Why I Chose Medium Over WordPress (And Why You Should Too If You Are a Writer)

Reasons to Migrate from WordPress

Reflection on Community, Monetization, and User Experience

Photo by Andrew Neel on Unsplash

“In the world of blogging, finding the right platform is like finding your voice: once you do, everything else falls into place.”

After a decade of blogging, from the early days on Blogspot to a significant tenure on WordPress, I made a strategic pivot to Medium about four months ago.

Despite being a member for over five years, it was only recently that I became an active contributor.

The transition wasn’t spontaneous but the result of careful consideration and an acknowledgment of what Medium uniquely offers.

In this narrative, I’ll share my journey, highlighting why Medium’s vibrant community, monetization model, and user-friendly interface convinced me to call it my new digital home.

A Sense of Belonging

Blogging, at its core, is about connection.

It’s about sharing your voice and, in return, engaging with the feedback and perspectives of others.

On platforms like Blogspot and WordPress, while I had a voice, it often felt like I was speaking into the void.

The interactions were sporadic, and the sense of community was tenuous.

Medium changed that.

Here, the community is not just active but also encouraging and responsive.

Every comment, every clap feels like an affirmation that what I share resonates with others.

This interaction isn’t superficial; it’s meaningful engagement that fosters growth and learning for both the reader and the writer.

The acknowledgment from the community isn’t just gratifying; it’s motivating, pushing me to hone my craft further.

Monetization – A Rewarding Endeavor

For years, I blogged out of passion without any monetary gain.

On WordPress, despite the effort and time invested, financial rewards were non-existent.

It’s not that monetization was my primary motive, but the lack of it was certainly demotivating over time.

Medium introduced me to a new possibility: earning from my writing.

You can learn from this book “How to Find Success on Medium.com: 100 Tips & Strategies to Make a Profit with Your Writing

The platform’s monetization model, which rewards writers based on the engagement their work receives, was a game-changer for me.

Witnessing earnings from my articles for the first time was exhilarating.

It validated my efforts in a tangible way and transformed writing from a mere hobby to a potential source of income.

This shift not only boosted my motivation but also affirmed the value of my work.

Simplicity and Accessibility

Before Medium, my blogging journey was marked by a constant battle with the technicalities of website management.

WordPress, despite its robustness, required me to navigate through a labyrinth of plugins and design complexities.

The focus was often diverted from writing to managing the website.

Medium’s allure lies in its simplicity.

The editor is intuitive, emphasizing content over form. It eliminates the distractions of complex website management, allowing me to focus on what truly matters: writing.

The platform’s design ethos – centered on readability and user engagement – translates seamlessly to its mobile app, which I frequently use to write and publish my posts.

This accessibility has made it easier for me to maintain a consistent writing schedule, irrespective of where I am.

Summarizing Lessons Learned:

  1. Community Matters: The engagement and support of a community can significantly enhance the blogging experience. It not only provides motivation but also offers valuable feedback that can help improve your writing.
  2. Monetization Can Be Motivating: While writing is often a labor of love, monetary rewards can validate your efforts and provide additional motivation to continue crafting your work.
  3. Simplicity Enhances Productivity: A user-friendly platform can streamline the writing process, removing technical barriers and allowing you to concentrate on creating compelling content.

“Choosing Medium is choosing to be part of a narrative that values depth, engagement, and authenticity in every word.”

My move to Medium was driven by a desire for deeper engagement, potential monetization, and a more user-friendly writing environment.

These factors have profoundly impacted my blogging journey, making it more fulfilling and rewarding.

As I continue to explore the possibilities within this vibrant community, I am excited about the growth and opportunities that lie ahead.


Check out my other Blog-related articles:


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.


About Author:

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You can also follow my Medium Publications:

I have also published several eBooks, such as:

Or, if you prefer, check my bookstore at Gumroad — https://mazlanabbas.gumroad.com

Monetizing Your Way Via Blogging – Simple Tips You Can Learn

Photo by bruce mars on Unsplash

Blogging can evolve from a hobby to a potential source of income.

