I would like to share a personal milestone in my writing journey – a journey that has taken me from a regular contributor to a monetizing member of Medium’s Partner Program (MPP).
It’s a story of persistence, discovery, and the joy of turning a passion into a self-sustaining venture.
Early Days on Medium (Before October 2023)
My Medium journey started off like many others.
I was an active member, regularly contributing articles and engaging with content across various topics.
However, a persistent frustration was my inability to access many intriguing and valuable articles behind the Medium Partner Program’s paywall.
These articles, rich in insights about entrepreneurship, marketing, social media, writing, and monetization, were tantalizingly out of reach.
This limitation often left me wondering about the wealth of knowledge and lessons I was missing out on.
The Turning Point: Joining the Medium Partner Program
The decision to join the MPP wasn’t made lightly.
I was well aware of the commitment it required, not just in terms of the subscription fee, but also in the need to consistently produce quality content that would engage readers.
The turning point came when I asked myself a pivotal question: Why not make my writing pay for itself?
This led to the condition I set for myself – any decision to join the MPP must be financially self-sustaining.
Success and Insights (October to November 2023)
Photo by Alexander Mils on Unsplash
Since joining the MPP in October 2023, the journey has been nothing short of exhilarating.
In just two months, my earnings from articles exceeded the subscription fees, with more than $8.00 generated in October and over $5.00 in November.
This achievement wasn’t just about the numbers; it was a validation of my belief in the value of my writing and the potential of Medium as a platform for content creators.
The Joy of Self-Sustaining Creativity
What I’ve realized through this journey is the incredible satisfaction that comes from creating content that not only resonates with readers but also supports my passion financially.
It’s a fulfilling cycle: the more I write, the more I earn, and the more I can invest in accessing and learning from the wealth of knowledge shared by fellow Medium writers.
A Message to Aspiring Writers
To those contemplating a similar path, my message is simple: If I can do it, so can you.
Medium is more than just a platform for sharing thoughts – it’s a community of knowledge, growth, and opportunity.
By embracing the challenge of monetizing your writing, you open the door to not just financial rewards, but also to a deeper, more enriching experience on the platform.
Conclusion: Enjoy the Medium Journey!
Photo by Aaron Burden on Unsplash
In conclusion, my journey with Medium has evolved from simply sharing articles to embracing a rewarding cycle of learning, writing, and earning.
This experience has not only empowered my writing journey but also enriched my understanding of various subjects.
So, dive into the world of Medium with enthusiasm – write, learn, earn, and most importantly, enjoy every step of the journey!
Blogging can evolve from a hobby to a potential source of income.
My journey in building multiple successful blogs has been both challenging and rewarding.
In this simple guide, I’ll share insights from my experience, focusing on how to create, grow, and monetize a blog effectively.
1. Choosing Your Blog’s Focus:
The first step in your blogging journey is to select a topic.
My approach has always been to blend passion with practicality.
Whether it’s personal journal, adventure travel, cutting-edge technology, or savvy personal finance, choose a niche that excites you and where you can offer unique perspectives.
This passion will keep you motivated during the ups and downs of blogging.
2. Selecting the Right Platform:
Your choice of platform can significantly impact your blog’s potential. I’ve experimented with platforms like Medium, WordPress, Blogger, Wix, and Squarespace.
WordPress stands out for its versatility and range of features, making it my preferred choice, especially for blogs I intend to monetize.
However, user-friendly platforms like Blogger or Wix can be great starting points for beginners.
3. Setting Up Your Digital Space:
Setting up your blog involves two key steps: choosing a domain name and finding a reliable hosting service.
A catchy, memorable domain name can make a lasting impression.
Regarding hosting, I recommend looking for services that offer good speed, uptime, and customer support. Many platforms bundle domain registration and hosting, simplifying the process.
4. Crafting Your Blog’s Design:
Design is more than aesthetics; it’s about user experience. In my blogging ventures, I’ve learned that a clean, navigable, and mobile-friendly design is crucial.
