I’ve always been curious about what makes some articles perform better than others.
So, when I looked at my top earners, a few patterns jumped out at me.
Let me walk you through what I noticed.
1. Relevant and Practical Topics
The first article on the list, “Five (5) Best Reasons Why I Chose Gumroad to Sell My eBooks,” wasn’t surprising. It speaks directly to content creators like me who want to sell digital products. It’s straightforward, helpful, and, most importantly, actionable. That’s a formula that works.
Similarly, “Avoid These 10 Mistakes and Become a Better Writer in 2024” was a hit because, let’s face it, who doesn’t want to improve their writing?
Tackling common mistakes is something almost every writer can relate to.
That relatability gave it an edge.
2. Timing is Everything
I realised that timing plays a huge role. Articles like “Avoid These 10 Mistakes…” and “Lessons Learned Before and After Joining Medium Partner” were published around the start of the year.
That’s when people are most motivated to learn, grow, and try new things.
It’s like catching a wave at just the right moment.
3. Actionable Tips Win Hearts
I’ve learned that people love actionable advice — stuff they can use right away.
Writing about practical steps, like optimising writing habits or selling eBooks, clicks with readers.
They see immediate value in it. Articles like “Five (5) Best Reasons Why I Chose Gumroad” stand out because they’re not just informative but useful.
4. Engagement Makes a Difference
This part surprised me.
Some articles didn’t just get views — they got a lot of reads. For example, the Gumroad article had 184 reads out of 349 views.
That’s over 50%! It tells me the people who clicked on it stuck around to read the whole thing.
Compare that to other articles that might have more views but fewer reads — it’s clear which ones connected with people.
5. Storytelling Works Wonders
I’ve always loved weaving personal stories into my writing, and readers seem to enjoy that, too. “A Letter to My Younger Self” is a great example.
It’s reflective and emotional; I think people appreciate that human touch.
It’s not just another “how-to” article — it’s a glimpse into my journey.
6. Short and Sweet Wins
Looking at the data, I noticed the sweet spot for article length is around 3–5 minutes.
These are long enough to deliver value but short enough to fit into a busy reader’s day. Articles like “Avoid These 10 Mistakes…” and “Lessons Learned…” are perfect examples.
They pack a punch without dragging on.
7. Niche Matters
Some articles do well because they speak directly to a specific group.
Take “Lessons Learned Before and After Joining Medium Partner,” for instance. It’s aimed at Medium writers, who are probably searching for that content.
I think finding the right niche is half the battle.
8. Eye-Catching Titles
I’ll admit that titles matter more than I used to think. Something like “Tripling My Medium December Earnings: When I Implement These Amazing Things” immediately grabs attention.
Words like “tripling” and “amazing” spark curiosity, and curiosity gets clicks.
Looking back, it’s clear that the combination of timing, practical value, personal voice, and targeting the right audience made these articles stand out.
And while I can’t always predict which ones will resonate the most, seeing these patterns emerge is fascinating.
Writing is as much about experimenting as it is about connecting with readers; I’m always learning.
Below are the top 5 highest earned articles in 2024.
As I get ready to start my day, I think about something I often ask myself: “What exactly is an AI agent?” It’s not just another complicated tech term; it’s an idea changing how we use technology and go about our daily lives.
An AI agent is like a super-smart assistant that can understand its surroundings, make decisions, and take actions to meet specific goals— all without needing constant instructions.
But what does “understand its surroundings” actually mean?
Picture a world where IoT sensors are like the eyes and ears of an AI agent. These sensors are embedded everywhere: in your home, your car, factories, farms, and even in your city.
They collect real-time data about everything — temperature, motion, air quality, energy use, etc.
An AI agent processes this data to get a clear picture of what’s happening and decides what to do next.
For example, a smart thermostat uses temperature sensors to learn when to heat or cool your home based on your habits.
On a larger scale, in a smart city, IoT sensors on traffic lights help an AI agent manage traffic flow, reducing congestion during rush hour.
Why AI Agents Matter
Picture a day when your assistant reminds you about meetings, plans your route to avoid traffic, and even orders your favourite snacks when you’re running low.
It’s not just about making life easier; it’s about being smarter with your time and energy.
Here are some reasons why AI agents are so helpful:
Getting Things Done Faster: AI agents handle repetitive tasks like summarizing emails or making reports, leaving you free to focus on more significant ideas. Imagine never having to waste time on tedious chores again.
Making Life Personal: AI agents learn about you — what you like and need — and give you tailored suggestions. Whether finding a new show to watch or giving health advice, they make things feel just right for you.
Handling Big Loads: AI agents can manage a ton of work without slowing down in businesses. From answering customer questions to keeping track of supplies, they handle it all smoothly.
