Summary

The article emphasizes the importance of authenticity and vulnerability in writing about personal challenges to achieve success on Medium.

Abstract

The author suggests that to succeed on Medium, writers should focus on their personal problems and challenges, using them as a foundation for their writing. By being genuine and sharing one's own experiences, especially in the realm of self-improvement, writers can resonate with readers who are seeking solutions to similar issues. The article highlights the author's personal success with this approach, particularly through writing about sobriety and self-improvement, which led to significant engagement and earnings on the platform. The author advises against fabricating problems for content and stresses that writing with authenticity and a desire to help others is key to success on Medium.

Opinions

Authentic sharing of personal problems and the journey to overcome them is a successful strategy on Medium.
Vulnerability in writing is crucial as it fosters a connection with readers facing similar challenges.
Readers on Medium are primarily interested in content that offers solutions to real-life problems, such as financial advice, health and fitness tips, and ways to improve personal habits.
The author believes that readers appreciate genuine advice and personal anecdotes over generic listicles that lack personal insight.
Success on Medium is not just about making money; it's also about deriving therapeutic benefits from writing and genuinely wanting to help people.
The article suggests that trying to manufacture problems for content can be easily seen through and may not resonate with readers who are looking for authenticity.
Writing about meaningful topics can lead to a positive and fulfilling response from the Medium community.

If you want to succeed on Medium, ask yourself this question

If you’re looking for early traction as a writer on Medium, there’s one question you should ask yourself.

Here it is: “What’s your problem?”

Think about what the problems and challenges are in your life.

Think about what you consider to be your most embarrassing character trait or behaviour, and start there.

This won’t be easy, but it’s one way I’ve found that leads to success on this platform.

Photo by Joshua Earle on Unsplash, modified by the author

My weakest trait

At my main account James Julian, I write almost exclusively about self improvement through the lens of sobriety.

I recently quit drinking alcohol after doing so almost daily for 15 years, and I started out by sharing my own history and current journey.

That made me a top earner on Medium within 23 days and got me a Top Writer label in just a shade over a month here.

More importantly, I’m so thankful and humbled that my work has really resonated with people who are going through the same thing I am.

Being vulnerable and writing with authenticity is important here, because much of Medium is focused on self improvement.

People are coming here to solve problems.

They want to learn about side hustles, to learn how to get more money, how to build a morning routine. They want to learn how to eat better, work out more, and quit their bad behaviours.

These are the kinds of things people want to read on Medium.

So what are your problems? Do you have a drug addiction? Is your fitness not where you want it to be? Are you deep in debt? Do you have relationship issues?

Fixing problems

Just as importantly, what are you doing about it?

Whatever your issue is, there are likely many, many people going through the same thing! I’ve found that they deeply appeciate hearing about your experience because they are walking the same path.

It helps people to know they’re not alone.

They also value tips, tricks, whatever you’ve been able to figure out to be able to get through those challenges a little more easily.

Obviously you need to be comfortable with being vulnerable and in the right head space mentally. Don’t force it if you’re not there yet.

But if you are, this is a great starting point.

One last thing: don’t try to manufacture problems just so you have something to write about.

As someone who has struggled to kick alcohol, for example, I’ll see right through you if you’re just posting internet-researched listicles.

Here’s a secret to succeeding on Medium: you actually have to be doing this for more than money.

And the way you accomplish that is by touching on topics that actually have meaning to you.

I can tell you from personal experience that it’s actually quite therapeutic to get your thoughts out of your head and onto the (digital) page.

If you genuinely want to help people, it will show and the response will be fulsome and positive.

Thank you so much for reading this post all the way to the end! If you enjoyed it, please give it a clap (if you really enjoyed it, you can give more if you hold the button down)!

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