Most platforms offer customizable templates, but investing time in tweaking these to suit your style and content can set your blog apart.
5. Content Creation: The Heart of Your Blog:
Content is the backbone of any blog.
I focus on creating engaging and informative posts that provide real value to my readers.
This approach has been vital in attracting and retaining a loyal audience.
Remember, quality trumps quantity. Well-researched and thoughtfully written posts will consistently outperform a high quantity of mediocre content.
6. Promoting Your Blog:
Promotion is essential in the crowded blogosphere.
I use social media marketing, reader engagement, and SEO strategies to increase my blog’s visibility.
Networking with other bloggers and participating in online communities has also been instrumental in driving traffic to my blogs.
7. Monetizing Your Passion:
Monetization comes into play once you have a steady flow of traffic.
I’ve experimented with various methods like display advertising, affiliate marketing, sponsored content, and selling digital products or services.
Each blog might lend itself better to different monetization strategies, so it’s worth exploring multiple avenues.
If you consistently use Medium and become a Partner Program, you can earn money when people read your articles.
8. Analyzing and Refining:
Using tools like Google Analytics, I regularly track my blogs’ performance. Understanding where your traffic comes from, which posts resonate with your audience, and other metrics are crucial for refining your content and strategy.
Photo by Kenny Eliason on Unsplash
Comprehensive Blogging Tips:
Consistency is Crucial: Regular updates keep readers coming back.
Know Your Audience: Tailor your content to their interests and needs.
Engage Actively: Interact with your audience to build a community.
Prioritize Quality: Invest in creating high-quality content.
Master SEO: Basic SEO knowledge can significantly boost your blog’s reach.
Network Effectively: Collaborate with fellow bloggers for mutual growth.
Patience Pays Off: Building a successful blog is a marathon, not a sprint.
Stay Informed and Adaptable: Keep up with blogging trends and be ready to adapt.
Conclusion:
Blogging is more than just writing; it’s about creating a space where your passion meets the needs of your audience.
Through dedication, strategic planning, and continuous learning, blogging can evolve from a personal outlet to a profitable venture.
Remember, each blog is a unique journey — embrace it!
Remember to Subscribe to receive email updates on every post I publish.
Earning my first dollar in Medium is like winning a giant lottery.
People said the first dollar is the first step towards the next $100 or next $100K or next $1 Million.
In reality, not one dollar but actually $6.35 in October 2023!
As you can see, I have only once reached one dollar. But on Sept 23, 2023, I joined the Medium Partner Program and got seriously in writing.
Before this date, things had stayed the same for many years.
I have never considered earning anything from my writing since I joined Medium in December 2015.
I enjoyed writing my usual casual write-ups about technology, and most of the time, I will republish my articles from one of my technical blogs called IoT World.
The first six months when I first joined Medium (2015–2016)Things have not changed much after several years into 2023
However, in early 2023, I noticed a sudden surge of Generative AI articles about ChatGPT and Midjourney, but as a non-paid Medium Partner, I can’t read most of the articles.
Paid or Free Medium User?
That’s when I wondered — should I become a Medium Partner Program and be able to read all the best writings, tips, and tutorials from these writers?
I kept asking myself whether paying that $5 monthly subscription was worth it.
But the catchy titles of the articles always intrigued me, and I decided to find out by joining the Partner Program on Sept 23, 2023.
But with one condition — it should pay by itself!
And how do we achieve this? I decided that while reading, I should also start writing on my own and ensure the earnings I received will be able to pay by itself.
Slow Progress but It’s a Big Milestone
As of today, Oct 24, 2023, it has been one month and voila! I managed to earn more than the subscription, i.e., $6.35!
I may need to celebrate this as my first achievement. But then, I also need to know exactly what I have done right.
I have to refer back to the articles which have attracted the most. Significantly, the first top three earner articles.
However, I still couldn’t figure out why — the number of claps received doesn’t correlate much.
