Tag: medium

How These Tips Pay for My 2.5 Years of Medium Subscription Within 4 Months

Follow the Five Tips

Image created using Midjourney by Author

There are two reasons why I chose to upgrade to the Medium Partner Program (MPP) with a $50 annual subscription:

1 — Read the excellent articles written by many authors behind the paywall.

2 — To become a writer myself and ensure that the earnings from my articles can cover the annual subscription costs.

For the next four months, I have been continuously writing many articles that cover various topics, such as — IoT, Startup, Thought Leadership, and Writing.

Below is the outcome — a total of $130.23! If we divide by $50, it will cover almost 2.5 years of MPP subscription.

Below are five tips that I followed:

1 — Publish Regularly

Consistency Attracts Readers

Regular publishing is a cornerstone of successful blogging.

Maintaining a consistent posting schedule establishes a rhythm that your audience can depend on and adapt to.

This consistency helps build a loyal readership, as readers are more likely to return to your blog anticipating new content. Regular updates signal to search engines that your blog is active, potentially improving its ranking.

The key is to find a balance that works for you and your audience — daily, weekly, or bi-weekly posts — and stick to it.

This habitual engagement not only helps retain existing readers but also attracts new ones who appreciate the reliability of your content updates.

2 — Quality Content

Focus on Creating Valuable, Informative Posts

The importance of quality content cannot be overstated in the blogging world.

High-quality, informative posts are the bedrock of a successful blog. This involves well-written articles and content that is valuable and relevant to your audience.

Investing time and effort into researching and understanding what your readers are interested in and what problems they are trying to solve is essential.

You ensure that your content resonates with your audience by providing solutions, insights, or valuable information.

Quality content also increases the likelihood of your posts being shared, which can help attract a wider audience and establish your blog as a go-to resource in your niche.

3 — Engaging Headlines

Craft Titles That Draw Readers In

Headlines are the first point of contact between your content and potential readers, making them a critical element of your posts. An engaging, compelling headline can make the difference between a post that is widely read and one that is overlooked.

Good headlines should be clear, intriguing, and reflective of the content within the article.

They should spark curiosity or offer a clear benefit to the reader, encouraging them to click through and read the entire post.

Crafting the correct headline requires a balance between creativity and clarity, ensuring it is attention-grabbing and accurately represents the article’s content.

4 — Use Tags Wisely

Tags Increase Discoverability

Tags are a powerful tool for increasing the discoverability of your blog posts. When used wisely, they help categorize your content, making it easier for readers to find related posts and navigate your blog.

Tags also significantly improve your blog’s visibility on search engines, as they help index your content more effectively.

It’s essential to use relevant and specific tags that accurately describe the content of your post.

Overusing or misusing tags can be counterproductive, as it may lead to poor user experience and negatively impact your blog’s search engine ranking.

The key is to use a consistent and thoughtful approach to tagging that enhances the overall accessibility and organization of your content.

5 — Eye-Catching Images

Visuals Make Your Posts More Appealing

Incorporating eye-catching images into your blog posts significantly enhances their appeal and effectiveness.

Visual elements like photos, graphics, or infographics can break up large blocks of text, making your posts more readable and engaging.

They also provide an opportunity to visually represent or complement your written content, making it more understandable and memorable.

Additionally, images can make your content more shareable on social media, as posts with visuals attract more attention and engagement.

Choosing images that are relevant to your content and of high quality is essential.

Properly formatted and optimized images can also contribute positively to your blog’s SEO, further increasing the visibility of your posts.

View at Medium.comView at Medium.com

“To Write” in 15 Ways

Image created using Midjourney by Author

To write is to express, not to repress.
To write is to inspire, not to suppress.
To write is to share, not to withhold.
To write is to adapt, not to remain rigid.
To write is to innovate, not to conform.
To write is to persist, not to give up.
To write is to nurture resilience, not to weaken resolve.
To write is to gain wisdom, not to lack insight.
To write is to challenge norms, not to settle for the ordinary.
To write is to progress ideas, not to regress into stagnation.
To write is to welcome opportunities, not to shy away from them.
To write is to achieve eventual success, not to succumb to defeat.
To write is to evolve thoughts, not to remain static in mindset.
To write is to explore new narratives, not to dwell in the same old stories.
To write is to create, not to destroy creativity.

