy, the importance of proofreading, and how to effectively use grammar-checking software without losing your personal touch.
Conclusion
In conclusion, steering clear of these “W.H.I.N.I.N.G” mistakes can dramatically elevate the quality and appeal of your articles.
By targeting the right audience, balancing engagement with authenticity, maintaining consistency, incorporating SEO, ensuring relevance, offering unique perspectives, and upholding grammatical standards, you can transform your writing into a powerful tool for engagement and impact.
Remember, effective writing is about what you say and how you say it. With these insights, you’re well on your way to mastering the art of impactful writing.
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I wrote this book with little thought about the title.
Later, I regretted it – I changed the book title twice.
Understanding the Digital Marketplace
The title of a book is a critical component of its success.
This was a lesson I learned by renaming my eBook, initially titled “IoT Adventure.”
My experience underscores the significance of SEO (Search Engine Optimization) and strategic keyword use in book titles, particularly in the ever-expanding digital marketplace.
Initial Title: “IoT Adventure” – Capturing Excitement and Exploration
My foray into the publishing world began with the release of my eBook on the Internet of Things (IoT). Choosing “IoT Adventure” as the title, I aimed to encapsulate the excitement and exploration inherent in the burgeoning field of IoT.
The title was catchy, reflecting the pioneering spirit of the subject matter.
However, this title was more than just a creative expression; it was my first step in understanding the intricate dance between content and discoverability in the digital realm.
Transition to “IoT Frontier” – Embracing a Pioneering Spirit
After some reflection, I renamed the eBook to “IoT Frontier.”
This subtle yet significant shift in the title was meant to evoke a sense of pioneering, aligning with the innovative nature of IoT.
Despite this, I soon encountered a vital realization. In the digital age, where eBooks are adrift in a vast ocean of online content, a compelling title is a linchpin in the struggle for visibility.
The Power of SEO and Keywords: Finalizing “IoT: A Beginner’s Guide”
This realization brought me to the crux of digital marketing: the power of SEO and the meticulous choice of keywords. “IoT Adventure” was engaging, and “IoT Frontier” resonated with innovation, but were these titles optimized for the digital audience, specifically for those seeking knowledge in the IoT domain?
This final title was more than a mere label; it was a deliberate and strategic choice.
Including “Beginner’s Guide” in the title, which is capitalized on a commonly searched phrase by novices across various fields.
This strategic incorporation significantly enhanced the eBook’s discoverability to my intended audience – those embarking on their IoT learning journey.
Aligning Title with Content: A Strategic and Pragmatic Approach
The choice of “IoT: A Beginner’s Guide” was not solely about leveraging popular search keywords.
It was a thoughtful alignment of the book’s title with its core offering – an accessible, comprehensive introduction to IoT for beginners.
This title clearly defined the book’s target audience and content scope, increasing the likelihood of reaching readers seeking a foundational understanding of IoT.
Reflecting on the Journey: Emotional Attachment vs. Market Realities
Looking back, the evolution of my eBook’s title reflects a deepened understanding of the dynamics of the digital marketplace.
While “IoT Adventure” and “IoT Frontier” were titles I held close to my heart, the final choice of “IoT: A Beginner’s Guide” was a decision driven by pragmatism, market insights, and a clear comprehension of my audience’s needs and search behaviors.
Key Lessons Learned: The Importance of Title in Digital Content Strategy
This journey in renaming my eBook has been illuminating, teaching me a crucial lesson about digital content strategy.
It emphasized that the success of written work in the digital age is not solely about the content but also how it is presented to the world. A compelling title is a beacon, directing the right readers to your work.
It is a harmonious blend of creativity and analytics, art and science.
Advice to Fellow Authors and Content Creators
To fellow authors and content creators, I offer this advice: When devising a title, consider its reflection of your content and its performance in the competitive online search landscape.
A title is more than just a name; it is a vital, and often the most crucial, marketing tool in your arsenal.
Balancing creative expression with strategic marketing considerations ensures your work finds its audience in the vast digital expanse.
How frustrated can you be when you get less than 30 views or less than 15 reads almost every month?
I have tried many strategies, and finally, I found one that can help me increase my traffic multiple times.
The challenge for writers and content creators is producing articles and crafting pieces that captivate, educate, and resonate with their audience.
The G.I.A.N.T strategy offers a robust framework to enhance readership and engagement. Let’s dive into each element of this approach, transforming your articles from words on a page to powerful narratives that grab attention and leave a lasting impact.
Implementing the G.I.A.N.T strategy in your content creation process can significantly enhance the appeal and impact of your articles.
By focusing on Grabbing Attention with compelling headlines and openings, Informing and Inspiring your readers with insightful content, adopting an Audience-Centric Approach, ensuring a Navigable and Neat Layout, and covering Timely and Trending Topics, you can create articles that not only attract a wider audience but also engage and resonate with them deeply.
Remember, the goal is to not just attract clicks but to create a memorable reading experience that encourages sharing, discussion, and return visits.
With the G.I.A.N.T strategy, your content goes beyond mere information dissemination – it becomes a tool for connection, education, and inspiration.
Everyone is taking their leave at the end of the year.
Krik! Krik! The sound of your published articles.
No one is reading them.
Should you stop publishing?
Can we stay relevant and still have viral content?
