avatarNitin Sharma

Summary

A writer shares their journey and strategies for successful content creation on Medium, emphasizing quantity, consistency, and quality.

Abstract

The author of the article, a prolific writer on Medium, reflects on their 32-month journey of daily writing, which has led to a substantial following of around 13k. They emphasize the importance of defining the objective of content, avoiding perfectionism, supporting claims with evidence, writing on trending topics with a unique angle, avoiding affiliate links, outlining before writing, keeping sentences and paragraphs concise, utilizing writing tools, editing with fresh eyes, being patient with the writing process, taking regular breaks, adopting an informal writing style, conducting thorough research and editing, separating writing and researching phases, prioritizing quantity to appease content algorithms, and providing practical advice to readers. The writer's success is attributed to these strategies, which have helped them stand out in a competitive writing environment.

Opinions

  • The author believes that having a clear objective for writing is crucial for meeting readers' needs.
  • Perfectionism is seen as an unattainable goal, and the author advises learning from mistakes and embracing continuous improvement.
  • Supporting arguments with credible sources is considered essential for maintaining reader trust and ensuring the content's validity.
  • Writing about popular topics is encouraged, but the author stresses the importance of adding a unique perspective to stand out.
  • The use of affiliate links is discouraged as it may compromise reader trust.
  • Outlining content beforehand is likened to having a roadmap, making the writing process more efficient.
  • The author suggests that concise sentences and paragraphs improve readability and keep the reader engaged.
  • Writing tools are viewed as valuable assets that can enhance the quality of content.
  • Editing with a fresh mind is emphasized as a key step in refining content and catching errors.
  • The author advocates for patience in the writing process, suggesting multiple rounds of editing to achieve the best result.
  • Regular breaks are recommended to maintain productivity and creativity.
  • An informal writing style is preferred for its relatability and ability to resonate with the audience.
  • Research and editing are considered integral components of content creation, not to be rushed through.
  • The author advises against multitasking writing and research, suggesting a linear approach for better focus and flow.
  • A counterintuitive approach of prioritizing quantity over quality is proposed to satisfy content platform algorithms and improve writing skills.
  • Practical advice is deemed more valuable to readers than motivational content alone.

32 Months of Daily Writing on Medium — My Top Strategies to Crush the Competition!

Quantity over quality.

Photo by Jeffrey Keenan on Unsplash

Well, well, well, let me start by saying that I am not the next Shakespeare.

I simply provide content that my readers want in the best way possible. And that’s what got me started writing about programming. It’s something I know a little bit about (don’t ask me to build you an app though).

But as the days went on, I found myself writing more and more. It was like a writing bug had bitten me (probably from all those pesky mosquitoes). And before I knew it, I was writing about everything under the sun. From side hustles to tech to passive income, I was a content machine.

My journey on Medium began on July 17, 2020, with my first story. And from there, I just kept on going, writing on several niches.

And you know what? It paid off. I now have around 13k followers on Medium (cue the confetti). And let me tell you, it’s growing faster than my hair during quarantine.

You asked what worked for me, and I’m happy to share my insights.

By incorporating these tips into your writing, you too can improve your flow and captivate your audience.

So without further ado, let’s dive into it.