View at Medium.comView at Medium.comView at Medium.com

Two Things I Will Do Differently to Achieve My January 2024 Target

And Five More Secret Tips Below

Image created using Canva by Author

Why $65 instead of $50?

I realized I needed to add up the “loss” from the withholding tax of 30%.

Thus, I need to multiply $50 x 1.3 = $65

But how much have I already earned?

I have six more days to reach the goal.

Am I able to reach it?

Yes, if I can get at least $1.00 per day for the next 5–6 days.

Unfortunately, the earnings have dropped lower than a dollar for the last few days.

As much as I have spent several hours reading and engaging with others, the numbers have dropped.

I need to return to the drawing board and understand what’s happening.

I probably have a few things that contribute to this lower readership or earnings:

  1. Fewer articles behind the paywall. For some strategic reasons, I have published several articles for free (non-paywall). Most of this is for my general tech audience and marketing materials.
  2. Fewer articles were published about “money-making” topics, which are very popular among readers.

Five Tips That I Will Try for My Upcoming Writings (You can try these too!):

  1. Listicles and Guides: These structured, easy-to-digest formats often go viral. They break down information into bite-sized, numbered, or bulleted points, making them highly shareable on social media. For example, a travel blog might create a listicle like “10 Must-Visit Destinations in Europe,” which outlines top travel spots, offering quick insights and engaging visuals for each location.
  2. Storytelling: Incorporating narratives in your content can deeply engage your audience by connecting emotionally. For instance, if you’re writing for a fitness website, you could share a personal journey of someone who overcame challenges to achieve their health goals. This not only inspires readers but also makes the content relatable.
  3. Regular Features: Establishing a series of recurring columns can build a dedicated following. Readers return for the familiar format and content. A cooking blog, for instance, might have a weekly feature like “Sunday Supper Specials,” where a new recipe is shared every Sunday, encouraging readers to anticipate and return for these posts.
  4. Email Newsletters: Keep your audience engaged and informed by sending regular newsletters. This could include updates, latest posts, or exclusive content. For example, a tech review site could send a monthly newsletter featuring a roundup of the newest gadget reviews, tech news, and a sneak peek at upcoming content.
  5. Guest Blogging: Writing posts for other blogs can expose you to a new audience. Choose blogs that align with your niche to attract readers who are likely interested in your content. For instance, if you run a photography blog, guest posting on a popular travel blog about “Top Photography Tips for Travelers” can attract travelers interested in photography to your site.
  6. Interactive Content: Engaging your audience with interactive elements like polls, quizzes, or infographics can increase your site’s engagement and time. For example, an educational website might include a quiz at the end of an article about history, testing readers on what they’ve learned. This makes the learning experience fun and encourages readers to interact with the content.

Thanks for reading this, my friends!

Any new suggestions? It will help me to achieve my goal this month!

UPDATE (January 31, 2024)

Voila! Yay! I achieved my target! Just an extra $0.65 above my target! I felt delighted!

Related Tips

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Lessons Learned From My Top 5 Earners (Articles) in December 2023 (And You Can Too!)

Image created using Canva by Author

The great thing about Medium Insights is knowing what works and what doesn’t.

I am guilty of reviewing the stats regularly because I should have spent more time on writing better.

Since Medium doesn’t have detailed insights like other commercial tools, we have to do with whatever is given.

However, that was the early days.

Now I know what works and what doesn’t.

If I look back at the top 5 highest earners, I can see similar trends and topics, which made me think twice about what kind of articles I should post in the future.

Top 5 December 2023 Earnings

Let’s start with the highest earner:

1 — Avoid These 10 Mistakes and Become a Better Writer in 2024

View at Medium.com

In this article, I reflect on the shortcomings in my writing journey over the past year. Despite having written over 100 articles, I needed more engagement, with most of my articles receiving minimal views and no significant increase in followers.

