Finding Fulfillment in Writing Without Obsessing Over Medium’s Metrics
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Initially, I was all hyped up about cracking the code to Medium’s algorithm and figuring out how to rake in some cash with my writing.
I mean, who wouldn’t be, right? Those tips and earning reports from other writers were like a siren song, pulling me in with promises of success and visibility.
For a while, it was great.
I devoured every article about increasing traffic, boosting engagement, and maximizing earnings on Medium.
I was determined to replicate the success stories I read about, so I started churning out content focused on “how to make money on Medium” and “how to gain more traffic.”
It felt like I was on the right path, contributing my voice to the chorus of experts and enthusiasts.
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But then, something started to shift.
After three months of reading and writing the same kind of content, a sense of monotony crept in. It was like Groundhog Day, but with articles on Medium strategies.
The initial thrill of discovery faded, replaced by a growing sense of ennui.
I no longer felt that spark of excitement when I came across yet another article on Medium’s secrets to success.
It was all becoming a bit… well, boring.
Photo by Siavash Ghanbari on Unsplash
That’s when I realized I needed a change.
I decided to break away from the echo chamber of Medium monetization strategies and traffic tips.
I wanted to rediscover the joy of writing, to explore topics that genuinely interested me, without worrying about algorithms or analytics.
So, I ventured into new territories – writing travelogues and poems, sharing my personal experiences and creative expressions.
It was like taking a deep breath of fresh air after being cooped up indoors for too long. Suddenly, writing felt exciting again.
I was no longer constrained by the need to fit into a particular niche or follow a formula for success.
I was writing for me, and it was liberating.
Reading different stories on Medium added another layer of refreshment.
I was exposed to a diversity of voices and perspectives, reminding me of the vastness and richness of human experience.
Photo by Brad Neathery on Unsplash
It was a welcome change from the repetitive content I had grown so tired of.
In the end, this journey taught me an invaluable lesson: writing should be a source of joy, not just a means to an end.
It’s important to stay true to oneself and explore various avenues of creativity.
After all, the beauty of writing lies in its infinite possibilities and the unique stories each of us has to share.
So, here’s to new beginnings and the endless joy of writing about what truly matters to us!
How I tried to balance my followers and following ratio.
You know, I’ve always been kinda baffled by how some folks on Medium rack up followers like they’re collecting stamps or something.
There I was, stuck in the 200+ followers limbo for what felt like an eternity.
Then, one fine day, I stumble upon this article that’s all, “Hey, wanna boost your followers? Just start following people back!”
Medium lets you follow up to 100 folks a day, and I’m thinking, “Why not give it a whirl?”
But hold up, I didn’t just dive in willy-nilly.
Nope, I had a game plan. Instead of following every random person, I zeroed in on the clappers.
Yeah, you heard me right.
The clappers.
Those lovely souls who clap for articles.
My logic? If they’re clapping for stuff I like reading, chances are, we’ve got similar tastes.
Plus, hitting up the recent clappers meant they were active users.
Bingo!
Fast forward a bit, and boom — I’ve clocked in over 1,700 new followers.
But here’s the kicker: to get those numbers, I had to follow over 4.4K peeps.
Talk about a reality check.
Suddenly, my profile’s looking a tad lopsided.
More following than followers?
That’s not the writerly image I had in mind. It’s like walking around with a “Desperate for Attention” sign taped to my back.
So there I was, moseying to my office, coffee in hand, when it hits me.
Why not switch up the strategy?
From now on, I’ll cool it with the follow frenzy.
If someone digs my vibe and hits that follow button, sure, I’ll follow back. But initiating the follow? That’s on pause for now.
Let’s see how this plays out. Will my followers-to-following ratio start to look a bit more respectable? Only time will tell.
But hey, I’m all for experimenting.
After all, isn’t that what social media’s all about?
Finding your tribe, connecting over shared interests, and maybe, just maybe, not having to follow a small country’s worth of people to feel like you’re part of the club.
One early morning, I’m at my desktop, sipping on my probably-too-cold lemon tea, and I decide to check my emails.
There’s always a bunch of them, but one catches my eye.
It’s a direct reply to one of those emails I’ve been sending out ever since I got into the groove of writing for Medium.
You know, back in January 2024, I had this lightbulb moment: “Hey, why not ping my loyal followers with an email notification every time I drop a new piece?” Thought it was genius at the time.
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But here’s the kicker: I didn’t just stop at once in a while.
Oh no, I got into a rhythm, sometimes churning out content more than once a day. And, well, turns out not everyone’s a fan of their inbox turning into a dedicated “Me” channel.