But I have my assumptions about what I do differently that translate to this.
I have consistently written almost every day. Sometimes twice a day.
Continuous engagement with other readers — giving claps or responding to or highlighting their articles
Increased the number of subscribers on my Medium mailing list.
Write articles with shorter sentences
Give catchy titles (although I need to become more familiar with SEO).
What I will Do Differently
What I will do more in the future will be to write longer articles. Currently, most of my pieces are about 2–3 minutes of reading time, which is too short to gain any monetisation since Medium needs more than 3 seconds of reading time.
This blog article serves as a reminder to me in the future about what I do in Medium, and within 6 to 12 months, I can see an enormous difference and improvement.
Till then, I wish to learn more from fellow writers. Thanks for your inspiration and tips!
It’s been a noticeable while since I last penned down my thoughts here. I owe you an explanation, and I want to share some exciting developments in my writing journey.
For starters, I am now actively blogging over at Medium. For those unfamiliar, Medium is one of the eminent platforms for writers, offering a unique space to share stories, ideas, and insights. Many compare it to WordPress, and while both have their merits, Medium has become my recent writing sanctuary.
Although I first became a member of Medium back in December 2015, my activity there dwindled over the years. However, everything changed this September when I joined the Medium Partner Program. This move reignited my passion for writing, motivating me to write daily. The consequence? My updates here became less frequent.
My recent commitment to Medium has left me in a contemplative state: do I continue managing two separate blogs or transition entirely to Medium? Maintaining two platforms is indeed a challenge, as it divides my attention and might dilute the quality of my content. On the other hand, I’ve built memories and connections here, making it hard to let go.
So, I’m in a phase of experimentation. I’m evaluating what works best for me, for you – my readers, and for the content I want to deliver. Your feedback, as always, is invaluable during this transitional phase.
In the interim, if you’re curious about my recent articles and want to follow my daily writings, I invite you to join me on Medium. It’s a fantastic platform, and I’m sure you’ll find the experience enriching, whether you’re a reader or a fellow writer.
In closing, regardless of where I write, know that my commitment to sharing genuine, heartfelt content remains unchanged. Thank you for being a part of this journey, and I promise to keep you updated about my ultimate decision.
Have you ever found yourself stuck in a mental rut, feeling like no matter how hard you crank the gears of your brain, the bright, shiny ideas just won’t come pouring out as they used to?
It happens to the best of us. Sometimes, our tried-and-true marketing strategies just don’t hit the mark, leaving us feeling lost and, let’s be honest, a little frustrated.
The Creative Drought
There you are, stuck in the uncomfortable and dry spell where the once fruitful tree of creativity now bears no fruit. Even after changing up your game – tweaking prices, overhauling strategies, trying out new marketing platforms, refining your brand message, shifting your target audience focus, or rolling out new products – the desired growth remains a distant, teasing mirage.
The Art of Stepping Back
So, what’s a person to do when caught in this sandy desert of stagnation?
Well, the answer might be simpler than you think: maybe it’s time to step away, breathe, and allow yourself the luxury of decompression to regain that invaluable perspective.
Speaking from experience, there’s a peculiar kind of magic found in taking a break.
For me, it’s the gentle, therapeutic laps of waves against the shore during a beach walk, the nostalgic and comforting click of a camera capturing a fleeting moment, or even the simple joy of getting lost in a film’s narrative.
These moments of peace and engagement with the world outside of work help me reset, providing a canvas for new ideas to eventually, and unexpectedly, begin to paint themselves.
Photo by Dan Dennis on Unsplash
Partial Disconnect in a Digital World
Now, I won’t tell tall tales about completely cutting off from the bustling digital world – we all know it’s nearly impossible and, between you and me, not entirely desirable.
Like most, I cherish the connection and convenience offered by my beloved apps. Yet, a selective, conscious disengagement can work wonders for a weary mind.
Not a Cure but a Catalyst
But does strolling into the sunset with your thoughts invariably lead to a dawn of groundbreaking ideas?