To address this, I identified and shared ten critical mistakes that I aim to avoid: 1) Writing without emotional depth; 2) Focusing on knowledge rather than problem-solving; 3) Failing to connect with my audience; 4) Neglecting effective headlines and SEO; 5) Using overly complex sentences; 6) Superficial engagement with fellow writers; 7) Unstrategically republishing old content; 8) Not keeping up with trending topics; 9) Lack of practical “How-To” guides; and 10) Inconsistently sharing my personal writing experiences.

I offer these insights to guide my fellow writers to improve their craft and reader engagement in the coming year.

Lifetime earnings are still growing.

2 — Tripling My Medium December Earnings: When I Implement These Amazing Things

View at Medium.com

In my article “Tripling My Medium December Earnings: When I Implement These Amazing Things,” I share my experience of significantly increasing my earnings on Medium in December.

After a disappointing November with relentless daily publishing but little success, I realized I needed a new approach.

Firstly, I aggressively expanded my network by connecting with active Medium writers, creating a dynamic and reciprocal network.

Secondly, I deepened my engagement by initiating meaningful conversations instead of just leaving comments, building a community where every voice matters.

I also appreciated comments by clapping, a simple yet impactful gesture. Beyond these strategies, I continuously improved my writing, experimented with styles, and crafted catchy headlines to draw in readers.

The result was a dramatic increase in followers, views, and earnings. I emphasize that success on Medium is about connecting with your audience, engaging with peers, and evolving as a writer.

My journey underscores the importance of authenticity, consistency, continuous learning, valuing interactions, and enjoying the writing process. This experience wasn’t just about earning more; it was about personal growth, community building, and enjoying the journey as a writer on Medium.

Lifetime earnings grew little.

3 — Why You Should Not Give Up Writing When No One is Reading Your Articles

View at Medium.com

In this article, I share my struggles with writing on Medium, where initially, my posts received no views, comments, or claps.

Despite posting daily and focusing on topics related to my entrepreneurship journey, I needed more audience engagement. This led to frustration and thoughts of giving up.

However, before quitting, I took a break to analyze what others were doing successfully.

Upon my return, I implemented several changes: writing with emotion to resonate with like-minded entrepreneurs, exploring different niches besides entrepreneurship, creating better headlines, writing shorter articles that are easier to digest, engaging more with readers, and ensuring my articles were longer than 3 minutes for monetization purposes.

These changes resulted in a significant increase in views, follower count, and engagement. This experience taught me the importance of persistence and adapting strategies in writing, leading me to continue my journey on Medium with renewed determination and hope.

Earning slightly grew over time.

4 — No Wonder My Articles Don’t Get Boosted Because I Am Using AI to Help Me

View at Medium.com

I discuss my realization that using AI, specifically ChatGPT, to expand my points into articles might be why my work on Medium wasn’t getting the boost I desired.

Despite receiving some views, reads, and claps, my articles never made it to the “For You” tab like many others. After researching, I stumbled upon an article titled “Medium Says Writers Can Use AI — Under One Condition,” which made me reconsider my approach.

Facing the challenge of not being a native English speaker, I decided to write more naturally, as if chatting with friends on WhatsApp or social media.

I turned to Grammarly for grammar checks and tone adjustments, opted for short, straightforward sentences, and embraced one-sentence paragraphs.

This article marks my first attempt at writing without AI assistance, and I’m eager to see how it performs. If successful, I plan to continue this new approach to writing.

There is a slight increase in earnings, too.

5 — How My Articles Able to Pay the MPP Subscription — (And How You Can Too)

View at Medium.com

In this article, I share my journey with the Medium Partner Program (MPP), where I went from just covering the $5.00 monthly fee to earning profits that exceeded my expectations.

My success on Medium wasn’t just about writing; it involved building a community.

I engaged with my followers and other writers through meaningful interactions, claps, and comments. Claps on Medium became a way to show appreciation and increase my visibility. I used highlights to mark impactful phrases in others’ articles, fostering connections.

Thoughtful comments and replies were vital in engaging with readers and authors alike. I also focused on creating exciting and insightful content, keeping readers engaged.

