avatarS M Mamunur Rahman

Summary

The article advises writers to focus on analyzing successful content and engaging with the community rather than obsessively checking their stats to improve their writing and increase their chances of success on the platform.

Abstract

The author emphasizes the futility of constantly refreshing one's stats page, as it often leads to disappointment and loss of confidence. Instead, the article suggests that writers should track and analyze the titles and topics of popular articles, aim for consistency in publishing, and engage with other writers by reading and commenting on their work. By adopting these practices, writers can increase their visibility, improve their craft, and foster meaningful connections, which are more beneficial than fixating on view counts and earnings.

Opinions

  • Obsessing over stats is counterproductive and can demotivate writers.
  • Analyzing successful articles can provide insights into what resonates with readers.
  • Consistent publishing, even with shorter pieces, is key to gaining traction on the platform.
  • Engaging with the community by reading and commenting can help writers gain exposure and build relationships.
  • The platform's algorithm favors those who publish more frequently.
  • Developing click-worthy titles and choosing relatable topics are crucial for attracting readers.
  • A proactive approach to writing and engagement is more rewarding than passively monitoring statistics.

Checking Your Stats 1000 Times a Day Won’t Make You Any Money (Do This Instead)

Here is what can help you.

Screenshot of my stats in November 2021 when one of my stories went super viral

I used to check my stats like nuts.

Not just me — most of the writers do this.

They check their stats, feel unhappy, and then refresh it, again and again, to see whether there is any spike.

But alas! We already know how weird this platform is. Often, your ‘distributed’ piece fails to get 50 views here. Let alone others.

Every time you check your stats, your heart fills with disappointment realizing that you’re going nowhere with your passion for writing. Not reaching the readers you want to reach. Not getting the money you want to get. Not making an impact you desire to make.

Most of the time, your stats page destroys your confidence as a writer. Eventually, you start thinking of yourself as a loser doubting your decision to spend time writing.

No matter how passionate you are, if you get nothing from writing, you are bound to lose your enthusiasm and quit. Because we are humans, we need some motivation for work — be it money, recognition, inspiration, or else.

So, what can you do to earn all of those? Or at least a few?

Stop worrying about stats and keep track of what’s working here

First of all, stop worrying about your stats’ downward journey. Unfortunately, there is nothing you can do by worrying and constantly refreshing the stats page. However, here is what I do that can help you out.

Whenever I read an article that got claps from more than 100 people, I immediately copy the title and store it in a notepad.

Why do I do that?

Well, if you do that for one month, you will see that you’ve got a list of 50+ stories that did well on this platform.

Now you have the data. Your next task is to analyze the titles and topics to see how they’re written.

If you look closely and compare them to your stories, you’ll see a clear difference between what you write and what’s actually working on this platform.

Below is a screenshot of one of my lists.

Screenshot by the author

I do this to see how people are writing engaging story titles to meet their readers.

Now, do the following —

  • Try to learn from the examples and write click-worthy titles
  • Choose the topics that most people can relate to
  • Make sure you deliver what you promise in your titles

From my experience, I’ve seen that this formula works better than doing things at random.

Write more, publish more

You don’t have to write a 1000-word story every time you sit to write. Instead, write short stories within 300 or 400 words, hit the publish button, and move forward.

What matters most on this platform is consistency.

I know you hate it, but it’s true that — the more you publish, the better chance you have to get more eyeballs, views, reads, followers, subscribers, and of course, money.

Try to publish 3–5 stories per week. Do that religiously for at least a year. I am sure you’ll see great results.

If you don’t see anything after one year of doing so (which is very unlikely), at least you will be able to say that you tried your best but somehow failed.

I think that’s far better than mindlessly refreshing your stats page and falling into depression.

Read at least 2 stories a day and leave comments

This is a huge platform where only a tiny fraction of people know your name. And very few of them actually read your stories. So how can you meet your potential readers, followers, or subscribers?

The answer is — by reading others’ stories and leaving good comments.

Trust me — reading two stories won’t take more than 10 minutes. Still, if you can develop this habit of reading others’ stories and leaving them meaningful comments, you will thank yourself later.

This way, you can also find like-minded people and build an excellent relationship to cherish for a long time.

To conclude

Checking stats every five minutes takes you nowhere. But if you explore this platform with the right mindset, I think — you can help yourself to make your writing journey more exciting and meaningful.

Don’t forget to -

  • Keep track of what’s working here
  • Choose exciting topics and craft click-worthy titles
  • Publish frequently
  • Engage with other writers commenting on their stories

I wish you an incredibly awesome journey ahead.

New to Medium?? Unlock thousands of AWESOME stories only for $5/mo. and OUTSHINE others — Click Me.

If you want to read more of my writings, do check out the following articles.

  1. Why This Man Killed Himself Within Just 2 Years of Winning $31 Million
  2. Why Elon Musk Fired His Long-Term Assistant Who Asked for A Raise
  3. Why This Australian Woman Stays Nude in the Jungle and Eats Mostly Fruits
  4. Why Quitting Your 9–5 Job (to Follow Your Passion) Can Destroy Your Life
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