Farmer’s Advice That Helped Me Grow My Income on Medium As a New Writer
The trick is to think like a farmer
As a newbie, you need all the help you can get to understand and leverage any platform.
Medium is no different.
I considered the wisdom of farmers to help me understand how to grow my audience and income on the platform.
Here’s the nitty-gritty:
#1: Focus on what you can control.
Farmers always focus on what they can control.
They monitor the health of the soil, ensure adequate water is supplied to the crops, and apply fertilizer to them when needed. Farmers understand that they can control only a few things and do just that. They can’t control the weather, pest outbreaks, or how the market moves.
Farmers don’t shout at their crops or blame them for not growing fast enough.
Growing on Medium follows a similar idea.
As a writer, you can only control a few things that you need to focus on. The kind of articles you write, where you send these articles to be published, the extent of your interaction on the platform, and your genuine interest in other writers.
But you can’t control whether your articles will get boosted or negative comments about your work will be shared. You can’t control how the article performs, thanks to the algorithm’s unpredictable nature.
Focus only on what you can control, and put out good work consistently.
#2: Create a plan and manage your resources effectively.
Farmers always work with a plan.
They plant at a specific time based on weather patterns, weed at another time, and optimize their resources, such as labor and time. The plan gives them direction and focus and ensures their priorities are clear.
To remain productive on Medium, you need to work with a plan to manage your time and energy effectively. How you use your time, what books and articles you read, and when you write.
Work with a plan. Manage your time and energy effectively.
#3: Put in the work.
Farmers know that they need to put in consistent hard work.
They understand that they only reap what they sow. Farmers know that the land has to be tilled, weeds removed, fertilizer applied, and seeds planted. They understand that the crops need to be watered and pests monitored before they can be harvested.
Put in the work. Read widely. Write authentically and engage honestly with fellow writers on the platform.
Your growth will be inevitable.
#4: Be adaptable.
Farmers are always adaptable to change and have contingency plans in place.
They understand how to respond to feedback and pivot when necessary. When crops are not doing well, farmers always seek to find out the root problem and correct it as soon as possible.
On Medium, your stats page will be your closest friend. It will inform you which articles perform well and where you need to double down. Your stats will also tell you where you need to stay away from.
Be open to feedback. Evaluate regularly and pivot when necessary.
#5: Celebrate success and small wins.
Farmers take time to celebrate their hard work and the results they achieve.
They always celebrate when the harvest is done, and they can see the results of their hard work. Farmers appreciate achieving milestones. This builds morale and motivation.
On Medium, goalposts often shift.
At one time, I was concerned about getting 100 followers. That shifted to 500 followers, and now I am looking forward to 1000 followers.
The same is true with income. I began earning only $1, and that shifted to $50, and gradually, I scaled up.
Celebrate your small wins, milestones, and achievements.
The takeaway:
Think like a farmer on Medium and focus only on what you can control. Work with a clear plan, manage your resources, and put in the work. Be ready to adapt to change, and always celebrate your wins and achievements.
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