Writing on medium

Despite Earning $0 on Medium, I Show Up for Work Each Day

Because I earn in three other ways

Okay, why I earn $0 is because I am not a part of the MPP (Medium Partner Program).

Why? Because I am from India.

So? So, Medium’s only payment system, Stripe, is (allegedly) not fully functional in India. And they haven’t figured out an alternate payment channel. Yet. They say.

(But then they can receive my membership fees. Hmm.)

Anyway, not here to rant about that. (Some other day, maybe.)

Long story short — I get nothing from Medium. Directly.

So, why do I show up here, write consistently, and try to engage more and more readers?

Because I am still earning from Medium — indirectly.

Here’s how.

Selling digital products

In layman’s terms, a digital product is anything that can be uploaded — a file. It can be an excel, a Word doc, an ebook, an email course, printable, workbooks, tutorials, music…..phew! The list is too long.

I had been coming across these options a lot in Medium and decided to wash my hands in the flowing river. The Gumroad river.

So, I made a couple of digital products, designed them, and uploaded them on my Gumroad page. Then I wrote relevant articles on Medium, and diverted the readers there.

On the first day, I earned $41! I know it is not an amount to swoon over, but it’s a start.

People loved them and I have been getting download notifications every day. And the best part is, Gumroad’s free. No joining fees and all.

So, all in all:

Medium is my signboard and compass.

Though it doesn’t pay me anything, it holds my board and gets me footfall.

Portfolio for prospective clients

I remember in my early childhood, I would hear vendors carrying their merchandise and shouting out their goods.

But today, the sellers have shops; they market their products, and customers go to them and buy.

I am also a seller — I sell stories.

And Medium is my shop.

It is a platform I use to showcase my work. It is a portfolio I use as a reference when I am pitching to someone for work.

Just recently, I got a mail from a prospective client who got in touch (after visiting my Medium profile).

You never know who is reading your content and what opportunities lie ahead.

So, Medium is giving me a rent-free display unit for my products. Good deal?

Building an email list

When a huge building is made, the first thing that is done is to dig a huge hole and build a base, right? You never see it, but that’s what holds the building.

Same way, when you want to build a writing business, you need to build a base. The audience base — people who feel benefited by being in touch with you/your work.

Since I am planning to add more and more saleable items to my kitty, having a ready email list of subscribers makes more sense. So, when I am finally done with my email courses and ebooks, I know where to pitch.

Medium is my billboard.

I look at it as an investment. And plan to build it slow and steady.

Final words

So yes, Medium does not hand out any money to me. Yet (I am an optimist).

But that doesn’t stop me from making use of this wonderful platform and monetizing my skill in other ways.

I am sure, with time, one can build a solid foundation for their future endeavors.

So, if you are someone who is in a situation similar to mine, do not look at the immediate monetary gains. Think long-term and keep building traction.

See you tomorrow!

Before you go:

If you liked this, I have good news. I can deliver more such stories to you, directly! All you have to do is sign up here, and the stories will come to your inbox. Hot and fresh!

And I work extra hard after a cup of coffee. It pumps me up for those extra miles.