This one email, straight up, it was from a reader who’d had enough.
The gist? “Your emails are swamping my inbox!”
Ouch, right?
But hey, I get it. We’re all fighting that never-ending battle against email overload.
So, I shot back a polite reply, something along the lines of, “Totally hear you! There’s this magical unsubscribe button for just such an occasion.”
Photo by J Torres on Unsplash
Fast forward a couple of days, and there I am, stuck in traffic, the kind where you move a foot every ten minutes.
And my mind starts wandering. Was I overdoing it with the email blasts?
Is bombarding my readers with daily updates more annoying than useful?
That’s when the internal debate kicked off.
Part of me is like, “Keep it up! Your real fans want all the updates!”
But then, the more considerate side pipes up, “Maybe tone it down? Not everyone needs their day narrated by you.”
So, here I am, tossing it out to you guys – my fellow writers and avid readers.
What’s the play here? Should I hit pause on the daily email notifications?
Maybe keep it to just the really juicy articles?
Or how about a weekly roundup – a sort of “In case you missed it” vibe?
I’m all ears (or eyes, since we’re talking emails and comments).
What do you think?
Is too much of a good thing, or is more always better?
How to get ideas for your upcoming Medium articles — this is how I do it.
Getting ideas while taking a morning walk — Image created using Midjourney by Author
It’s one of those mornings again, the kind where the air feels just right, and the world is slowly waking up, bathed in that golden hour glow.
I’m out for my morning walk, trying to kickstart my day (and my brain) into some semblance of productivity.
The rhythm of my steps seems to sync up with the fluttering ideas in my mind, each step a potential leap towards my next Medium article.
“Come on, brain, do your thing,” I mutter to myself, half-encouraging, half-begging.
A dog barks in the distance, a bird chirps overhead, and somewhere in that symphony of everyday life, an idea starts to bubble up.
“What if I write about the simplicity of morning routines? Or the chaos of it?” I muse aloud, pulling out my phone to jot down the fleeting thought before it escapes into the ether.
Fast forward to the daily grind, and I’m stuck in traffic, the kind that moves so slowly you’d swear time was standing still.
The radio’s playing some forgettable tune, but my mind is elsewhere, weaving through the congestion of both cars and thoughts.
“There’s something here,” I think, staring at the sea of brake lights ahead. “The parallels between traffic jams and mental blockages… Yeah, that could work.” I reach for my phone again, voice memo at the ready.
“Article idea: Navigating mental traffic jams, inspired by actual traffic jams. Explore solutions and parallels.” The voice memo captures the thought, a digital reminder for later exploration.
Then there’s the calm before the storm at the office, that precious window of time when I’m at my desk but the day’s demands haven’t yet fully descended.
I sip my coffee, the warmth, and caffeine a comforting ritual as I stare at the blank document on my screen.
“This is it, the quiet moment before chaos. There’s definitely an article in this,” I whisper to myself, fingers poised over the keyboard. “How to find peace in the small moments before the workday whirlwind.”
I start typing, the words a slow trickle at first but gradually gaining momentum.
“Finding Your Calm Before the Workday Storm,” the document is now boldly titled, a testament to this morning’s journey from walk, to traffic, to desk.
It’s in these moments, these snippets of everyday life, that the ideas come alive, finding their way onto the digital page to be shared, pondered, and maybe even smiled upon by someone, somewhere, who needed them just as much as I did.
Before 2024, all my views hovered above a couple of hundred, the highest being 1000.
But then, I decided to change my strategy.
In the first week of February 2024, the views jumped like crazy! 14,000% or 14X.
The first week of February 2024
But… my number of reads is just 157!
So, what happened?
I have imported my mailing list from a different database (two of my blogs) to Medium—almost 8K, and most are non-Medium members.
However, I decided to share some of my articles on a non-paywall, meaning whenever I emailed the mailing list, they would receive the entire article without returning to Medium to read.
They can just read from the email notifications that they have subscribed.
However, the drawback would be fewer “reads” in my Medium.
The advantage is that I directly communicate with subscribers to all my daily articles.
It goes back to the objective of whether you want to make ALL your articles behind the paywall or only selected ones to be published without a paywall.
As for now, I am happy to give something back to my non-Medium members.
[Note: Click this if you are not a Medium Partner Program member. It will give full access to this article.]
There are about 28 articles that earned more than $1.00.
The highest is $21.85. Not as high as some of the prominent writers in Medium.
