Tag: Popular

What Draws Readers In? Identifying Engaging Content Themes

Top 5 Articles for the last 5 Months — Common Topics or Niche

Image created using Canva by Author

Content is King

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.

View at Medium.com

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.

View at Medium.com

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.

View at Medium.com

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.

View at Medium.com

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?

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.

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Tik Tok vs Writing on Medium – Different Strokes Different Folks

As a newbie content creator, I’ve faced a dilemma that’s probably familiar to many: picking the right platform that truly resonates with my creative spirit and connects with my audience.

My journey, straddling the worlds of TikTok and Medium, has been nothing short of an eye-opener.

Let’s dive into the numbers first.

On TikTok, where I’m known as iotman2030, I’ve managed to gather a cool 5,783 followers.

Over on Medium, things are a bit more humble with 685 followers. But here’s where it gets interesting: my TikTok videos reel in hundreds, sometimes thousands of views, while my Medium articles?

They’re scraping by with just about ten reads daily.

So, why do I keep pouring my heart into Medium when TikTok is clearly the winning horse in terms of engagement?

It’s a tough nut to crack, and it really made me think about the diverse nature of creating content for different platforms.

TikTok: The Fast Lane

On TikTok, everything moves at lightning speed. Crafting a video is super quick, sometimes taking less than a minute.

This platform loves snappy, visually catchy content, and boy, does it deliver instant gratification!

Seeing those views and likes pile up almost instantly is a real rush.

But, trying to make some cash on TikTok? That’s a whole different ball game. The ways to monetize aren’t as clear-cut as you’d think.

Medium: Digging Deeper

Now, Medium is a different beast altogether.

I spend hours, sometimes days, writing articles, engaging with readers, and fostering a sense of community.

It’s not about churning out content. It’s about crafting pieces that resonate with depth and insight.

Medium’s crowd craves quality over quick fixes. The real reward here isn’t in big numbers, but in the meaningful conversations and connections that bloom from each article.

Different Strokes for Different Folks

The audiences on TikTok and Medium couldn’t be more different.

TikTok is like a buzzing beehive of younger folks who dig my IoT edutainment clips.

Medium, on the other hand, attracts a more mature crowd who appreciate a well-thought-out article that offers more than just surface-level insights.

It’s like catering to two different worlds, each satisfying in its own unique way.

Embracing Both Worlds

After much pondering, I decided why choose one when I can juggle both?

Each platform has its perks. TikTok gets my creative juices flowing with its fast-paced vibe, while Medium allows me to connect on a deeper level with my readers.

This dual approach has become my game plan in the diverse landscape of content creation.

The Adventure Continues…

But wait, there’s more!

My journey doesn’t stop at TikTok and Medium.

I’ve also dipped my toes into podcasting and YouTube, exploring different formats and reaching out to varied audiences.

Podcasting lets me dive into lengthy discussions, while YouTube merges TikTok’s visual charm with more substantial content.

It’s all about mixing and matching to see what resonates best.

Nuggets of Wisdom for Budding Medium Writers

If you’re thinking of taking the plunge into Medium, here are some lessons I’ve picked up along the way:

  1. Know Your Battlefield: Medium is all about depth and quality. Make your articles insightful and valuable.
  2. Connect and Converse: Medium thrives on interaction. Engage with your readers and build that community vibe.
  3. Quality is King: Unlike TikTok’s quantity game, Medium values well-crafted pieces. Put in the time to make your articles stand out.
  4. Carve Your Niche: Medium readers love expertise. Find your special corner and own it.
  5. Patience Pays Off: Growing a following on Medium is a marathon, not a sprint. Build trust and credibility steadily.
  6. Spread Your Wings: Don’t put all your eggs in one basket. Explore different platforms to broaden your reach.
  7. Money Matters: Get to know Medium’s monetization tricks, like the Partner Program, and plan your content strategy around it.
  8. Stay Sharp: Keep up with the latest trends in content creation and evolve your approach accordingly.
  9. Be True to You: Pick topics that you’re passionate about. Authenticity is a magnet for readers.
  10. Diversify Your Portfolio: Treat your social media presence like an investment portfolio. Mix it up for the best overall returns.

