The Rich Get Richer — Even on Medium

So what’s the right strategy?

The “rich get richer and the poor get poorer” is a sentiment echoed by the British writer Percy Bysshe, reflecting the prevailing order of the world.

How does this capitalist societal structure align with the Medium Partnership Program?

In the age of digital content creation, platforms like Medium have provided individuals with unprecedented opportunities to share their thoughts, insights, and expertise. However, a closer look at the dynamics of success on platforms like Medium reveals a trend that mirrors the broader economic reality — the rich get richer.

Why is this the case?

As a new writer on Medium, the process begins with signing up. Eager to produce articles, you naturally seek out established writers with existing followings.

You try to whittle down the process by reading articles that garner the most engagement.

These people have mastered the medium and have a significant following.

So, you follow and read the articles. Those views = contribute to the amount earned by the top medium earners. Thus, the cycle continues.

The Difference with Medium

In a real-world example, typically the road to success is often unclear, shrouded in secrecy, or guarded by a strict entry policy.

With Medium, however, the process of building a following is universal. So, here are the most fundamental points I can offer you from what I have witnessed on Medium:

1. Post content consistently

This could prove challenging, as the rewards from consistency may not be immediately apparent.

However, committing to a regimented schedule is key to growing an audience. It builds trust with your audience; consequently, you learn what works and what doesn’t work for you.

You learn what your audience expects from you and what compromises, if any, you are willing to make to fulfill those criteria.

Just like an archer spends hours daily practising or the Olympic runner on the track, you begin to learn the ropes of your artistry.

Consistency breeds confidence.

2. Engage with your audience

When readers comment on your articles, actively engage with them. Respond to their questions, express gratitude for their insights, and establish a connection.

Equally important is soliciting quality engagement by only following who you enjoy their content.

Intentionality with your content engagement is essential in the long run because if your ecosystem consists of what you love, then you are more likely to stay engaged.

3. Understand that it takes patience

Writing is a demanding and often solitary task. The time needed to complete a piece can be quite challenging, especially when trying to balance it with the demands of everyday life.

So patience is important, and choosing the right motivators can be instrumental.

An example could be:

• Reaching a milestone of writing 10 articles.
• Reaching a milestone of posting 3 articles a week

It is a very individual journey, and choosing the correct motivators along the way is important.

4. Stats Stats Stats

It’s crucial to recognise that a bird's-eye view is necessary. Detaching emotionally while examining data is key to understanding its utility.

Start by creating a hypothesis to test and find out more information like:

• What is your best time to post?
• What content is best?
• What article title gives you the best engagement?

Intentionality when viewing the statistics is important in other to understand correlation.

In conclusion

In conclusion, navigating the landscape of Medium as a writer requires a keen understanding of the dynamics at play. Each writer’s journey is unique, yet these guiding principles are universal and serve as beacons in the ever-evolving landscape of digital content creation.

Thank you for reading!