Getting Smarter Over Time: Unlike regular systems that don’t change, AI agents learn from every interaction and improve continuously. They adapt to new challenges and keep getting better at helping you.
As I think about these benefits, I wonder: “Why is 2025 the year for AI agents?” The answer lies in how technology advances, businesses are ready, and people are trusting AI more.
Why 2025 Will Be the Year for AI Agents
There are several reasons why 2025 is shaping up to be a big year for AI agents:
More Companies Using Them: Businesses realise how helpful AI agents can be. From helping customers to improving healthcare, these agents are becoming a must-have tool.
Better Technology: AI agents are more intelligent than ever, thanks to language understanding and decision-making improvements. They can now handle complex tasks and make real-time choices.
People Trust Them More: More and more people are comfortable using AI tools. For example, in 2024, the number of people using chatbots during the holiday shopping season skyrocketed — a clear sign that consumers are embracing AI.
Industry Innovation: New AI tools designed for specific tasks make it easier for businesses and individuals to adopt these technologies. For example, personal virtual assistants are now more competent and more accessible than ever.
“It’s not just about cool gadgets,” I remind myself. “It’s about creating a system that works for everyone.” That’s why things like data security and ethical AI are so important.
IoT and AI Agents: A Perfect Team
As someone who works closely with IoT (Internet of Things), I often think about how it fits with AI agents. IoT connects devices — like your smartwatch, fridge, or car — creating a network that collects loads of data.
But data alone isn’t valuable. AI agents are like the brain that makes sense of everything and acts on it.
Here’s how they work together:
Making Data Useful: IoT devices collect information, but AI agents turn it into insights you can use. For example, a smart home can learn your daily habits and automatically adjust the lights or temperature to save energy.
Deciding on Their Own: IoT sensors check the soil in agriculture, and AI agents choose when and how much to water crops. In healthcare, wearable devices monitor your health, and AI agents alert your doctor if something looks off.
Simple and Easy to Use: Instead of confusing dashboards, you can just ask your AI agent questions like, “How much energy did we save this month?” and get clear answers.
Managing Big Systems: Managing IoT networks can be a headache as they grow. AI agents make it simple by adapting to new devices and managing everything efficiently. In smart cities, they can control traffic lights to ease congestion.
Improving Shopping Experiences: IoT sensors track what’s on the shelves in stores, and AI agents reorder items before they run out. It’s all about making sure customers get what they need without waiting.
Helping the Environment: AI agents and IoT can reduce waste and save energy. Smart grids distribute electricity more efficiently, and AI agents optimize energy use at home and in factories.
“Imagine this,” I think, “Your car tells your home’s AI agent you’re on your way. The garage door opens, the lights turn on, and the air conditioning adjusts to your preferred temperature. That’s the future — where everything works together seamlessly.”
The Road Ahead
Of course, there are challenges. People worry about privacy and security. “How do we ensure AI agents work for us and not against us?” That’s a question I often come back to.
But the potential is enormous.
AI agents combined with IoT can change industries, simplify life, and solve problems in ways we’ve never seen before.
From improving healthcare to creating smarter cities, the possibilities are endless.
As I wrap up my thoughts, I feel excited about what’s to come. The year 2025 will be a turning point for AI agents and how we live and work.
It’s a year that could redefine everything.
So, let’s get ready to embrace this change. Let’s use AI agents to create a more imaginative, more connected world.
The future isn’t something we wait for — it’s something we build together.
When I look back on how far IoT has come, I can’t help but feel both amazed and excited. In the early days, IoT was just a concept – a dream of connecting things to improve lives.
But here we are, entering the year 2025, and IoT is no longer just an idea; it’s becoming the backbone of how we live, work, and play.
Let me walk you through what IoT will look like in 2025.
These are not just random guesses but predictions rooted in years of working in this space and observing its evolution.
My answer would be: Not yet, but we’re getting there.
By 2025, IoT will become integral to manufacturing, agriculture, healthcare, energy, and even retail industries.
Factories will use IoT sensors to monitor machinery in real-time, predicting maintenance needs before breakdowns occur.
Farmers will optimise irrigation and fertiliser use through IoT-connected systems, maximising yields while conserving resources.
It’s not just about saving money; it’s about making better decisions.
IoT will help businesses operate more efficiently, reduce waste, and, most importantly, stay competitive in an increasingly digital world.
2. AI-Driven IoT Solutions (AIoT)
When discussing IoT, people often ask, “What about artificial intelligence?”
The truth is that IoT and AI are like two sides of the same coin.
By 2025, the fusion of these technologies – what we call AIoT – will redefine what’s possible.
Imagine traffic lights that adapt to real-time traffic conditions or healthcare devices that predict potential health risks based on continuous monitoring.
This integration will make systems smarter and more autonomous.