This strategy paid off in December when my earnings covered eight months of MPP fees.

My takeaways for other Medium writers are to build a genuine community, clap purposefully, use highlights effectively, engage meaningfully in comments, and create content that values the reader’s time.

My commitment to these strategies continues as I progress on Medium, finding joy in writing and satisfaction in building a community.

For those new or facing challenges on Medium, remember that success comes from consistent engagement, valuable content, and genuine connections.

Most top-earner articles will keep getting traction even after one month.

Lessons Learned

  • Articles related to writing on Medium are top earners.
  • Catchy headlines
  • Short sentences articles
  • Eye-catching photos

Keep writing and engaging, and your efforts could soon see significant rewards.

How Medium Publications Managed My Niche Contents

Image created using Canva by Author

I am new to Medium Partner. Thus, I need to learn how Publication works.

I tried sending it to some Publications but did not get any response.

Either the Editor is busy, or my article needs to meet the acceptance requirements (which I don’t).

However, I noticed that Publications can help me in two things:

1 — Managing my niche contents

2 — Allow my Followers to focus on a specific niche

I have created 4 Publications. Below are their statistics:

(1) IoT World

I created this publication because, for many years, I have had a blog called IoT World.

However, I need help engaging and giving notifications to my readers and followers except for publishing them on my Social Media channels whenever I have a new post.

By having this Publication, I will encourage them to start reading here, and I will finally stop investing my time in IoT World Blog.

View at Medium.com

IoT World Publication

The average number of daily visitors to IoT World is 4.

(2) Startup Survival Journey

I have been writing my entrepreneurship journey in my Mazlan Abbas blog. Instead of managing similar articles in Medium, I will focus my energy on Medium. Thus, I migrated my custom domain to Medium early this year.

View at Medium.com

The average number of daily visitors to Startup Survival is 7.

(3) Influencer’s Journey

This is a niche topic which is my hobby and my passion. Since I have been in social media and speaking engagement for many years, I wanted to share my journey and experience as a Social Media Influencer and a Thought Leader.

View at Medium.com

The average number of daily visitors to Influencer’s Journey is 7.

(4) Aspiring Writer’s Journey

Of course, with all the experience writing blogs and articles online, I would like to share the challenges and tips of my journey to making money online.

By journaling the journey, I can learn what works and what doesn’t.

It will also serve as my diary as I put my effort in Medium.

View at Medium.com

Aspiring Writer’s Journey

The average number of daily visitors to Aspiring Writer’s Journey is 20.

What’s the Results So Far?

I noticed that the IoT World publication has the lowest number of reads, views, and visitors, even though I have put much effort into creating content for it.

IoT World doesn’t have a Paywall compared to the rest of the Publications. I will typically publish and send a link to my email subscribers.

However, as mentioned in my article here, the number of views or reach is very high.

View at Medium.com

I suspected that my readers on the mailing list would just read from the email rather than visit Medium to read the whole article.

This is suitable for me.

Furthermore, IoT World Publication is now leveraging Medium-high Domain Authority; these articles will get ranked on Google sooner or later.

Note: This is my 300th article!

I have never imagined I could write this many articles, especially last year and this year.

If you want to know about my entrepreneurial journey, check out my latest eBook, “Startup Survival”.

View at Medium.com

The Day My Daily Views Jumped From 60 to 3,400 (Here’s What Happened)

Image created using Canva by Author.

I started the month of January with only 30 to 60 views daily.

Of course, I envy other writers getting 100s or 1000s of views daily.

I don’t know what their secret is. But most probably, they are top writers on Medium and have many followers, or simply that their articles get boosted from Medium.

But I never gave up. On January 11, 2024, I did two things differently.

Suddenly, it jumped to 2.1K views on January 11 and peaked on January 16, 2024, with 3.4K views.

Stats in January 2024

Here’s what I did differently:

Firstly, I migrated my domain ( http://mazlanabbas.com ) to Medium.