My journey in building multiple successful blogs has been both challenging and rewarding.

In this simple guide, I’ll share insights from my experience, focusing on how to create, grow, and monetize a blog effectively.

1. Choosing Your Blog’s Focus:

The first step in your blogging journey is to select a topic.

My approach has always been to blend passion with practicality.

Whether it’s personal journal, adventure travel, cutting-edge technology, or savvy personal finance, choose a niche that excites you and where you can offer unique perspectives.

This passion will keep you motivated during the ups and downs of blogging.

2. Selecting the Right Platform:

Your choice of platform can significantly impact your blog’s potential. I’ve experimented with platforms like Medium, WordPress, Blogger, Wix, and Squarespace.

WordPress stands out for its versatility and range of features, making it my preferred choice, especially for blogs I intend to monetize.

However, user-friendly platforms like Blogger or Wix can be great starting points for beginners.

3. Setting Up Your Digital Space:

Setting up your blog involves two key steps: choosing a domain name and finding a reliable hosting service.

A catchy, memorable domain name can make a lasting impression.

Regarding hosting, I recommend looking for services that offer good speed, uptime, and customer support. Many platforms bundle domain registration and hosting, simplifying the process.

4. Crafting Your Blog’s Design:

Design is more than aesthetics; it’s about user experience. In my blogging ventures, I’ve learned that a clean, navigable, and mobile-friendly design is crucial.

Most platforms offer customizable templates, but investing time in tweaking these to suit your style and content can set your blog apart.

5. Content Creation: The Heart of Your Blog:

Content is the backbone of any blog.

I focus on creating engaging and informative posts that provide real value to my readers.

This approach has been vital in attracting and retaining a loyal audience.

Remember, quality trumps quantity. Well-researched and thoughtfully written posts will consistently outperform a high quantity of mediocre content.

6. Promoting Your Blog:

Promotion is essential in the crowded blogosphere.

I use social media marketing, reader engagement, and SEO strategies to increase my blog’s visibility.

Networking with other bloggers and participating in online communities has also been instrumental in driving traffic to my blogs.

7. Monetizing Your Passion:

Monetization comes into play once you have a steady flow of traffic.

I’ve experimented with various methods like display advertising, affiliate marketing, sponsored content, and selling digital products or services.

Each blog might lend itself better to different monetization strategies, so it’s worth exploring multiple avenues.

If you consistently use Medium and become a Partner Program, you can earn money when people read your articles.

8. Analyzing and Refining:

Using tools like Google Analytics, I regularly track my blogs’ performance. Understanding where your traffic comes from, which posts resonate with your audience, and other metrics are crucial for refining your content and strategy.

Photo by Kenny Eliason on Unsplash

Comprehensive Blogging Tips:

  • Consistency is Crucial: Regular updates keep readers coming back.
  • Know Your Audience: Tailor your content to their interests and needs.
  • Engage Actively: Interact with your audience to build a community.
  • Prioritize Quality: Invest in creating high-quality content.
  • Master SEO: Basic SEO knowledge can significantly boost your blog’s reach.
  • Network Effectively: Collaborate with fellow bloggers for mutual growth.
  • Patience Pays Off: Building a successful blog is a marathon, not a sprint.
  • Stay Informed and Adaptable: Keep up with blogging trends and be ready to adapt.

Conclusion:

Blogging is more than just writing; it’s about creating a space where your passion meets the needs of your audience.

Through dedication, strategic planning, and continuous learning, blogging can evolve from a personal outlet to a profitable venture.

Remember, each blog is a unique journey — embrace it!


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

You can also follow my Medium Publications:

I have also published several eBooks, such as:

Or, if you prefer, check my bookstore at Gumroad — https://mazlanabbas.gumroad.com