Top Advice from a Former Top Writer in Advice
I show, not tell; share 18 observations, and give a challenge to all
I became a top writer in Advice out of the blue four weeks after joining Medium. The mysterious algorithms of bytes powered by by Artificial Intelligence and maybe some human input had designated my stories as worth reading in one of the most sought-after lifestyle categories.
It came out of the blue. I had not used the ‘advice’ tag in any articles and I had only been a month on Medium. How? Two months in, still a top writer in Advice, I decided to chart my journey. Firstly to show my path to achieving the coveted top writer status and secondly, my stories may contain wisdom that changes your life for better.
By the way… I don’t claim to understand the algorithm, and the positioning will differ from category to category. Some categories may be easier to get into the top 50 writers.
And… I purposely lost my ‘Top writer in Advice’ status before publishing this, and I explain why at the end.
The stories
I Cracked Medium in 2 Weeks, and You Can Too — May 25, 2020
Advice on how to succeed on Medium: 2.2K views, 909 reads, 8.5K claps and 324 fans
I have a sneaky suspicion that this bold claim was the 12 minute article that earned me the ‘top writer’ status. It was not curated, due to the use of ‘Medium’ in the title. Although the title sounded ‘clickbaity’, it delivered on its promise resulting in continuing reads and earnings and most importantly 71 responses.
In the story, I share the simple strategies I used to ‘succeed’ on Medium. It’s no-brainer, people come on Medium to succeed as a writer, so the title would resonate with many. Anthony Fireman commented, ‘That’s a big insight... what you’re suggesting changes the game here.’
Lesson 1: Sharing an experience is on of the best ways to give advice. Don’t tell people what to do, show them what you did.
Lesson 2: Curation is (mostly) overrated.
Lesson 3: Long posts produce results as long as the content is great!
Lesson 4: Responses are the thermometer of your impact. This is where the most reward is (for me anyway)
Ten Fascinating Truths I Learnt Completing a Jigsaw Puzzle — May 16, 2020
Advice to value and love yourself authentically in a wholesome way: 33 views and 48 mins reading time
One of favourite articles, it is not as popular as some of my other writing, but it makes the point that every story matters in your journey to being a top writer, not just the one good story.
I believe this story will help anyone dealing with self worth. It’s also extremely useful for anyone struggling with a superiority complex or pride. KeepingitrealWithAnnick wrote, ‘This was a powerful message about complementarity.’
Lesson 5: Don’t write to become a top writer, write what you know, treasure and yearn to share.
Dear White Protesters, You Are Not “Supporting” Black People in Their Fight — Jun 13, 2020
Advice for white people at the centre of Black Lives Matter: 8.3K views, 1.5K claps and 34 hours reading time
This story eventually got curated in race and equality, but majority of the views came from external sources, about 46% of reads from Facebook alone (I had shared the ‘friends link’ in a group on race.) Despite its popularity, I did not earn much. Compared to the number of readers, the stats on claps was low — most non-medium members would not clap or give single claps. The read ratio was one of my lowest (21%) reflecting the number of non-medium members who could not view the story as they reached their 3 article limit.
The story helps White people see racial inequality a fight not just for black people, but for the planet. Rasheed Hooda wrote, ‘Excellent piece. Very well-writen and articulated. Thank you for shining your light on the dark matter. Spot on.’
Lesson 6: Share your ‘friends link’ to your network or on social media
Lesson 7: Have I said it before? curation is (mostly) overrated
Lesson 8: Don’t take your stats at face value. There are blessings behind each figure
Dear White Allies, Here’s What You Need to Know About Joining the ‘Black Lives Matter’ Movement — Jun18, 2020
Advice for white people that actively want to get involved in racial injustice against black people: 1K views, 45% read ratio and 24 fans
I wrote this story as a response to a question asked on Facebook, although it wasn’t curated, it had a higher read ratio. I attribute this to the fact that I published this in Illumination, one of the top publications on Medium
The story advices on the right mindset for white allies that want to get involved in the fight for racial equality P.G. Barnett said, ‘Absolutely EXCELLENT piece Keno. Concise and drives home the point of how to step up and take responsibility. And I loved the leak in the apartment analogy. That says it all.’
Lesson 9: Questions are opportunities for stories
An Unscientific but Weirdly Plausible Theory on Death — May 28, 2020
Advice on how to face death: 64% read ratio, 257 reads and 21 fans
I did not expect this story to do well. It was rambling, unconventional and without scientific proof, but 64% of readers disagreed and read it though tp the end.
