Chapter 1: The Art of Failing on Medium

So, you aspire to thrive on Medium? To kick things off, you might want to do the exact opposite of what I do! That would be a solid starting point. One of the key reasons for my lack of success on this platform is my tendency to treat it like a personal diary, often neglecting the type of writing that could lead to achievement. Here’s a lighthearted suggestion for you—focus on what I don’t prioritize:

Primarily, authors on this platform should aim to deliver value to their audience. Yes, strong writing and proper formatting matter, but from what I’ve observed repeatedly, the most crucial aspect for achieving success is ensuring the reader gains something valuable from your work. When you simply document your daily life and send it off into the digital void, your chances of success are slim. This is precisely why I feel like I’m dragging ankle weights while trying to sprint.

Why do I persist, despite being fully aware of these realities? The answer is simple: I genuinely appreciate Medium's user-friendly interface and the professional look of published articles. Sure, I could post my writings on Blogger (which I once did), but it lacks the visual appeal that Medium offers. Consequently, I choose to write everything here, even when I don’t intend for it to be published on the platform.

The established publications I’ve collaborated with previously (and hope to continue working with) typically use Google Docs. This allows multiple people to edit simultaneously, and writers can see the editors' changes in real time. While I’m not a Google Docs expert, I can navigate it well enough when necessary. However, when it’s time to write, I prefer to stay on Medium and only transfer my work when requested.

Having clarified that I usually write for personal satisfaction rather than financial gain, I’ll admit that there are moments when I log onto Medium hoping to attract a larger audience and earn some income. Yet, that’s not the primary reason I remain. It’s about the superior interface—I know it, I appreciate it, and I utilize it. It really is that straightforward.

During moments of ennui, I often revisit past entries to reflect on specific times or days in my life that I’ve captured here. Even when the writing may not be exceptional or the themes may feel trivial, the interface makes the narrative visually appealing.

They say writers write. I never experience writer's block. Therefore, whether I succeed or fail here doesn’t really matter. Sometimes, money and acclaim take a backseat to self-expression—even if, in the end, you’re the only one in the audience.

Discover how to sidestep the most common mistake beginners make on Medium, ensuring your writing stands out and delivers value.

Chapter 2: Strategies for Gaining Visibility

In this chapter, we’ll explore effective techniques to enhance your readership on Medium. You can gain significant traction even without an existing audience.

Learn how to achieve 1,000 daily views on Medium.com without needing a pre-existing audience. Simple strategies for maximizing visibility await!