Instead of just collecting data, IoT devices will analyse and act on it. It’s not just IoT anymore; it’s intelligent IoT.
3. Sustainability Through IoT
Sustainability is no longer a buzzword – it’s a necessity.
Companies and governments increasingly turn to IoT to tackle environmental challenges.
In 2025, I expect IoT to play a central role in achieving sustainability goals.
For example, IoT-enabled smart grids will help us manage energy consumption more efficiently.
Sensors will monitor air and water quality in real time, allowing us to respond to environmental issues faster.
The idea of a “smart city” is not just about convenience; it’s about creating sustainable and liveable cities. IoT will help us achieve that vision.
4. Proliferation of Edge Computing
Edge computing is something I often talk about when discussing the future of IoT.
It’s a game-changer. Instead of sending all the data to the cloud for processing, edge computing allows devices to process data locally.
This reduces latency and ensures faster responses.
In 2025, edge computing will become indispensable, especially for applications like autonomous vehicles and industrial automation.
Imagine a self-driving car needing to make a split-second decision – there’s no time to send data to a cloud server and wait for a response.
That’s where edge computing comes in.
5. IoT in Healthcare
The healthcare sector is where I see IoT making the most profound impact.
By 2025, wearable devices will go beyond tracking steps or heart rates. They’ll become essential tools for remote patient monitoring.
I envision a world where doctors can receive real-time data about their patients, enabling early intervention and better outcomes.
This is personal because I’ve always believed technology should serve humanity.
IoT in healthcare isn’t just about gadgets; it’s about saving lives and improving the quality of care.
6. Smart Cities Moving Beyond Pilots
If you’ve followed my work, you know I’m passionate about smart cities.
But here’s the thing – many smart city projects are still stuck in the pilot phase.
By 2025, that will change. We’ll see full-scale implementation of IoT solutions for traffic management, utilities, waste management, and public safety.
I often tell people that a smart city isn’t about fancy gadgets; it’s about using technology to make cities more efficient and liveable. IoT will be at the heart of this transformation.
7. IoT Security as a Priority
Let me share a concern that keeps me up at night: IoT security.
As IoT devices become more widespread, they become more vulnerable to cyberattacks.
In 2025, IoT security will take centre stage.
Companies will invest heavily in secure-by-design devices, and blockchain technology may play a role in enhancing protection.
We can’t afford to ignore this. If we want IoT to succeed, security must be a priority.
8. Democratisation of IoT
Here’s an exciting trend: IoT is becoming more accessible.
Low-code and no-code platforms make it easier for small businesses and startups to develop IoT solutions without extensive technical expertise. B
y 2025, I see this trend accelerating, democratising IoT and enabling innovation from unexpected places.
9. IoT for Disaster Management
Climate change is making natural disasters more frequent and severe.
IoT can be a powerful tool for disaster management.
Imagine early warning systems that use IoT sensors to monitor weather conditions in real-time.
In 2025, IoT will play a critical role in disaster preparedness and response especially in cases of flood.
10. Growth of IoT Ecosystems in Emerging Markets
One of the things I’m most excited about is the growth of IoT in emerging markets like Southeast Asia.
By 2025, countries like Malaysia will see a surge in IoT adoption driven by government support and affordable devices.
This will create opportunities for innovation and economic growth.
11. Advanced IoT Analytics
IoT isn’t just about collecting data; it’s about making sense of it.
By 2025, advanced analytics will become a standard part of IoT solutions.
Businesses will use descriptive, diagnostic, predictive, and prescriptive analytics to extract actionable insights, improving decision-making and operational efficiency.
12. National IoT Technology Roadmaps
In Malaysia, we’ve already launched several technology roadmaps focusing on IoT, AI, and blockchain.
By 2025, these roadmaps will guide the development of IoT ecosystems, creating opportunities for local talent and businesses.
13. IoT in Energy and Utilities
Energy efficiency will be a significant focus in 2025.
IoT-enabled smart meters and predictive maintenance systems will help optimise energy usage and reduce waste.
This is not just good for the environment but also for businesses and consumers.
14. Personalised Consumer Experiences
IoT is also transforming retail and marketing.
By 2025, IoT will enable hyper-personalised consumer experiences, using real-time data to predict and meet individual needs.
15. IoT in Education
Lastly, I see IoT transforming education.
Smart classrooms equipped with IoT devices will provide real-time feedback on student engagement and learning outcomes.
This will help educators tailor their approaches to meet the needs of individual students.
Conclusion
These are my predictions for IoT in 2025.
Some may seem ambitious, but I firmly believe we’re heading in this direction.
IoT has the potential to transform industries, improve lives, and create a more sustainable world.
The question is: Are we ready to embrace it?
As someone deeply passionate about IoT, I’m committed to helping make this vision a reality.
Dr. Mazlan Abbas 