I know. I am still learning. I do see some improvement over the several months.
I have a feeling about what works and what doesn’t.
However, I decided to get the help of AI (ChatGPT) to analyze the top 28 articles that earned more than $1.00.
What AI Discover
It’s clear that specific themes resonate more with readers on Medium, especially those interested in writing, personal growth, and leveraging Medium’s platform effectively.
Here’s a breakdown of what seems to attract the most attention and financial reward:
Writing Improvement and Avoidance of Mistakes: The highest-earning article focuses on avoiding common mistakes to become a better writer in 2024, indicating a strong interest in personal development and skill enhancement in writing. Articles that provide clear, actionable advice on improving writing skills and avoiding pitfalls are highly valued.
Personal Experience and Success Stories on Medium: Articles detailing personal experiences, particularly success stories related to the Medium platform itself, like lessons learned before and after joining the Medium Partner Program or tripling earnings, draw considerable interest. These narratives offer insights into the platform’s potential for monetization and growth, appealing to writers seeking to maximize their Medium presence.
Persistence and Motivation: Articles encouraging writers to persist, even when facing challenges like a lack of readership, resonate well. This theme taps into the everyday writer’s fear of obscurity and offers motivation and strategies to overcome it, highlighting the emotional and psychological aspects of writing.
Strategic Insights and Growth Hacks: Content that shares specific strategies or ‘hacks’ for audience growth, increased earnings, and content optimization on Medium attracts readers looking to enhance their visibility and financial success on the platform. This includes leveraging AI, boosting article visibility, and understanding the Medium Partner Program (MPP) benefits.
Reflective and Analytical Pieces: Articles that reflect on personal journeys, growth, and lessons learned over time, including analyses of what worked (or didn’t) in past articles, offer valuable takeaways for readers aiming to navigate their path on Medium more effectively.
Innovative Use of Technology in Writing: Discussions around the use of AI in writing and balancing authenticity with efficiency suggest a burgeoning interest in how technology intersects with traditional writing practices. These articles cater to writers curious about integrating new tools while maintaining their unique voice and authenticity.
Specific Achievements and Milestones: Content highlighting particular achievements, like exponential audience growth or significant increases in views and earnings, performs well. They serve as aspirational benchmarks for other writers and often share insights into the strategies that facilitated these successes.
Photo by Steve Johnson on Unsplash
What resonates with readers
In summary, articles that combine personal growth, practical advice, and success stories within the Medium ecosystem resonate most with readers.
These pieces offer inspiration and tangible strategies for writers at various stages of their journey, from newcomers seeking to make their mark to seasoned authors looking to optimize their earnings and audience engagement on the platform.
Thanks for taking the time to read this!
I would appreciate your comments and claps!
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Over the past five months, I’ve penned various articles, eventually organizing them into four self-published series.
The first series, “Aspiring Writer’s Journey,” delves into my experiences navigating the world of Medium. Not being a professional writer, I’ve documented my progress, obstacles, practical advice, and reports on earnings. I hope that this documentation not only tracks my development but also aids others facing similar hurdles.
The second series, “Startup Survival Journey,” chronicles my adventures as a tech founder and entrepreneur, highlighting successes and failures alongside tips that could assist fellow budding entrepreneurs.
The third, “Influencer’s Journey,” explores my efforts to establish myself as a thought leader in IoT and a social media influencer, aiming to offer insights and strategies for growth enhancement.
The final series, “IoT World,” is a technical exploration focused on the IoT sector, reflecting the services provided by my startup, Favoriot. This series also examines industry trends and challenges, and uniquely, it is offered free of charge, diverging from the paywalled approach of my other publications.
Below are the top 5 topics (Sept. 2023 — Jan. 2024)
Sept. 2023
Sept. 2023 — Top 5 Earnings
Oct 2023
Oct. 2023 — Top 5 Earnings
November 2023
Nov. 2023 — Top 5 Earnings
December 2023
Dec. 2023 — Top 5 Earnings
January 2024
Jan. 2024 — Top 5 Earnings
However, through a meticulous five-month journey of exploration across four distinct publications, one narrative thread has emerged victorious in capturing audience attention and monetization success: the “Aspiring Writer’s Journey.”
The Unique Appeal of the “Aspiring Writer’s Journey”
The “Aspiring Writer’s Journey” has eclipsed its counterparts in readership and earnings, a fascinating outcome that warrants a closer examination.
This publication, a candid chronicle of the trials and triumphs encountered in becoming a recognized Medium writer, has struck a chord with a broad audience.
But why?
