Viral Marketing – Dr. Mazlan Abbas

I learned the secrets of gaining followers.

Since March 2016, my followers have been only about 200+ until I changed my writing strategy in September 2023.

Although I have been posting on Medium for seven years, I have never done something drastic to change how I grow my followers.

I kept posting and republishing my old content from my other blogs.

I never thought of monetizing my posts because it was purely for fun.

But then, I became aware that most of the high-quality content on Medium requires a paid subscription.

That’s when, in Sept. 2023, I decided to join the Medium Partner Program (MPP) to have full access to all the tips written by members.

But hey! I noticed I could monetize my posts by making our content behind the paywall.

That’s when I get more serious — publishing content and engaging with others.

Below are five main things I did that helped to grow my followers by 417%:

User-Generated Content: Featuring stories or content from readers can significantly enhance engagement and community building. For example, if you’re writing about sustainable living, you could invite readers to share their experiences or tips. You can then feature these stories in your articles, giving credit to the contributors. This diversifies your content and creates a sense of belonging among your readers.
Networking: Connecting with other authors on Medium can be beneficial for cross-promotion and learning new writing strategies. For instance, if you specialize in travel writing, connect with other travel writers. You can collaborate on pieces, share each other’s work, or provide support and feedback. This helps in reaching a wider audience and gaining insights from peers.
Feedback Request: Asking readers for their thoughts and suggestions makes them feel valued and increases engagement. At the end of an article about healthy eating habits, you could ask readers to comment with their favorite healthy recipes or tips. This can provide you with future content ideas and help build a community around your work.
Be Authentic: Genuine content creates a deeper connection with your audience. Instead of just presenting facts, share personal stories or experiences related to the topic. For example, if you’re writing about overcoming challenges, share your story and how you overcame them. Authenticity makes your writing more relatable and engaging.
Write What You Love: Passionate writing naturally attracts more readers because it’s more compelling and engaging. If you have a deep interest in astronomy, write articles exploring different aspects of the stars and the universe. Your enthusiasm will shine through your writing, making it more enjoyable and exciting for your readers.