Not always. Nonetheless, these quiet moments often whisper insightful solutions and fresh perspectives into willing ears, gently nudging the wheels of innovation back into motion.
Conclusion: What’s Your Recharge Ritual?
Your turn, dear reader. In times when the muse of creativity decides to take an unannounced vacation, how do you coax her back?
What rituals, activities, or secret sauces have you discovered that help replenish your well of ideas?
Everyone’s journey through the barren lands of creativity is unique, so let’s share and navigate these inevitable, mysterious dry spells with collective wisdom and support.
Amidst the quiet and vast digital landscape of blogging in Medium, my little corner has gradually seen a modest increase in readers – a total of six over the last year to be precise. This incremental growth, albeit small, serves as a wake-up call, prompting me to take decisive action. On September 25, 2023, I resolved to turn this faint whisper of growth into a powerful and engaging symphony, a lively exchange of ideas aimed at significantly expanding my readership.
Diving Deep with Premium:
In pursuit of this vibrant transformation, I’ve boldly stepped into the realm of premium membership on Medium. This move isn’t merely a financial investment or commitment. It embodies a deeper mission – an earnest endeavor not just to expand but to flourish, disseminate valuable insights, and foster meaningful connections. Through this enhanced platform, I intend to bring forth a captivating array of stories and fresh articles, each crafted meticulously to initiate not just one-sided communication but an interactive dialogue with you, the reader.
Embarking on a New Journey:
This new beginning is already showing signs of promise, with four readers recently hopping on board to accompany me on this exhilarating expedition of words and wisdom. Each new reader isn’t just a tick on the statistics board; they’re valued partners, contributing significantly to this collective adventure of discovery and learning.
A Different Narrative:
While the internet is flooded with tales of quick follower gains and successful monetization strategies, my writing seeks to explore a different kind of story. My approach isn’t derived from a lack of expertise in attracting followers but stems from a desire to share deeper, more personal narratives and experiences.
Entrepreneurship Chronicles:
My blog is set to unravel the intricate tapestry of my seven-year entrepreneurship journey, with each post shedding light on the triumphs celebrated and challenges encountered along the way. Like any entrepreneur, my journey has been a thrilling rollercoaster of ups and downs, filled with valuable lessons, minor and major victories, and unavoidable setbacks.
Insights on Entrepreneurial Life:
As we venture together through the tumultuous yet exciting landscape of entrepreneurship, my articles aspire to serve as guiding beacons of insight, offering reflections on the multifaceted, dynamic life of an entrepreneur – a life characterized by continuous cycles of founding, failing, learning, and succeeding.
Join Me on This Journey:
Here’s my heartfelt invitation to you: Stay engaged and walk alongside me through both archived and freshly minted tales detailing an entrepreneur’s journey. With a new story unraveling daily, your readership, participation, and company will be greatly appreciated and treasured.
Your involvement in this journey is not just reflected in reader statistics; it represents a valuable partnership, crucial to the odyssey we’re about to undertake together, exploring untold stories and navigating uncharted territories in the world of entrepreneurship. Let’s see where this exciting journey leads us, shall we? Let’s explore together!
While the formula for creating a viral blog post isn’t an exact science, certain subjects consistently attract higher readership and engagement.
If you’re looking to maximize your reach and influence as a writer, it’s worth exploring these trending topics.
1. How-To Guides
People love practical advice.
How-to guides, whether it’s about cooking, home improvement, or coding, tend to perform exceptionally well.
Readers seek actionable steps to solve problems or learn new skills, making this genre a staple for high readership.
2. Making Money Online
In an increasingly digital world, the allure of earning income online has never been stronger.
Blogs that offer insights into various online income streams, like freelancing, e-commerce, or investing, capture significant attention.
3. Social Media Growth Hacks
With social media being a vital part of our lives, readers are eager to discover strategies for growing their online presence.
Blogs sharing tips and tricks on gaining followers, increasing engagement, and mastering different platforms tend to go viral.