Relatability and Authenticity: At its core, the journey of an aspiring writer is universally relatable. Many readers harbor their dreams of writing, searching for inspiration and practical advice to navigate the often tumultuous path to publication and recognition. This publication offers an authentic, first-hand account of these experiences, making it immensely appealing.
Utility and Inspiration: Articles within “Aspiring Writer’s Journey” serve a dual purpose. They are instructive, offering tips and inspirational monetization reports, charting the author’s growth and improvement. This blend of utility and motivation is a potent mix that attracts readers seeking guidance and encouragement.
Community and Engagement: Writing, by nature, is a solitary activity, but the journey towards becoming a writer need not be. This publication has fostered community among readers and aspiring writers, encouraging interaction, sharing experiences, and mutual support. This community aspect enhances engagement and loyalty, driving higher readership and earnings.
Comparing Niche Publications
While the other publications — “Startup Survival Journey,” “Influencer’s Journey,” and “IoT World” — each offer valuable insights into their respective fields, they cater to more specific audiences.
The broad appeal of writing and the universal allure of storytelling gives “Aspiring Writer’s Journey” a wider potential audience base.
Furthermore, the free-to-access nature of “IoT World,” though noble in intent, may contribute to its lower monetization relative to the paywalled heart of “Aspiring Writer’s Journey.”
The Power of Personal Narratives
Another critical factor in the success of “Aspiring Writer’s Journey” is the power of personal narrative.
Personal stories of overcoming challenges, achieving milestones, and continuous learning resonate deeply with readers.
This personal connection is less pronounced in the more technical or niche-focused publications, which, while informative, may not engage readers on the same emotional level.
Insights for Content Creators
The success of “Aspiring Writer’s Journey” offers several vital takeaways for content creators:
Authenticity Sells: Genuine stories and transparent sharing of successes and failures draw readers.
Relatability is Key: Content readers can see themselves in has a broader appeal.
Blend Utility with Inspiration: Providing practical advice alongside motivational content can satisfy readers’ diverse needs.
Foster Community: Engaging readers in a shared journey can enhance loyalty and increase readership.
Conclusion
The standout success of “Aspiring Writer’s Journey” underscores the importance of authenticity, relatability, and community in content creation.
It highlights that, even in a world saturated with information, personal stories of struggle and triumph have the power to captivate and connect.
For aspiring content creators and writers, this revelation serves as both inspiration and guide: to find one’s voice, share it authentically, and, in doing so, resonate with readers around the globe.
Thanks for reading this!
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Eight (8) Things Which I Found During My Time on Medium
Are You Wasting Your Time on Medium — Image Created using Canva by Author
I often find myself drawn to Medium, investing what many might consider ‘wasted’ hours.
But here’s the thing: my time on Medium is far from wasted.
It’s a strategic move that serves multiple purposes, each contributing significantly to my personal and professional growth.
Let me elaborate on why Medium is an indispensable tool in my arsenal.
1 — Monetizing My Passion for Writing
One of the primary reasons I spend time on Medium is the potential for monetization.
By crafting and sharing articles, I’m not just indulging in a hobby; I’m creating a stream of income.
Medium’s partner program offers a platform where quality content gets rewarded, turning my passion for writing into a financially viable endeavor.
2 — Building a Community of Followers
Medium is not just a writing platform; it’s a community.
By consistently sharing my thoughts and expertise, I’ve been able to connect with like-minded individuals.
These followers aren’t just readers; they have become my potential collaborators, customers, and friends. Building this community has opened doors to opportunities I wouldn’t have encountered otherwise.
3 — Expanding My Email List
As any digital marketer knows, an email list is gold.
Medium has been instrumental in helping me grow my list.
Through engaging content, I encourage readers to sign up for more personalized communication.
This list is a direct line to my most engaged audience and is invaluable for future ventures or announcements.
4 — Driving Traffic to My eBook Store
My presence on Medium is a funnel to my eBook stores on Gumroad and Payhip.
I create a new revenue stream by linking to my products in my articles.
Readers who find value in my writing on Medium are often interested in exploring my more in-depth written works, leading to increased sales and exposure.
5 — Establishing Myself as a Thought Leader in IoT
Medium allows me to share my insights and expertise in the domain of the Internet of Things (IoT).
I’m positioning myself as a thought leader by consistently publishing high-quality content in this niche.
This recognition is crucial for professional growth and opens up opportunities for speaking engagements, consultancy roles, and more.
6 — Boosting Traffic to My Startup, Favoriot
My startup, Favoriot, greatly benefits from my Medium presence.