  1. Knowing the objective of your content is like having a clear destination in mind. You wouldn’t want to drive around aimlessly, would you? So, define your objective before you start writing. Are you trying to educate, persuade, or entertain your readers? Once you know your objective, you can tailor your writing to meet your readers’ needs.
  2. Let’s face it, nobody’s perfect. Not even Beyonce. Perfectionism is like chasing after a unicorn, it’s just not going to happen. So don’t beat yourself up if your content isn’t 100% flawless. Learn from your mistakes, keep improving, and remember that every day is an opportunity to learn something new.
  3. Making a claim without backing it up is like trying to make a cake without eggs. It just won’t work. So, always remember to support your arguments with credible sources or personal experiences, especially when you’re writing long-form content. Otherwise, your readers might not take you seriously, and your writing might fall flat.
  4. Side hustles, money, tech, and trending topics. It’s like the four food groups of content creation. But here’s the thing: don’t write the same old crap that everyone else is writing. Put your own spin on it, inject your personality, and make it unique. Because let’s face it, nobody likes a copycat (except maybe cats).
  5. Affiliate links can be as trustworthy as a shady used car salesman. If you want to maintain the trust between you and your readers, avoid them like the plague. Instead, focus on creating high-quality content that your readers will appreciate and value.
  6. Outlining is like building a roadmap to your destination. You wouldn’t want to start a road trip without a map, would you? So, take the time to create a detailed outline before you start writing. It will save you time and headaches in the long run, and you’ll be able to write more efficiently and effectively.
  7. Long sentences are like a maze. They can confuse and frustrate your readers, and they might lose interest in your writing altogether. So, break those lengthy sentences into shorter ones, and keep your paragraphs short and sweet. Your readers will thank you for it.
  8. Writing tools are like Batman’s utility belt. They can help you out of a jam, make your life easier, and even save the day (or at least your content). Don’t be afraid to make use of them. From grammar checkers to content analyzers, these tools can take your content from meh to amazing. So go ahead and embrace the power of technology.
  9. Editing with a fresh mind is like brushing your teeth before a big date. It’s essential. Take a break after completing your blog/article and come back to it with a fresh pair of eyes. You’ll be able to spot mistakes and typos more easily, and you’ll be able to polish your writing until it shines like a diamond.
  10. You know what they say, “Rome wasn’t built in a day,” and neither was that award-winning content you’re working on. Don’t let the excitement of the first draft cloud your judgment. Give yourself a break and take another look. Edit it like you’re a butcher, and that draft is a piece of meat that needs some trimming. And then edit it again. And again. Just like a fine wine, content gets better with age (and editing).
  11. Breaks are like the unicorn of productivity. Some people swear by them, while others think they’re a myth. But trust me, they’re real, and they work like magic. Don’t be afraid to take a step back and let your brain breathe. Go for a walk, dance it out, or just sit and stare at a wall. Sometimes, the best ideas come when you’re not actively looking for them.
  12. Formal writing is like wearing a tuxedo to a pool party. It might look nice, but it’s not the right fit. Informal writing is like putting on your favorite pair of jeans. It’s comfortable, it’s familiar, and it’s relatable. Don’t be afraid to use contractions, slang, and even the occasional emoji (if it fits your brand, of course). Your readers will thank you for it.
  13. If you’re anything like me, you love the writing part but dread the research and editing. But here’s the thing: research and editing are like the salt and pepper of content creation. They might not be the star of the show, but they add the flavor that takes your content from “meh” to “oh yeah!” So don’t rush through these crucial steps. Take the time to research thoroughly, and edit like you’re trying to impress your high school English teacher. Your content will thank you for it.
  14. Writing and researching at the same time is like trying to juggle flaming swords while riding a unicycle. It’s just not a good idea. So, focus on one task at a time. Do your research first, take notes, and then start writing. This will help you maintain a steady flow of ideas and prevent you from getting sidetracked.
  15. Quantity over quality? Sounds counterintuitive, right? But hear me out. The algorithms of today’s content platforms are like picky eaters. They want someone who writes often, and they want it now. So don’t be afraid to pump out those articles like there’s no tomorrow. The more you write, the better you’ll get, and the algorithms will love you for it.
  16. Let’s get real for a second. We all love a good motivational story. But when it comes to content, readers want practical advice that they can actually use in their daily lives. So skip the fluff and get down to business. Your readers will thank you for it (and maybe even buy you a coffee).

Hope you like it.

That’s it — thanks.

Writing
Life Lessons
Motivation
Self Improvement
Productivity
Recommended from ReadMedium