View at Medium.com

The main reasons for moving to Medium are because (1) I don’t have enough time and resources to manage Medium and my other blogs. Furthermore, it is comprised of almost the same contents. (2) I love the simple interface of Medium. It’s easier to write here. (3) Best community as compared to WordPress. I have better engagement with the Medium community. They are very friendly and always give good comments and advice.

Secondly, I shared and published a non-paywall to my mailing list. More than 9,000 people have followed me from various social media channels and blogs. It’s now easier to use this platform to share my articles. I have created multiple Medium publications, but I have the one on IoT World Publication open for all readers (non-paywall, Medium Partner, or Non-Medium Partner can read this).

View at Medium.com

I don’t know much about Medium’s algorithm, but maybe the readers can help me to solve this “mystery.”

The second reason is the one that changed the number of the game — that’s my feeling. But if you have other thoughts, kindly leave some comments below.

What do you think?

However, if you asked me whether my earnings will jump multiple times — the answer is … no … unfortunately. It remained the same as before.

On the other hand, I can satisfy my followers, especially with the articles I previously made behind the paywall, and now it’s open.

Thanks all!

Publications That I Created (Behind the Paywall) — Follow This

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Earn More Than $1000 With These 100 Actionable Writing Tips

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Ready to elevate your Medium blog and welcome a flood of new followers?

If you can earn $1000. You’ve hit the jackpot!

Share that stories with us!

All great Medium writers have tips and techniques that enable them to grow their followers fast and have highly earned articles.

This is a compilation of tips from various Medium writers.

Tailored to enhance your content and captivate a crowd of enthusiastic readers, they’re just waiting to be unleashed. So, are you in?

Try these tips to drive your Medium blog to astounding new heights!