This story did not offer direct advice, but a ramble through my mind on what death looks like to me. The postscript took me by surprise, and contains some of the best advice I have ever written. Daniella Mini wrote, ‘This is beautiful Keno. I do wish I knew for certain that there’s something wonderful after this life.’
Lesson 10: Sometimes we never know what people will connect with. So put your thoughts out there
What’s the Right Way to Walk for Good Posture — Jul 22, 2020
A ‘how to walk right’ story: 78 views, 426 claps and $1.13 in earnings
Another story, I thought deserved more attention than it got. It got curated in Lifestyle, Self and Health almost a month after it was published (see screenshot). I struggled with the title and image for the post, and I feel this affected the impact of one of my more important posts.
The experience I relate in this story changed my life. I now use the tips everyday, my back pain is reduced, my posture and confidence improved. We all pick up bad walking habits. This is an opportunity to correct them. Patty Latham put it simply, ‘Keno, I needed this.’
Lesson 11: Be patient and don’t give up on any of your stories
The Universe Wrote Me a Note — May 19, 2020
Advice on how to encourage yourself when stressed, overwhelmed and in despair: 182 views, 1.7K claps and 14 responses
This heartwarming story was not widely read, but extremely well received by readers with 50% of readers clapping for the story and over 10% of readers leaving a comment.
This easy-to-read story gives you the words to say to yourself. Amy Marley said, ‘What a stunning way to uplift and transform. Beautifully crafted.’
Lesson 12 : Some stories go deeper than they go wide and that’s ok.
Lesson 13: Writing for an audience of one, is deeply satisfying
How I Ended My Struggle to Get Out of Bed in the Mornings — Jun 26, 2020
Great advice that is GUARANTEED to get you out of bed: 47 reads, 81% read ration and 307 claps
Very few eyes on this story, but 81% of readers read this Tiny Life Moment to the end. Every story contributes to maintaining a Top Writer status, not just your more popular stories.
I tell my story of how Mel Robbin’s 5 seconds count helped me with a struggle to get out of bed in the mornings. A must read for anyone in that position, it works. Rochelle Miller commented, ‘…this is a really practical article.’
Alternative Career Advice for Anyone Stuck Beneath the Glass Ceiling — Jun 15, 2020
Advice of moving up in your career: 91 views, 310 claps and $0.65 earned
I loved writing this piece of career advice, and I stand by every word, but it was unconventional advice. Even though it did not do well, it did its part in keeping me as a top writer in advice.
Tran Nguyen commented, ‘Great suggestions! I particularly like the second point. It rings a bell for me.’
Lesson 14: Every little helps, even the poor performing articles will help keep you in the Top writer status.
35 Thought-Provoking Insights From Illumination Writers in Lockdown — Jun 18, 2020
An amazing collection of great advice: 98 views, 2hrs 13mins reading time and 1,033 claps
Another story with a low number of views but great engagement, with an average of 10 claps per view.
The story curates best advice and insights from illumination writers in lockdown from all corners of the world. East to read and in list form with links to writers. Terri DelCampo-Nelson commented, ‘There are so many thought-provoking, inspirational ideas here, I’m going to print it up and contemplate them more deeply’
Lesson 15: Promoting other people’s work is a win -win. It gives you visibility and gives others visibility.
Of Clouds and Silver Linings — May 24, 2020
Advice of what to do when you feel down: 47 views, 32 reads and $0.58 earnings
I highlight this story, not because of its popularity, but it’s continuing appeal. From Jun to present day, the story keeps being revived and read. With mostly external referrers. Someone is sharing this story via Google, and Email/Instant messaging. Unfortunately, I did not share the friends link, so sadly, even though the views are up, the reads are still low.
Simran Kankas wrote, ‘You have written it beautifully! And I agree with you.’
Lesson 16: Find a way for your network to find and share the friends link given by Medium
Please Listen. It Helps More Than You Realise — May 4, 2020
How to support someone in pain: 33 views, 11 fans and 368 claps
I wrote this piece of advice to everyone out there, supporting a friend or family member through a difficult time. Trista Ainsworth described this as ‘That is such great advice to someone in pain.”
I Wrote a Letter to My Problem — May 23, 2020
Advice on how to get rid of problems: 51 views, 80% read ratio and 7 fans
Although not a well received story, every little contribution you make towards the topic helps.
I decided to write a letter to a particular problem I was facing, and it made me see things in a different way, and strengthened my resolve to beat it. Isabela Vasiliu said, ‘Absolutely beautiful. You have disempowered the problem.”
