Section 1.1: Analyze Your Reading Patterns

If you're active on Medium, you likely invest considerable time in crafting your pieces. However, just as important is the time spent absorbing other writers' work. Reflecting on my own reading habits has revealed that I can glean significant insights from how I engage with content.

Consider this: What prompts you to select a particular story? What elements keep you reading once you've clicked on it? While not everyone may share the same preferences, there's a good chance that many readers share similar tendencies. Pay attention to your behavior as you navigate through Medium; it could provide valuable insights for your own writing strategy.

Section 1.2: Crafting Compelling Headlines

As I mentioned earlier, everything begins with a captivating headline. The title is the first thing that grabs a reader's attention and compels them to click. Although I follow certain authors regardless of their titles, as a newcomer, I don't yet have that level of established recognition.

Creating an engaging headline is essential for attracting readers. It's an area I still find challenging, but I'm improving. Before publishing, take a moment to evaluate your story's title: Does it accurately reflect your content? Is it intriguing? Is there room for enhancement? Early on, I underestimated the importance of headlines, but I've come to appreciate their immense impact.

Section 2.1: Formatting for Reader Engagement

While headlines draw readers in, formatting keeps them engaged. Have you ever encountered large, dense paragraphs? Did you continue reading? If so, kudos to you! Most people, however, may find it difficult to engage with poorly formatted text.

To ensure your audience remains engaged, break your content into manageable sections. Aim for a layout that is visually appealing and easy to digest. This way, your readers are more likely to invest their time in your work. Additionally, incorporating images strategically can enhance the reading experience without overwhelming the content.

Before hitting publish, review your piece to ensure it is visually inviting. A little extra effort here can yield significant rewards.

Section 2.2: Managing Expectations

Starting out on Medium can be a tough journey. You pour your heart into a piece, eagerly publish it, and then watch in dismay as it garners no views. It's a tough pill to swallow and can lead to self-doubt.

It's crucial to set realistic expectations. This platform doesn't promise instant success or quick wealth. When I was accepted into the Medium Partner Program, I knew it would be a gradual process. My initial goal was to earn just $1, and I achieved that!

While $1 may not be life-changing, it represents progress. I enjoy writing on Medium and am confident that with time, I will reach my goals. It's natural to feel disappointed if a story underperforms, but I remind myself that every day offers new learning opportunities.

The second video titled How to Make $100+ per Article Writing on Medium shares strategies for monetizing your writing effectively. It guides viewers on how to maximize earnings from each article published on the platform.

Section 2.3: Prioritizing Quality Over Quantity

Initially, I believed that I needed to publish daily to succeed. However, I quickly realized that this approach diluted the quality of my writing. A decline in quality often leads to a decrease in readership.

If you can consistently produce high-quality content every day, that's fantastic! However, for me, balancing a full-time job with writing requires more time to create valuable pieces. My experience has shown that focusing on quality over quantity yields better results. A single well-crafted story often outshines multiple subpar ones.

Many advocate for daily publishing, and if you can manage it while maintaining quality, that's great. Otherwise, prioritize producing meaningful content, even if it takes longer.

Section 2.4: Engage with the Community

Focusing solely on your writing can make it challenging to engage with the Medium community. However, I've found that being active enhances my chances of gaining followers and readers. Additionally, it exposes me to talented writers and their successful strategies.

Engaging with other writers by reading their work, leaving thoughtful comments, and responding to feedback is invaluable. This interaction helps me understand how others perceive my content and encourages them to return.

Section 2.5: The Power of Publications

To expand your readership, getting your content featured in publications is essential. However, it's important to strike a balance between how many and which publications you target.

I've identified several publications aligned with my niche, and my most widely read stories have appeared there. Acceptance into these publications may take time, so don't be discouraged by initial rejections; it's a common experience.

If you're new to publications, conduct thorough research. Understand what they seek, read previously published stories, and familiarize yourself with their submission guidelines. With practice, you'll improve your ability to tailor content for specific publications, and the results will be rewarding!

As a fellow writer, I'm eager to hear your insights from your journey on Medium. What lessons have you learned? What do you wish you had known from the start? Please share your thoughts in the comments!