100 Ways to Create Engaging Content

  1. Publish Regularly: Consistency attracts readers.
  2. Quality Content: Focus on creating valuable, informative posts.
  3. Engaging Headlines: Craft titles that draw readers in.
  4. SEO Optimization: Use keywords for better search visibility.
  5. Use Tags Wisely: Tags increase discoverability.
  6. Eye-Catching Images: Visuals make your posts more appealing.
  7. Engage with Readers: Respond to comments and messages.
  8. Promote on Social Media: Share your work on various platforms.
  9. Collaborate with Other Writers: Expand your reach.
  10. Join Medium Publications: Gain more exposure.
  11. Analyze Your Performance: Use analytics to understand your audience.
  12. Personal Branding: Build a recognizable personal brand.
  13. In-Depth Articles: Provide comprehensive information.
  14. Listicles and Guides: These formats are popular and shareable.
  15. Storytelling: Use narratives to connect with readers.
  16. Regular Features: Series or regular columns can attract a loyal audience.
  17. Email Newsletters: Keep your audience updated.
  18. Guest Blogging: Write for other blogs to attract new readers.
  19. Interactive Content: Use polls, quizzes, etc., to engage readers.
  20. User-Generated Content: Feature stories or content from readers.
  21. Networking: Connect with other Medium authors.
  22. Feedback Request: Ask readers for their thoughts and suggestions.
  23. Be Authentic: Genuine content resonates more with readers.
  24. Use Medium’s Partner Program: Monetize your content.
  25. Write What You Love: Passionate writing attracts more readers.
  26. Evergreen Content: Timeless content continues to attract readers.
  27. Write About Trending Topics: Stay relevant and current.
  28. Clear Formatting: Make your posts easy to read.
  29. Consistent Style: Develop and maintain your unique writing style.
  30. Call-to-Action: Encourage readers to engage or follow.
  31. Update Old Posts: Keep your content fresh and relevant.
  32. Create a Content Calendar: Plan your publishing schedule.
  33. Diverse Content: Vary your topics to attract a wide audience.
  34. Create Infographics: They are shareable and informative.
  35. Join Medium Challenges: Participate in platform-sponsored events.
  36. Offer Solutions: Solve problems or answer questions in your niche.
  37. Use Humor: Light-hearted content can be more engaging.
  38. Personal Stories: Share your experiences to connect with readers.
  39. Short and Snappy Posts: Sometimes, less is more.
  40. Long-Form Articles: Offer in-depth insights on topics.
  41. Utilize Bullet Points: They make complex information digestible.
  42. Comment on Other Posts: Increase your visibility and network.
  43. Shareable Content: Write posts that people want to share.
  44. Keep Up with Medium Updates: Stay informed about new features.
  45. Consistent Voice: Maintain your unique voice across all articles.
  46. Use Subheadings: Break up text for better readability.
  47. Ask Questions: Encourage reader interaction.
  48. Personal Challenges: Share your goals or challenges with readers.
  49. Use Quotes: Add credibility and interest to your posts.
  50. Link to Other Articles: Increase stay time on your profile.
  51. Host a Webinar or Live Session: Engage with your audience in real time.
  52. Podcast Episodes: Share your content in audio form.
  53. Video Content: Use videos to complement your articles.
  54. Photo Essays: Tell stories through photographs.
  55. Be Consistent in Your Niche: Establish yourself as an expert.
  56. Giveaways and Contests: Increase engagement and followers.
  57. Reader Surveys: Get to know your audience better.
  58. Collaborative Projects: Partner with other creators.
  59. Seasonal Content: Write about current events and holidays.
  60. Repurpose Content: Turn old content into something new.
  61. Optimize for Mobile Reading: Ensure your posts are mobile-friendly.
  62. Inspirational Posts: Motivate your readers.
  63. Content Series: Keep readers coming back for more.
  64. Highlight Other Medium Writers: Build community support.
  65. Consistent Theme: Stick to a general theme or concept.
  66. Educational Content: Teach something new to your readers.
  67. Behind-the-Scenes Posts: Share your writing process or life updates.
  68. Unique Perspectives: Offer new views on common topics.
  69. Reader Shoutouts: Acknowledge and appreciate your readers.
  70. Polls and Questionnaires: Engage readers in decision-making.
  71. Relevant Hashtags: Improve discoverability on social media.
  72. Write Response Posts: React or respond to other posts or current events.
  73. Host Q&A Sessions: Interact directly with your audience.
  74. Book Reviews: Share your thoughts on relevant literature.
  75. Interview Series: Feature conversations with interesting people.
  76. Curate Collections: Organize your articles into collections.
  77. Time Management: Allocate specific times for writing and engaging.
  78. Workshops or Courses: Offer more in-depth knowledge.
  79. Cross-Promotion: Promote your Medium blog on other platforms.
  80. Recycle Popular Topics: Revisit topics that your audience loves.
  81. Personal Reflections: Share lessons learned from personal experiences.
  82. Resource Lists: Provide valuable resources related to your niche.
  83. Challenge Accepted Posts: Share your experiences of taking on challenges.
  84. Highlight Industry News: Keep your readers informed about your field.
  85. Incorporate Graphics: Use visual aids to enhance your message.
  86. Create a Compelling Bio: Introduce yourself effectively in your profile.
  87. Participate in Medium Contests: Get involved in community events.
  88. Optimize Article Length: Find the sweet spot for your audience’s attention span.
  89. Conduct Interviews: Share insights from industry experts or influencers.
  90. Use Internal Links: Direct readers to your other relevant articles.
  91. Share Your Writing Process: Give a peek into how you create content.
  92. Consistent Formatting: Maintain a professional and clean layout.
  93. Write Reviews: Cover books, products, or services in your niche.
  94. Utilize Medium’s New Features: Stay ahead by adopting new tools.
  95. Regular Updates: Keep your audience informed about your blog’s news.
  96. Participate in Online Forums: Share your expertise and your blog.
  97. Provide Exclusive Content: Offer something special for subscribers.
  98. Utilize Different Post Formats: Experiment with audio, video, and text.
  99. Local Community Engagement: Connect with local readers and groups.
  100. Reflect and Adapt: Regularly review your strategies and adapt as needed.

Remember, it takes time and effort.

You can start with one or two other tips, or you might find something that fits your style.

The image was created using Midjourney by the Author of Startup Journey

Remember to Subscribe to receive email updates on every post I publish.

How to Unlock the 30-Second Reader Engagement on Medium

At least 30 seconds!

In Medium, that’s how long you must ensure your readers don’t wander away.