Lockdown Is Easing but My Anxiety Is Increasing — Jun 29, 2020
Advice on managing self expectations after lockdown: 34 views, 402 claps and $0.91 earned
This story proves that you do not have to be a top earner to be a top writer.
This advice was inspired by speaking with a friend who was really anxious that she had not achieved anything significant in lockdown. Chris Hedges said, ‘I feel this way too. Some “inspirational” articles are so unrealistic that they actually demotivate.’
These Six Lessons Will Get You Moving to the Top — May 11, 2020
Six strategies that ensure your promotion: 31 reads, 22 seconds average reading time and 10 fans
Not great statistics, but thats why I included this
Daniella Mini said, ‘This is definitely key to keep in mind!’
Lesson 17: You do not need to write good articles all the time in order to be a top writer, sometimes your articles are not well received, even though you expected great things.
Why Millionaires Won’t Give You a Cent — Jun 23, 2020
Advice on seeing value in small things: 84% read ratio, 31 views and 22 seconds read time
Proving the point about insignificant figures all adding up to keeping the top writer status. Kemi Bateye said, Inspiring read! Many times we get so distracted by the BIG picture and tend to forget that it’s the little pixels (and intricate details) that make it what it becomes.
Mindful Journaling: Why I Focus on Moments in My Life -May 4, 2020
Advice on how to journal the moments: 1 comment, 276 claps and 46 reads.
I initially wrote this as an introduction to my publication Tiny Life Moments, but within it are nuggets of advice. In it, is one of my favourite original quotes
“A moment is not a measure of time, it transcends a two dimensional reality into eternity. So don’t measure your life by time spent. Instead note the moments you experience and live forever.” Keno Ogbo
How I Navigated Medium As a Newbie -May 4, 2020
Lessons learnt from my first few days on Medium: 83 views, 61% read ratio and 708 claps
I wanted to document this story as a record of my growth within 3 days of joining Medium. @Zidor a fellow newbie commented, ‘I am very comfortable reading your words. There is authority in what you speak yet spoken with a silent wisdom that seems to permeate your thought.’
If You Are 48, You Should Read This -May 8, 2020
Advice to the person approaching 50: 68% read ratio, 25 views and 3 mins 41 seconds reading time
René Junge commented, “Ok, I’m 47. So I have enough time to prepare😃”
Hey Entrepreneurs. It’s Not ‘Know Thyself’ Instead ‘Know Thy Customers’ -Jun 6, 2020
Advice for anyone setting up a business: 39 views, 5 fans and 56% read ratio
Dr Mehmet Yildiz commented, ‘I believe in this wholeheartedly. Your story provides useful insights to aspiring entrepreneurs.’
Don’t Hide Your Shame; It’s Part of Your Significance -Jun 8, 2020
Advice for anyone dealing with shame: 53 views, 45% read ratio and 128 claps
Gurpreet Dhariwal commented, ‘This will stay with me forever.’
Why Sad Songs Make Me Happy, Even When I Feel Low — Jun 11, 2020
Advice to help when you feel down: 39 views, 69% read ratio, 8 fans
Suzanne V. Tanner commented, ‘Excellent perspective, Keno. Very good article. Just going to Spotify to listen to EJ singing about Sad Songs. Thanks to your post, I already hear it in my mind!
On that note, its a wrap with my stories. Just a few bits more.
A most important observation
I stopped writing regularly at the end of July, and within 3 weeks, I lost my top writer status. But this was not the main observation. What struck me most, was that the popularity and reads of my articles (tagged advice) did not seem to matter much after I attained the top writer status. The key seemed to be my consistency in putting out advice. Once I stopped, the title dropped.
Lesson 18: Be consistent and write in your area of strength. The little wins matter as much as the big wins. Being a top writer on Medium is not for a selected few. You can. I lost my spot, and someone got in. That person could be you.
PS: I waited till I lost my top writer status before writing this:
- So I could test my theory — if I lost it due to inconsistency
- I didn’t want to publish the story as a ‘Top Writer’ and lose the status — that would be pretty embarrassing as people checked my profile and notice the missing ‘award!’
The challenge to all Top Writers
Because advice tends to grate
This is a writing challenge to all top writers. I have tagged a few of my friends on illumination. Could you write a similar story and share the articles that got you to the top of your category. Tag me if you do.
An invitation
If you enjoy sharing life lessons and giving advice, I invite you to join my publication, Tiny Life Moments where we believe that experience is the best teacher.