Building a Medium Following: Lessons Learned from 100 Published Stories
After months of hard work and dedication, I recently celebrated a milestone: the publication of my 100th story on Medium.
The journey has been long and difficult, but I’ve learned a great deal along the way about how to build a loyal following on the platform.
I’ll share the key lessons I’ve learned from my experience of publishing 100 stories on Medium, and how these insights can help you succeed in your own journey.
The Importance of Consistency
One of the most important lessons I learned after publishing 100 stories on Medium is the significance of consistency. Writing consistently not only helps build momentum, but it also establishes trust with your readers.
When I first started writing on Medium, I struggled to keep up with a regular posting schedule.
I would go weeks without publishing anything, and then try to make up for it by publishing multiple stories in a short amount of time.
However, I soon realized that this was not a sustainable strategy.
By being consistent in your writing, you train your audience to expect content from you regularly.
They begin to rely on your insights and perspectives, and look forward to your next piece.
Additionally, the more consistently you write, the more your readership will grow, as Medium’s algorithms prioritize content creators who publish frequently.
Consistency also plays a role in improving your writing skills. The more you write, the better you become at identifying what works and what doesn’t.
Over time, you develop your own unique voice and style that sets you apart from others.
Of course, being consistent does not mean sacrificing quality for quantity.
It is crucial to prioritize the quality of your content above all else.
Strive to create pieces that resonate with your readers and provide value to them.
Developing Your Writing Style
One of the most exciting parts of publishing on Medium is the opportunity to develop and hone your unique writing style.
As you publish more and more stories, you’ll find yourself experimenting with different techniques and refining your voice.
Here are a few tips to help you develop your writing style:
- Read widely: One of the best ways to develop your writing style is to read widely across a range of genres and topics. Take note of the techniques that other writers use and try them out in your own writing.
2. Practice regularly: Writing is like any other skill — the more you practice, the better you’ll get. Set aside time each day to write, whether it’s a blog post, a personal essay, or a poem. As you practice, you’ll start to see your writing style develop and evolve.
3. Be true to yourself: Don’t try to mimic someone else’s writing style — instead, focus on being true to your own voice and perspective. Your unique perspective is what makes your writing stand out and connect with readers.
4. Get feedback: It can be scary to share your writing with others, but getting feedback from fellow writers or trusted friends can be invaluable. Listen to their critiques and suggestions, but don’t be afraid to trust your own instincts.
Remember, developing your writing style is a journey — it takes time, practice, and patience. Embrace the process and enjoy the ride!
Engaging with Other Writers
Medium is a community of writers and readers, and building connections with other writers is key to growing your following.
Engaging with other writers is not only a way to network and build relationships, but it can also lead to more visibility for your own work.
One way to engage with other writers is by participating in writing groups. Medium has many writing groups with specific topics and themes where writers can connect and share their work.
Joining these groups can be a great way to get feedback on your writing and also find inspiration for new ideas.
Another way to engage with other writers is by reading and commenting on their work.
If you find a writer whose work you enjoy, leave a thoughtful comment or share their work on social media. N
ot only does this help to support your fellow writers, but it can also lead to more readers discovering your own work.
Responding to comments on your own work can be a great way to engage with your readers and build relationships.
Taking the time to respond to comments shows your readers that you value their feedback and appreciate their support.
Engaging with other writers on Medium is not just about building a following, it’s about building a community. By connecting with other writers, you can find support, inspiration, and opportunities for growth in your own writing journey.
Experimenting with Different Topics and Formats
As a writer, it’s important to be willing to step outside of your comfort zone and try new things.
This includes experimenting with different topics and formats in your writing.
When I first started writing on Medium, I stuck to the topics I knew well and wrote in a familiar style. However, as I gained more experience, I realized that I needed to broaden my horizons in order to continue to grow my following.
One of the best things about Medium is the diverse range of topics and formats available. There are countless niches to explore, from personal essays and memoirs to instructional guides and opinion pieces. Trying out different styles and formats not only allows you to hone your craft, but also helps you reach a wider audience.
In my experience, writing in different formats also helps keep my writing fresh and exciting.
For example, I recently experimented with creating a series of visual stories that included photographs, illustrations, and short captions. This was a departure from my usual text-heavy style, but it allowed me to flex my creative muscles in a new way. And, to my surprise, this format proved to be a hit with my reade
