avatarMe Writes

Summary

The author reflects on the unpredictable nature of success on Medium, despite following common success formulas, and remains motivated by the platform's inherent uncertainty.

Abstract

The author discusses the challenges of achieving success on Medium, noting that despite following popular advice and strategies for writing successful articles, outcomes can be unexpected. After writing what he believed to be an innovative and engaging piece, the article received no reads, contrasting with another story written for fun that unexpectedly performed well. The unpredictability of which stories gain traction on Medium keeps the author engaged and encourages continuous publishing without fixating on performance metrics. The author also shares links to articles with tips on creating a state of flow and understanding Medium's algorithm, as well as a referral link for Medium membership.

Opinions

  • The author is skeptical about the existence of a definitive algorithm or formula for success on Medium.
  • There is a sense of self-deprecating humor in the author's reaction to the unexpected outcomes of their articles.
  • The author values the process of writing and publishing, regardless of immediate success metrics.
  • The author believes that the unpredictability of Medium is a motivating factor that pushes them to keep writing and publishing.
  • The author suggests that predicting the success of an article on Medium is challenging and not always tied to the quality or effort put into the piece.

The Unpredictability of Medium Keeps Me Up on My Toes

Do we really have an algorithm that “Works”?

There are numerous stories out there on how to be successful on Medium and other online writing platforms. All of them claim to have cracked the formula behind the success.

I tried to learn from such stories and am itching to get the success I deserve 😃. But if I get what I wished for so fast, life would become pretty boring.

With all those learnings under my belt, I wrote a story about different types of Listeners.

After publishing it, I thought I have “nailed it”. I gave a virtual pat on my back.

“Well done my friend. Your days of struggle are over”- my overenthusiastic self said to my depressed self.

The story got published in November and to date, it has zero reads.

Screenshot captured by the author — Stats for a Medium story
Photo by Andrea Piacquadio

I thought I had added all the ingredients needed for a delicious, engaging and innovative article.

  • I chose a title that sounds inviting.
  • I carefully used a relevant but unusual photo for the story.
  • I thought about the readers and kept it simple.
  • I edited it multiple times to better it before publishing.
  • I thought about the right tags to be used.

Of course, these are my perceptions.

And the reality has shown. I have not “nailed it”. Not yet.

Conversely, when I wrote a story just for fun without investing too much, it brought me a pleasant surprise.

Screenshot captured by the author — Stats for a Medium story

Why a story becomes popular or trending on Medium is so unpredictable (at least for me). And that is why I never lose hope. I keep publishing without caring about the Stats.

The very “Unpredictability” of Medium is one of the reasons why I have published 140+ stories so far. And that will continue to be an important factor in making me move forward.

What about you? Are you able to predict accurately how your article will fare?

Before you go, do read some helpful tips for creating “Microflow” by Chrissy Cordingley

And an interesting account on Medium Math by James Bellerjeau

If you wish to get unlimited access to such articles on Medium, you can become a member using the link below

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