In wrapping up, my escapade across TikTok and Medium has been a masterclass in understanding the diverse world of social media.

By embracing the unique flavor of each platform, I’ve learned to navigate the digital realm effectively, striking a balance between reaching out to my audience, engaging them meaningfully, and finding personal fulfillment in the content I create.

My Top 10 Medium Articles in October

Photo by Maddi Bazzocco on Unsplash

Here is the list of my most popular Medium articles in October 2023:

(1) How I Managed to Get 6,000% Audience Growth in 2 Months

Experiencing a significant jump in Medium followers, I’ve seen a growth of over 6,000%, from 1 to 68 followers. This change, though numerically small, is encouraging for someone who previously saw no gain for years, likely due to a lack of engagement.

My recent strategy includes posting almost daily, sometimes repurposing content from my other blogs, and actively engaging with others’ posts through comments and ‘claps.’

This interaction has led to increased visibility and more followers. While my goal is to gain ten followers daily, currently averaging about five, this progress, albeit slow, validates the effectiveness of my efforts.

View at Medium.com

(2) I Asked ChatGPT How to Grow My Startup Using Steve Jobs Principles

Seeking guidance from ChatGPT and inspired by Steve Jobs, here’s a condensed strategy for Favoriot’s IoT success: Embrace simplicity in design, creating intuitive and minimalist IoT solutions.

Build a seamless ecosystem by ensuring compatibility and forming industry partnerships. Champion innovation, encouraging out-of-the-box thinking and prioritizing R&D. Focus on delivering exceptional customer experiences, constantly improving based on feedback.

Develop a distinctive brand identity, communicating Favoriot’s value through various marketing channels. Prioritize security and privacy in product design. Commit to continuous product improvement and integration of new features.

Embrace vertical integration for quality control and innovation speed. Attract and retain top talent, fostering a collaborative and growth-oriented culture.

Lastly, dare to take calculated risks, challenge conventional wisdom, adapt to change, and keep a long-term vision for sustained growth and success in the IoT field.

View at Medium.com

(3) How I Grew My Mailing List with the Help of eBooks

Starting a mailing list early is a widely recommended strategy for authors. I employed this by writing two eBooks on the Internet of Things (IoT), offering them as free downloads.

This approach significantly boosted my subscriber base, attracting over 3,000 email subscribers. The first eBook, “IoT Notes,” provides a comprehensive understanding of IoT, its applications, business models, protocols, and tools, enhancing proficiency in IoT engineering.

The second, “Your IoT Journey,” delves into IoT challenges, market segmentation, cloud services, monetization strategies, and implications for smart cities and the job market. These eBooks provide valuable insights into IoT and its role in the Fourth Industrial Revolution, tailored for those eager to navigate this evolving domain.

View at Medium.com

(4) Startup Synergy: The Alchemy of Building a Dream Team

Starting my entrepreneurial journey in 2017, I quickly learned the critical role of team building in a startup’s success. Initially, we had professionals from corporate backgrounds; some adapted well to the startup’s fluid environment, while others struggled, leading to necessary departures.

This experience taught me the importance of aligning team members with the startup’s ethos. We discovered that agility is critical in a startup, challenging those used to rigid processes.

For product development, both technical skill and passion are essential. Evident, transparent communication became vital, allowing us to effectively leverage each member’s strengths.

Acknowledging achievements and providing constructive feedback kept our team motivated. Building a successful team is like orchestrating a symphony, with each unique talent contributing to the overall harmony.

This journey of team dynamics in a startup is ongoing, marked by resilience, adaptability, and the power of unity, guiding us toward realizing our ambitions.

View at Medium.com

(5) 10 Killer Topics That Make a Blog Go Viral

In blogging, specific topics consistently draw more readers and engagement. Practical how-to guides on various subjects are always popular for their actionable advice.