Captivating your audience within the first 30 seconds is crucial, but retaining their attention beyond this point truly sets apart successful content.

Writers who master this art not only see increased readership but also build a loyal following and finally get their articles monetised.

This article dives into the experiences and strategies of top Medium writers, offering insights into how you can enhance your reader engagement significantly beyond those critical first 30 seconds.

Understanding the Medium Audience

Know Your Readers:

Medium is a unique melting pot of readers, ranging from casual browsers to industry experts.

This diversity demands a clear understanding of who your target audience is.

Are they looking for quick insights, in-depth analysis, or personal stories? Tailoring your content to meet the expectations of your chosen audience segment is critical.

For instance, tech enthusiasts might appreciate detailed tutorials, while lifestyle readers prefer personal narratives and relatable experiences.

Niche Matters:

Focusing on a specific niche helps create targeted content and build a dedicated reader base.

Writers who consistently deliver content in a particular domain establish themselves as thought leaders, attracting interested readers.

Crafting a Compelling Headline

First Impressions Count:

Your headline is the first and possibly the only chance to grab a reader’s attention.

A compelling headline acts like a magnet, pulling the reader into the rest of your article.

It should be intriguing, transparent, and reflective of the content.

Examples of Effective Headlines:

Consider headlines that pose a question offer a solution, or create intrigue.

For example, “How I Tripled My Medium Readership in a Month” or “The Untold Secret of Successful Entrepreneurs” are headlines that instantly pique interest.

They promise value and insight, compelling the reader to delve deeper into the article.

The Power of a Strong Opening

Setting the Stage:

After a captivating headline, your opening lines are crucial in securing the reader’s interest.

The opening should provide a glimpse of what the reader can expect, setting the tone and premise of the article.

It’s your chance to promise the reader that the content ahead is worth their time.

Engagement from the Start:

Start with a fascinating fact, a thought-provoking question, or a compelling story.

For instance, an article about productivity might begin with, “Last year, I discovered a productivity hack that transformed my life…”

This approach not only intrigues the reader but also establishes a personal connection.

Content Structuring for Engagement

Organize for Readability:

Online readers often scan content.

Hence, structuring your article with subheadings, bullet points, and short paragraphs makes it more digestible.

Each section should ideally stand independently yet seamlessly connect with the rest of the content.

Balance Depth with Readability:

While providing valuable and in-depth content is essential, keeping the reader engaged is equally crucial.

Break complex ideas into understandable chunks. Use analogies, examples, and stories to explain complicated concepts.

This not only aids in comprehension but also keeps the reader interested in the subject matter.

Incorporating Visuals and Media

Enhance with Visuals:

In a text-heavy platform like Medium, visuals can be fresh air for the reader.

Including relevant images, videos, or infographics can break the monotony of text, providing a visual rest while enhancing the understanding of the content.

An article on ‘The Future of Renewable Energy’ could be enriched with infographics showing statistical trends, making the data more accessible and engaging.

Visual Storytelling:

Remember, every visual should add value and complement your narrative.

A well-placed image or chart can communicate more effectively than paragraphs of text.

This not only aids in retaining the reader’s attention but also makes your article more shareable.

Interactive and Relatable Writing Style

Conversational Tone:

One of the hallmarks of successful Medium writers is their ability to write as if conversing with the reader.

This style makes the content more relatable and engaging.

A personal, conversational tone, like sharing stories with a friend, can make complex topics more approachable and less intimidating.

Encourage Reader Interaction:

Pose questions, invite opinions, or encourage readers to share their experiences.

This interaction makes the reader feel more involved and increases their chances of staying engaged with your content.

For example, concluding a section with “Have you experienced something similar? I’d love to hear about it in the comments!” can prompt active participation from readers.

Consistency and Timing of Posts

Regular Posting:

Consistency is vital on Medium. Regularly publishing content keeps your audience engaged and coming back for more. It shows commitment and helps in building a reliable presence on the platform. Whether weekly, bi-weekly, or daily, find a rhythm that works for you and stick to it.

