The Bite-Sized Medium Story: Why Quick Reads Hook New Readers
Imagine you’re scrolling through Medium, seeking your next great read, when an intriguing title catches your eye.
What I did With My First $30 Earnings On Medium
You don’t know the writer but you click eagerly, only to find the reading time is a daunting 15+ minutes.
Do you dive in hopefully? Or move on to other prospects?
Chances are, you pass it by.
Because when sampling a new writer, you want to get a feel for them before committing the time. You crave a bite-sized taste of their talent — a morsel that leaves you hungry for more.
As writers, we need to step into the shoes of these potential new readers. Our goal is to give them a captivating amuse-bouche of our skills — a snackable story that acts like a trailer for our longer work.
The sweet spot?
Aim for a 3 minute read to hook new readers.
While concise, 350 articulate words can convey your unique voice and a full, rounded concept. Leave them intrigued and delighted, and they’ll be back to devour your more extensive articles.
Of course, we should still indulge in long-form stories too — nourishment for our dedicated followers who know and love our work. But sprinkling in quick, snackable stories gives us a chance to shine for potential new fans.
Just as you wouldn’t propose on a first date, don’t ask for a long-term commitment too soon. Let the short reads reel them in first.
So next time you’re writing, consider your audience.
Offer them a tasty morsel to whet their appetites and leave them eager for more. Because while we love our loyal readers, fresh faces are what will take our writing to the next level.
Now get out there and give them a read worth falling for.