Blogs about making money online, such as freelancing or e-commerce, attract considerable interest in today’s digital era. Posts offering social media growth hacks are in demand, as are articles on monetizing content on platforms like Medium.

Insightful pieces on pitching to investors, startup success stories, and avoiding common entrepreneurial mistakes engage aspiring entrepreneurs.

Marketing strategies remain a hot topic, alongside blogs on fast-tracking wealth and personal development. While trending topics can enhance readership, authentic writing aligned with one’s passion is vital to genuinely connecting with an audience.

View at Medium.com

(6) The Power of Personal Connection

While online engagement is crucial in the digital age, Favoriot’s experience shows that traditional face-to-face interactions at events like expos are invaluable.

Personal interactions at these events foster trust and understanding, offering real-time questions and demonstrations.

Speaking at conferences establishes authority, but the expo floor allows more spontaneous interactions with a diverse audience. Demonstrating products in person at an expo stand can sway prospective clients’ decisions. Expos also concentrate on potential clients, turning every conversation into a business opportunity.

Partnering with MDEC at the Smart Nation Expo 2023 amplified Favoriot’s visibility. The post-expo period often results in valuable collaborations and client relationships, underscoring the enduring power of in-person connections in complementing digital strategies.

View at Medium.com

(7) My Most Important Milestone in Medium — How I Earned My 1st Dollar Towards My Next $100K

Earning $6.35 on Medium in October 2023 felt like winning the lottery, marking a significant milestone from my first dollar. I joined the Medium Partner Program in September 2023, transitioning from casual technology write-ups to serious writing.

This was a significant change from my routine since joining Medium in December 2015. The surge in Generative AI articles in early 2023, mainly about ChatGPT and Midjourney, sparked my curiosity, leading me to join the paid Partner Program.

My goal was to make my subscription self-sustaining through my writing. Success came in just a month, earning enough to cover the cost. This achievement, driven by consistent writing, engaging with readers, catchy titles, and growing my subscriber list, has been a learning curve, guiding me to focus on longer articles for better monetization. This journey is a testament to the potential of persistence and adaptation in content creation.

View at Medium.com

(8) The Ultimate ChatGPT Cheat Sheet — Mazlan Abbas

ChatGPT, a rapidly growing AI chatbot, reached 100 million users within two months, making it one of the fastest-growing consumer apps ever.

Developed by OpenAI and based on the GPT-3 language model, ChatGPT is adept at producing human-like text responses. Trained on a vast corpus of internet text, it can generate intelligent, friendly replies.

Despite its popularity, ChatGPT has limitations, including potential inaccuracies and misleading information, prompting caution in its use for critical matters. OpenAI offers a paid subscription, ChatGPT Plus, for enhanced features like faster responses and priority access while maintaining a free version.

View at Medium.com

(9) The Myth of Overnight Success: The Inspirational Story of Colonel Sanders and KFC

Colonel Harland Sanders’ journey to founding KFC at 62 challenges the belief that success must come early. This narrative overlooks his decades of experience in the food industry, highlighting that his success wasn’t overnight but the result of lifelong perseverance and skill development.

Unlike many who started from scratch, Sanders had a renowned secret recipe and solid foundation. His story, while unique, shares common entrepreneurial themes of resilience, determination, and adaptability.

For aspiring entrepreneurs, Sanders exemplifies that it’s never too late to pursue dreams, underscoring that the essence of entrepreneurship lies in the journey, learning, and passion rather than just the destination.

View at Medium.com

(10) Adapt or Die — Lessons of Pivoting in Startups

Our startup’s journey through three IoT products taught us the importance of adaptability in entrepreneurship. The first, a smartwatch for seniors, became obsolete due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Our second attempt at smart city solutions struggled with slow customer adoption. Similarly, our fourth product, Dscover, a consumer app, could have engaged enterprise clients more effectively. These experiences highlighted the need for agility and responding to market dynamics.

The critical lesson is aligning products with customer needs and market trends, emphasizing resilience and a customer-centric approach as essential for navigating the competitive startup ecosystem.

View at Medium.com