By discussing relevant topics and sharing stories related to my startup journey, I drive traffic to Favoriot’s website.
This increase in visitors boosts our brand awareness and leads to potential customer conversions.
7 — Building Trust and Finding Business Opportunities
By sharing my journey and insights related to Favoriot, I’m not just promoting a brand but building a relationship with my audience.
Getting people to know, like, and trust Favoriot is a step towards finding leads and business opportunities.
Trust is the foundation of any business relationship, and Medium allows me to lay this foundation effectively.
8 — Enhanced SEO for My Articles
Lastly, Medium’s robust platform offers excellent SEO benefits.
My published articles rank well on search engines, providing greater visibility and reach.
This enhanced online presence is vital for building a personal brand and for the digital success of Favoriot.
In conclusion, my time on Medium is a strategic investment.
Each article I write, and every interaction I have on the platform contributes to a larger goal.
Whether monetization, community building, or brand promotion, Medium is a versatile tool aiding my professional journey.
It’s more than just a writing platform; it catalyzes growth and opportunity.
Many of us have been conditioned to believe that a higher follower in our social media channel count equates to success.
I must admit… I am guilty of having this feeling and effort.
However, as digital marketing expert Neil Patel reveals, this is no longer true.
Despite having a staggering 3.8 million followers across various platforms, including YouTube, Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram, and TikTok, Patel emphasizes that the accurate measure of social media impact has shifted dramatically.
Four Key Takeaways
1 — The Misconception of Follower Numbers
“Don’t be fooled by numbers; true influence lies in the value you provide.” — Anonymous
A few years back, boasting millions of followers was synonymous with influence and reach.
However, Patel’s experience and insight shed light on a crucial shift in how social media platforms operate today.
These platforms have democratized content distribution, making the number of followers less relevant.
2 — The Rise of Engagement Metrics
“Social media is not about the exploitation of technology but service to community.” — Simon Mainwaring
The critical factor that social media networks now prioritize is engagement. Engagement metrics include watch time, likes, comments, and shares.
The focus is not on how many followers you have but on the percentage of people engaging with your content.
High engagement rates mean your content is more likely to be shown to a broader audience, including those who don’t follow you.
3 — The Reality of Content Visibility
“It’s not just about being up on the net, it’s about being found.” — Unknown
This shift has led to a new reality where individuals with fewer followers can achieve high visibility if their content has strong engagement.
Conversely, those with large follower bases might see minimal interaction if their content doesn’t resonate with the audience.
4 — Focus on Content Quality, Not Follower Count
“Content is King but engagement is Queen, and the lady rules the house!” — Mari Smith
Patel advises content creators to stop stressing about their follower numbers, as it has become a redundant metric.
Instead, the focus should be on creating high-quality content that engages and resonates with the audience.
This approach is more likely to increase content visibility and impact on social media platforms.
Other than the above two things, I also used the five tips below, which you can also follow:
1 — Engage with Readers: Respond to comments and messages.
Example:You publish a blog post about the latest trends in IoT security. A reader comments, asking for more details about blockchain’s role in IoT. You respond with a brief explanation and provide a link to another article you’ve written on blockchain technology in IoT. This interaction answers the reader’s query, showcases your expertise, and encourages continued engagement.
2 — Promote on Social Media: Share your work on various platforms.
Example:After writing an article on smart home automation using IoT, you share a video on Instagram demonstrating a smart home device in action. You tweet a statistic from your article about the growth of smart home devices, and on your LinkedIn, you post a link to the full article. This varied approach helps you connect with a diverse audience interested in IoT applications.
3 — Analyze Your Performance: Use analytics to understand your audience.
Example:By analyzing your blog analytics, your posts on IoT in agriculture are getting more engagement than others. Recognizing this interest, you focus more on this topic, creating content that aligns with your audience’s preferences.
4 — Personal Branding: Build a recognizable personal brand.
Example:You consistently write about IoT innovations in urban planning. You brand your blog and social media with urban-themed visuals and maintain a consistent, informative writing style. Gradually, your name becomes synonymous with IoT in urban development, establishing you as an authority in this niche.
5 — In-Depth Articles: Provide comprehensive information.
Example:Instead of a general overview of IoT, you write a detailed guide on “Implementing IoT Solutions in Manufacturing.” This guide covers everything from selecting sensors to integrating IoT data into existing manufacturing systems. Such comprehensive content solidifies your position as a knowledgeable source in the IoT community.
Dr. Mazlan Abbas 