An AIoT Evangelist | Startup Founder | Keynote Speaker | Thought Leader | Author | Social Media Influencer
Here’s a breakdown of the main features to help you decide which AI tool suits your needs:
1️⃣ ChatGPT (OpenAI)
✅ Versatile and reliable: Perfect for writing tasks, explaining technical concepts, and generating or debugging code.
✅ Supports multiple languages: Works well even in non-English languages, including Malay.
✅ Developer-friendly: Offers a stable API, making it ideal for building applications with AI capabilities.
❌ Paid plans for heavy use: A subscription is required to unlock more advanced features or handle large-scale tasks.
2️⃣ Gemini (Google, formerly Bard)
✅ Live search integration: It’s directly connected to Google Search, making it great for delivering the most up-to-date information.
✅ Fact-focused: Excels at answering general knowledge questions and providing factual details.
❌ Context sensitivity can be inconsistent: Sometimes, struggles to grasp complex or nuanced questions fully.
3️⃣ CoPilot (Microsoft, powered by GPT-4 Turbo)
✅ Productivity-focused: Fully integrated with Microsoft Office tools like Word and Excel, making it a powerful assistant for work-related tasks.
✅ Seamless Windows integration: An excellent choice for Windows users who need AI within their workflow.
❌ Access requirements: You’ll need a Microsoft account; in some cases, access may be restricted to specific users or organisations.
4️⃣ Grok (X, by Elon Musk)
✅ Social media-savvy: Specially designed for users of X (formerly Twitter), offering features to analyse and follow social media trends.
✅ Trend-aware: Focuses on staying current with the latest online conversations.
❌ Still evolving: As a relatively new tool, it lacks the maturity and extensive testing of more established platforms.
5️⃣ DeepSeek AI
✅ Specialist in technical fields: Excellent for research, coding, and solving complex mathematical problems.
✅ Completely free: A budget-friendly option for students, researchers, or anyone exploring technical AI applications.
❌ Limited advanced features: Compared to tools like ChatGPT or Gemini, it doesn’t offer comprehensive capabilities or integrations yet.
6️⃣ Perplexity AI
✅ Great for fact-checking: It can reference the internet in real-time, making it highly effective for quick research or verifying information.
✅ Focused research tool: Handy for researching specific topics and finding credible sources.
❌ Can lack deeper understanding: Tends to compile data rather than analyse or interpret it meaningfully.
7️⃣ Claude (Anthropic)
✅ Contextually intelligent: Known for its ability to generate high-quality text and clearly understand the context in conversations.
✅ Safe and ethical: Less prone to producing harmful, biased, or inaccurate content, making it a reliable option.
❌ Less recognition locally: Not as widely known or used in Malaysia, though its features are robust and competitive.
Each tool has unique strengths, so the choice depends on your specific use case and preferences.
Writing has always been my passion, a way to express my thoughts, share knowledge, and connect with others.
Yet, as I perused my analytics from 2023, I couldn’t help but feel a pang of disappointment.
Despite pouring my heart and soul into over a hundred articles, the majority barely made a ripple in the vast ocean of digital content.
It was disheartening, to say the least.
But I’m not one to wallow in self-pity. Instead, I see this as a valuable learning opportunity, a chance to pivot and evolve.
So, I took a deep dive into what went wrong and emerged with insights that I believe not only transformed my approach to writing but also resonated with a wider audience, catapulting this article “Avoid These 10 Mistakes and Become a Better Writer in 2024” to the pinnacle of success on Medium.
The first revelation struck me like a bolt of lightning!
My writing lacked emotional depth.
In my quest to disseminate knowledge, I had neglected the human element, the very essence that transforms mere words into experiences that resonate with readers. I realized that people crave connections, not just information.
They want to feel understood, inspired, and moved.
In 2024, I vowed to inject my genuine emotions into every piece, sharing not just my thoughts but my feelings, hopes, and fears.
This vulnerability was terrifying at first, but it became my strength, drawing readers in and fostering a deeper connection that transcended the screen.
My second epiphany was about relevance.
Previously, my articles were more like lectures, brimming with information but lacking practical application.
I needed to address real-life problems, offer solutions, and provide value that extended beyond mere knowledge sharing.
Thus, I shifted my focus to problem-solving.
Whether it was offering writing tips, life hacks, or industry insights, each article aimed to make a tangible difference in the readers’ lives.
This not only increased engagement but also established my credibility as a go-to source for practical advice and insights.
Lastly, I recognized the critical role of engagement and search engine optimization (SEO) in expanding my reach.
No matter how profound my articles were, they were doomed to obscurity without effective promotion and visibility.