Creating content that resonates with a broad audience and goes viral is a coveted goal for many writers and content creators.
The V.I.R.U.S. strategy provides a comprehensive framework to increase the chances of your article spreading rapidly across the internet.
Let’s explore each element of this strategy in detail to understand how it can make your content infectious.
V – Valuable Content
Viral content’s first and most crucial element is its value to the reader. Value can be in various forms – educational, informational, entertaining, or even emotionally resonant.
An article that teaches something new provides insightful analysis, or solves a common problem holds intrinsic value for readers.
To create valuable content, focus on current, trending, or perennially relevant topics.
Conduct thorough research to ensure accuracy and depth.
Articles that are well-researched and provide comprehensive coverage of a topic are more likely to be regarded as valuable resources and shared widely.
I – Interesting and Engaging
Captivating your audience’s attention from the get-go is vital.
The internet is saturated with content; to stand out, yours must be interesting and engaging.
An engaging article draws the reader in and keeps them hooked until the end.
Start with a compelling headline. Your headline is the first, and sometimes only, impression you make on a potential reader.
It should be intriguing, transparent, and reflective of the content.
Use a narrative style that is accessible and engaging, and structure your content with subheadings, bullet points, and short paragraphs to make it easy to read. Including relevant images, infographics, or videos can also enhance engagement.
The V.I.R.U.S. strategy provides a robust framework for creating content that has the potential to go viral.
By focusing on creating Valuable, Interesting, Engaging, Relatable, Unique, and Shareable content, you significantly increase the chances of your article resonating with a broad audience.
Viral content is not just about the number of shares or views; it’s about creating something meaningful that resonates with people and encourages them to share it with others.
It’s about striking a chord with your audience, offering them something that is not just worth reading but worth sharing.
By applying the V.I.R.U.S strategy, you can create content that reaches a broad audience and leaves a lasting impact.
Good writing is often underpinned by solid research.
Whether you’re penning a fantasy novel, a historical fiction piece, or an article on a current event, understanding your subject sincerely adds credibility and depth to your writing.
Research fuels not just the content but also inspires new ideas and perspectives.
Investigating various sources, from books and journals to interviews and firsthand experiences, ensures that your writing resonates with authenticity and authority.
It’s not just about getting facts right but also about understanding the nuances of your topic, which, in turn, enriches your narrative.
To nurture them, you should habitually jot down thoughts and observations as they come, no matter how trivial they seem. Keeping a journal or a digital note-taking app handy is a great way to capture these fleeting moments of inspiration.
Brainstorming sessions, where you let your mind roam free without the constraints of logic or practicality, can lead to the germination of remarkable concepts.
Exposing yourself to diverse experiences and perspectives can infuse your ideas with originality and depth.
Embracing the W.I.N.N.E.R approach is a commitment to continual growth and excellence in writing.
It’s a holistic strategy that addresses the many facets of writing, from the mechanical to the creative.
By writing regularly, researching thoroughly, nurturing ideas, noticing details, editing ruthlessly, and reading widely, you equip yourself with the tools and habits necessary for success in the literary world.
Remember, every great writer was once a beginner who chose to keep writing.
Your journey to becoming a W.I.N.N.E.R in writing starts with embracing these principles and applying them consistently in your quest for literary excellence.
I have written over 100 articles in 2023, but over 80% had at most ten views.
It’s sad, and it’s tiring.
We write to share our ideas and knowledge among our readers.
In the early part of the year, I had almost zero increase in followers.
As 2023 ended, I took a step back and analyzed what had gone wrong.
Here’s a list of mistakes I will not repeat next year, and you can probably try to avoid doing that, too.
Writing Mistakes I Made in 2023
Lack of Emotional Depth in Writing: I often wrote mechanically, neglecting to infuse my work with genuine passion or emotion, which made my writing seem detached and unengaging.
Focus on Knowledge Rather Than Problem-Solving: My topics were heavily knowledge-oriented, lacking opportunities to address and solve real-life problems that could have added more value to the readers.
Failure to Connect with the Audience: I chose topics that did not resonate with my readers, resulting in a disconnect between my content and the interests or needs of my audience.
Neglecting the Power of Headlines and SEO: I should have noticed the importance of crafting catchy, attention-grabbing headlines and optimizing my content for search engines, which limited my reach and visibility.
Overly Complex Sentences: My writing often included long-winded, complex sentences, which made the content difficult to follow and less reader-friendly.
Superficial Engagement with Fellow Writers: My interactions with other writers needed more sincerity and depth, preventing me from building meaningful connections and learning from my peers.
Unstrategic Republishing of Old Content: I randomly republished old articles from various blogs without a strategic plan or updates, which didn’t add fresh value or relevance to the content.
Not Keeping Up with Trending Topics: I failed to research and analyze hot, popular topics in my field, missing out on riding the wave of trending content that could have attracted more readers.
Shortage of Practical “How-To” Guides: My content lacked practical, step-by-step “How-To” guides, essential for providing actionable advice and solutions to readers.
Inconsistent Sharing of Personal Writing Experiences: I did not regularly share personal stories about my writing experiences, including failures and achievements, which could have made my journey more relatable and inspiring to others.
The above might not be an extensive list, but it is undoubtedly a list of mistakes I should avoid.
Dr. Mazlan Abbas 