4. Monetizing Medium Articles
Medium has become a platform of interest for writers and readers alike.
Articles that reveal ways to monetize your content on Medium, from joining the Partner Program to exploring paid newsletters, are hot topics.
5. Pitching to Investors and VCs
Entrepreneurs and startup enthusiasts are always on the lookout for advice on securing investment.
Blogs offering insights into crafting a compelling pitch deck or navigating the world of venture capital gain significant traction.
6. Startup Success Stories
Everyone loves a success story.
Blogs that delve into the journeys of startups that transformed into unicorns capture readers’ imaginations, offering inspiration and valuable lessons.
7. Avoiding Startup Mistakes
On the flip side, cautionary tales about startup failures and the mistakes to avoid resonate with those looking to embark on their entrepreneurial journey.
People appreciate the opportunity to learn from others’ missteps.
8. Marketing Strategies
Marketing is a perennially hot topic.
Readers crave insights into the latest digital marketing trends, SEO strategies, content marketing tips, and more.
9. Fast-Track to Wealth
While it’s important to approach this topic responsibly, blogs discussing strategies for financial success, like investing, saving, or entrepreneurship, tend to draw attention.
10. Personal Development
People are always striving to improve themselves.
Blogs on personal development, covering topics such as productivity, mindfulness, and self-improvement, maintain a consistent readership.
Now, back to your question: Am I a similar kind of writer?
Well, I’m here to provide information and insights on a wide range of topics, including those that garner high readership.
Whether it’s crafting a compelling pitch or understanding marketing strategies, I’m here to help.
However, remember that while trending topics can boost readership, writing authentically about what you’re passionate about will always resonate best with your audience.
So, explore these trends, but also stay true to your unique voice and expertise as a writer. Happy blogging!
Less than a week ago, I took a decisive step in my blogging journey by opting for a Medium membership. Before this transition, I was a casual blogger on the platform, sharing my thoughts without the ‘member’ tag attached to my profile. As the years rolled by, I noticed a transformation in the content landscape of Medium. The platform started to brim with tantalizing, insightful, and valuable content, sprinkled generously with practical tips for readers like me.
Hitting the Subscription Button
As a non-member, my access to these treasure troves of information was restricted, limited to only a few full articles per month. The tantalizing urge to delve deeper into this reservoir of knowledge finally nudged me to hit the subscribe button. And so, a week ago, I found myself armed with a Medium membership and unlimited access to the wisdom shared by fellow members.
Engage and Earn: My Early Observations
In the days that followed, I immersed myself in the universe of member-generated content, actively reading, and engaging with the pieces that resonated with me. My comments section started buzzing, reflecting my thoughts and initiating conversations with the authors. This active engagement inadvertently acted as a beacon, drawing more readers towards my blog.
Then came the cherry on top: earnings from Medium’s Partner Program started trickling into my account. While the amount was modest, to say the least, it marked a significant milestone in my blogging adventure.
Daily Dose of Startup Chronicles
Motivated by this initial success, I am now committed to sharing daily insights from my journey as a startup founder. The road traversed by founders is nothing short of a roller-coaster ride, featuring an intriguing mix of highs and lows, victories and challenges, learning and unlearning. Through my blog, I aim to offer you a front-row seat to this exhilarating journey, with the hope that my stories will not only engage you but also offer valuable lessons and insights.
Photo by Mufid Majnun on Unsplash
Inviting You to Join My Journey
The initial earnings may be small, but they symbolize a big leap towards my goal of making my blogging endeavor sustainable, at least enough to cover the cost of my Medium membership ($5 a month). With each day and every new post, I am moving closer to this goal, fueled by my experiences and your engagement.
So, keep those comments coming! Engage with my posts, share your thoughts, and let’s keep the conversation going. Together, we can create a space that is not just informative and valuable but also supportive and engaging. Looking forward to having you with me on this exciting journey!
Dr. Mazlan Abbas 