I honed my skills in crafting compelling headlines, optimizing content for search engines, and actively engaging with my readers and fellow writers.
These efforts paid off, amplifying my voice in the crowded digital landscape and attracting a broader audience to my work.
The culmination of these efforts was an article that struck a chord with many, addressing common writing pitfalls while offering actionable advice and emotional resonance.
It was this blend of practicality, vulnerability, and strategic promotion that resonated with readers and drove the article to achieve unprecedented success on Medium.
As I reflect on this transformative journey, I am filled with gratitude.
The challenges of 2023 have paved the way for growth and success in 2024.
I’ve learned that writing is not just about sharing what we know but about connecting, solving problems, and continuously adapting to the ever-changing digital landscape.
I share these insights not as definitive answers but as waypoints on our collective journey of growth and discovery.
Let us continue to learn, adapt, and support each other, for the world of writing is vast and filled with endless possibilities.
The path to becoming a better writer is ongoing and multifaceted.
It involves deepening emotional connections, providing tangible solutions, optimizing visibility, and above all, embracing the lessons learned along the way.
As we move forward, let us do so with open hearts and minds, ready to write our way into a brighter, more connected future.
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The February month is over.
Although I didn’t achieve my target and none of my articles earned beyond the $10 mark, I can still analyze what works and what doesn’t.
Here are the top three things that I discovered and the lessons I learned:
Whether it’s understanding what my readers prefer through AI analysis or recognizing the shift in social media metrics from follower count to engagement, it’s crystal clear that what truly matters is how my audience interacts with my content.
This engagement — be it through claps, comments, or shares — drives visibility, fosters community, and ultimately, spells success more than any vanity metric could.
Across these articles, whether discussing content creation on Medium or rethinking my follower strategy, the underlying theme is authenticity.
Creating content that’s genuinely valuable, that speaks to personal experiences, and offers real insights or assistance is far more rewarding and impactful than merely playing the numbers game.
It’s about resonating with readers or followers on a meaningful level, not just broadcasting to the masses.
Be it leveraging AI for content analysis, reassessing social media strategies, or finding clarity in solitude, these top articles underscore the importance of strategic reflection.
It’s not just about churning out content or mindlessly following growth hacks.
It’s about pausing, analyzing, and adapting strategies based on introspection and insights — whether those come from data, expert advice, or personal reflection.
(1) Utilising AI Assistance to Analyze My Medium Articles (Discover My Findings)
I utilized AI to analyze my top 28 Medium articles to uncover the themes that truly engage my audience and enhance my financial success.
This exploration showed that my readers prefer content that emphasizes writing enhancement, personal development, stories of success on Medium, perseverance, insightful strategies, and the clever integration of technology into writing.
The articles that earned the most offered practical guidance, motivational stories, and valuable insights on how to leverage Medium for growth and revenue.
Pieces that were reflective and analytical, particularly those that shared personal journeys and strategic tips, attracted considerable interest.
This suggests a clear preference among my audience for content that melds inspirational and pragmatic elements, all within the context of writing and earning on Medium.
(2) Why Follower Count Doesn’t Matter Anymore
In my journey as an influencer, I’ve learned that follower count is no longer the benchmark of success on social media, a revelation supported by insights from digital marketing expert Neil Patel.
Despite having millions of followers, the real success metric has shifted towards engagement — how much interaction your content receives through likes, comments, and shares.
The transformation in social media algorithms now favors content engagement over sheer follower numbers, allowing those with fewer followers but high engagement to achieve greater visibility.
This evolution underscores the importance of creating valuable, engaging content rather than fixating on increasing follower count.
In essence, the focus should be on fostering community and connection, providing meaningful stories and experiences that resonate with and captivate your audience.
(3) Why I Waste My Time on Medium!!
I often immerse myself in Medium, dedicating numerous hours that some might view as ‘wasted.’ However, this time is a strategic investment that significantly benefits my personal and professional growth.
My engagement with Medium allows me to monetize my passion for writing through its partner program, creating a valuable income source.
It’s also a platform where I’ve built a vibrant community, connecting with individuals who share my interests and can potentially collaborate or support my ventures.
Additionally, Medium helps me expand my email list and drive traffic to my eBook stores, enhancing my revenue and online presence.
By sharing my expertise, particularly in the Internet of Things (IoT), I establish myself as a thought leader, which opens up further opportunities. My startup, Favoriot, gains visibility and credibility through my posts, fostering trust and unveiling new business possibilities.
Moreover, Medium’s robust SEO boosts my articles’ online reach, enhancing my visibility and personal brand.
In essence, Medium is an invaluable resource that propels my professional endeavors, far from being a mere pastime.