Optimal Publishing Times:

Timing can significantly impact the visibility and reach of your posts.

While there’s no one-size-fits-all answer, many successful Medium writers suggest publishing during weekdays, particularly in the mornings when readers are most active.

Experiment with different times and analyze your post engagement to find the sweet spot for your audience.

Mastering the art of engaging readers beyond the first 30 seconds on Medium is a blend of understanding your audience, crafting compelling headlines and openings, structuring content for readability, incorporating visuals, and maintaining a relatable writing style.

Consistency in posting and strategic timing are also crucial elements in this mix.

However, remember that every audience is unique. What works for one writer might not work for another.

The key is experimenting, learning from your analytics, and continuously adapting your strategy.

By applying these insights from top Medium writers, you’re well on your way to increasing your readership and making a lasting impact on your audience.

View at Medium.com

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My Top 5 out of 289 Published Medium Articles: Lessons Learned

The image was created using Midjourney by the Author of Startup Journey

I have written articles in Medium since July 2016.

It was a very long time ago, and compared to others, 289 articles are many when you average for the last eight years.

I had a different mood during those years, and only last year I started to write more rigorously and consistently.

Medium stats are suitable to analyze and reflect on what works and what doesn’t.

Below are screenshots comparing the top of my highest earnings, most viewed, and most read.

Screenshot of top 5 earnings
Screenshot of top 5 views
Screenshot of top 5 reads.

These are my findings:

  1. Common Themes in Top Earning Articles: The five highest-earning articles on Medium in 2024 predominantly focus on writing on the platform. These include discussions on improving writing skills, personal experiences, and practical tips for success:
    – Avoid These 10 Mistakes and Become a Better Writer in 2024
    – Tripling My Medium December Earnings: When I Implement These Amazing Things
    – Why You Should Not Give Up Writing When No One is Reading Your Articles
    – Lessons Learned Before and After Joining Medium Partner
    – No Wonder My Articles Don’t Get Boosted Because I am Using AI to Help Me
  2. High Views on Free Articles: Articles without a paywall, particularly those published in the “IoT World” publication, tend to attract more views. This is attributed to their public accessibility and broader reach.
  3. Articles that resonate with the broader Medium writing community, especially those offering experiences and tips on improving reach, earnings, and engagement, are more likely to be monetized effectively.

This article best shows how you want to get excellent traction and earnings:

View at Medium.com

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The Day I Moved My Domain From WordPress to Medium (Here’re the 3 Reasons Why)

The image was created using Midjourney by the Author of Startup Journey

Today (January 11, 2024), I set the custom domain on Medium.

When I set up my personal Blog (Mazlan Abbas — http://mazlanabbas.com), I bought the domain name and hosted it on the WordPress site.

I started to blog a couple of years back. Topics that covered my personal and career life, entrepreneurship, thought leadership, and many more.

In the case of Medium, I started much earlier (July 2016). However, I am less active in the early days.

However, I decided to join the Medium Partner at the end of Sept. 2023, and that’s when I became more active.

There are three main reasons why I migrated my Domain (http://mazlanabbas.com) to be hosted at Medium:

  1. I don’t think I can handle multiple blogs. It’s too much for me to handle. Furthermore, the contents of my blog are the same as those of Medium.
  2. WordPress has a mobile app called “Jetpack,” which makes it easier to view our stats and engage with other WordPress users. However, I don’t get much engagement with the other bloggers there. Not sure what happened, but I failed to connect with them. Unlike WordPress, the community at Medium is so much closer and helpful in leaving comments and encouragement.
  3. It’s not easy to build a Blog using WordPress. There are so many tools to use. However, Medium is so “clean’ and easy to use. No hassle or frills. It’s purely for writers. I can write much easier at Medium using desktop and mobile app versions.

There are many more reasons that I might be able to share later, which most of the users have claimed — for example, the Domain Authority (DA) of Medium is much higher and thus makes our articles higher in Google search. I had to see and experience this before I could comment further.

Another reason would be that WordPress has so many Plug-ins, which some must purchase while others are free. Thus, maintaining the theme and plug-ins can be tiring and costly after a while.

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