14 Tips on How to Succeed on Medium: A Beginner’s Guide
A comprehensive compilation of tips from the top.
I didn’t start posting my stories right away. I was intimidated, I’ll admit it. As a new writer posting on Medium, I needed to understand exactly how this platform works.
Are you new and confused too? Look no further. I’ve done all the heavy lifting. I’ve scoured hours and hours of stories written by the best on how to succeed on Medium.
Here are the 14 key things you need to keep in mind:
1. Consistency:
You must be consistent! Post a story every day, or once a week. Once a month is okay. Just stay relevant, but don’t be overzealous. Too many posts will lead to weak content. Do you want to be successful? Post every day, but not too often.
2. Timing:
You must post on Saturdays. People spend more time leisurely on their phones on weekends. Posting during morning commute hours is essential. Evening commute hours is the best time to post. You have no control over when your stories get posted if they are curated. So, post on Saturdays and Monday-Friday morning and evening. Try to get curated — it’s out of your control.
3. Time Management:
You must have writing days and editing days. Write, edit, write, edit. Continue until you die. Write every day. Aim for 1,000 words a day, or even one word. Hi. See, I just wrote one word. Oh, what the heck? I’ll edit it too. ̶H̶i̶. Hello. That’s better. Don’t edit while writing! Oops, I just got in trouble. Write every day anywhere from 1–1,000 words. Editing is ideal, but not on your writing days, which are every day.
4. Publicity:
You must have an author website, but don’t waste your time on an author website! It’s a waste of money, but people need to find you, so have an online presence. It should look professional, but do it yourself. It’s a bit complicated if you’re not tech-savvy. And, it’s super easy.
5. Social Media:
You must link your author website — that you should and shouldn’t have — to all your social networks. Don’t waste your time on all the platforms. Focus on your writing! Join Twitter. That’s all you need. Create a Pinterest board. Don’t have too many socials. You’ll get overwhelmed. Facebook and Linkedin are musts! Some writers are finding success on Instagram. Just keep it stupid simple and narrow your efforts to a few. But, join them all.
6. Branding:
Create a brand — a niche. Become a Top Writer in a tag, but expand your horizons. Becoming a Top Writer doesn’t mean anything. Write in other genres. Write on a few focused topics and write in everything. The world is your oyster, but don’t be too broad.
7. Medium Algorithm:
The new Medium algorithm sure is a doozy! Claps are no longer important. Clap for other writers! Clap until your palms callous. We are here to support each other. Highlight, people! It’s all about the reading time, so read to the end of each story. Out of respect. Don’t finish a story that doesn’t interest you. The writer needs a true gauge of the strength of his/her stories.
8. E-mail Lists:
Collecting emails is paramount. Collect them all and roll in them like catnip. You will never sell a book or be a real writer without an email list. Don’t worry about emails if you don’t plan on selling anything. Just write. But don’t even dare call yourself a writer if you don’t have that list.
9. Content:
Give your readers a story that helps them. It must add value to their life. They don’t want personal stories. Tell a story! Don’t get too personal. Write like you’re talking to friends. Use third-grade reading level words. Use eighth-grade reading level words. Don’t even think about fifth-grade. Nobody understands those fools. Don’t fucking curse. Be professional, but not pushy. You’re the expert.
10. Stats:
Don’t obsess over your stats. Check them once a week, if you can. Checking stats daily can motivate you to keep trudging. Stats don’t determine your worth. YOU determine your worth. So check your stats every day and once a week. Just wait for the stats email, if you have restraint. Don’t stress over stats. They are everything.
11. Publications:
Get your ass in a publication. Immediately! Your story will be worthless if it’s posted on just your profile. Publications help get your stories spread. Go for the top publications. Start your own publication. It’s so easy. But don’t post to publications with little followings. Even your own. That you just started. It takes a while to grow a publication, so think before you start one. But start one.
12. Presentation:
Formatting and graphics are so important. Good content is most important. Nobody will even read your story if it’s not formatted well. Choose a captivating graphic. Graphics don’t really matter. They all look the same anyway.
13. Payment:
You won’t make any money in your first year on Medium. Keep it up! You might make a few hundies off your first story. Most writers average $20 a story. Actually, most writers make $0 a story. Keep writing! Top writers have made thousands of buckaroos. You won’t make anything, or maybe like $25, or thousands. Don’t quit your day job, or quit Medium. But do quit smoking. That’s actual advice.
14. Your Image:
Spend time on your profile page. Nobody will visit it. If you become a heavy hitter, everyone will visit it and slop up all your old stories like lukewarm soup. Edit your bio. Make it sparkle. Less is more, but include a brief bio, your resume, your blood type and what color underwear you’re wearing. And if you like anchovies. That says a lot about a person.
My Takeaway:
There is no magic formula. What’s working for Johnny ain’t working for Joanie. Experiment like you did with drugs in high school. You’ll figure out what works for you. Or you won’t. Either way, ̶t̶h̶a̶n̶k̶s̶ ̶f̶o̶r̶ ̶t̶h̶e̶ ̶r̶e̶a̶d̶, thank you for reading.
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