(4) Break the Mind Barrier by Being Alone
When I face tough challenges, I often find solace and clarity in solitude, particularly in a tranquil garden spot outside my office.
It’s there, amidst the gentle breeze and the morning sun, that my mind begins to unravel, allowing me to delve deep into introspection.
I question, analyze, and reflect on my entrepreneurial journey, considering the hurdles and the triumphs. This quiet moment alone is vital for me to maintain perspective, to appreciate the dedication of my team unknowingly supporting the weight of my concerns.
Writing, then, becomes an extension of this solitude — a means to articulate and share my experiences, to connect with others, and perhaps to find a semblance of therapy in expressing myself.
My articles are not just narratives; they are fragments of my essence, aiming to inspire or assist others while inviting them into my world.
This cycle of contemplation and expression in my solitary retreat is crucial, grounding me and equipping me to face another day with renewed vigor and clarity.
(5) From Today Onwards, I Will Stop Following Others (Using This Method)
I’ve always been perplexed by the dynamics of gaining followers on Medium until I discovered a strategy suggesting that following people back could boost my own follower count.
So, I embarked on a selective following spree, targeting users who actively clapped for articles I enjoyed, under the impression that we shared similar interests.
This approach indeed escalated my follower numbers to over 1,700, but at the cost of following more than 4,400 people, which skewed my followers-to-following ratio unfavorably. Recognizing the need for authenticity and balance, I’ve decided to halt the aggressive following strategy.
Now, I will only reciprocate follows from those genuinely interested in my content, aiming for a more organic and meaningful connection with my audience.
Here’s to finding a harmonious balance in my social media presence and forging genuine connections without the numbers game overshadowing my true intent.
Alright, let’s dive in and chat about this whirlwind adventure of diving headfirst into the IoT scene with my squad at MIMOS. You know, being under the wing of MOSTI really gave us that, “Yeah, we can totally revolutionize wireless tech,” kind of vibe. We were all about pushing the boundaries with the 6LoWPAN standards — like, who even knew what that was back then?
But let me tell you, jumping ship to the telecom sector was like swapping a comfy bean bag for a stiff office chair.
Launching our IoT platform under Favoriot in 2017?
Man, we were on cloud nine, picturing this tech-hungry market just waiting for a slice of IoT magic.
Turns out, it wasn’t all confetti and fanfare.
Now, let’s talk facepalm moments — seven of them, to be exact.
First off, we thought the talent pool was Olympic-sized, but when we dipped our toes in, it was more like a kiddie pool. Getting folks to jump on our platform was like trying to start a campfire in a downpour.
Then, we peered into the halls of academia, hoping to find IoT wizards in the making. Spoiler alert: IoT education was basically a chapter they skipped. Back to the drawing board, right?
And oh, our brilliant idea to use YouTube as a training ground for Favoriot?
Big oops there.
People craved real-deal courses, not just snack-sized tutorials.
Client onboarding was another story. Imagine trying to explain rocket science to your grandma — that was us with IoT to our clients. They needed that guiding star, and we were still fumbling with the telescope.
Budgeting was another beast. Picture a snail race — that was the pace of decision-making in these orgs. No one wanted to sign the check without knowing the full menu.
The lack of a project catalyst was like waiting for paint to dry. But then, good ol’ 2020 hit, and suddenly digital transformation wasn’t just a buzzword anymore. Thanks, Covid?
And those training opportunities we breezed past? If only we’d hit pause on coding and marketing and actually looked around. Hindsight, huh?
Wrapping this up, those facepalms?
Gold mines, each one. They schooled us big time.
Now, we’re riding the IoT wave like pros, all thanks to those early stumbles that turned into our roadmap.
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.
Thanks for tuning in, community.
Here’s to hoping my little epiphany pays off.
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.
My monthly traffic has never reached 1K views for the past eight years.
But in December 2023, I reached the highest number of views at 1K and was excited to target for more growth.
Then, I did some things differently in January 2024, which made my traffic stats shoot off the roof!
It suddenly reached 30K (as of January 28, 2024)!
Firstly — I moved my custom domain to be hosted at Medium. Previously, it was hosted on WordPress.
Secondly — I made IoT World Publication articles non-paywall, meaning everyone can read them.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
1 — Avoid These 10 Mistakes and Become a Better Writer in 2024
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.
2 — Tripling My Medium December Earnings: When I Implement These Amazing Things
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.
3 — Why You Should Not Give Up Writing When No One is Reading Your Articles
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.
4 — No Wonder My Articles Don’t Get Boosted Because I Am Using AI to Help Me
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.
5 — How My Articles Able to Pay the MPP Subscription — (And How You Can Too)
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.
Dr. Mazlan Abbas 