Summary

An author reflects on their successful two-week journey on Medium, detailing their strategy of engagement and quality content over chasing followers, which led to reaching over 100 followers and joining the Medium Partnership Program.

Abstract

The author begins by expressing initial apprehension about joining Medium and the challenge of reaching the "Golden 100" followers. Despite these doubts, they managed to surpass this milestone through consistent, quality writing and a focus on genuine engagement rather than merely accumulating followers. The key to their success was writing seven well-crafted articles, actively engaging with other writers' work by reading, commenting, and following when inspired. This strategy resulted in increased traffic, engagement, and the growth of a dedicated readership. The author emphasizes the importance of meaningful interactions and acknowledges the support received from their followers, expressing gratitude and motivation to continue writing.

Opinions

The author values quality writing over quantity, preferring to take time to edit and be proud of their work.
They believe that engaging with others' content by reading and commenting is more effective than follow-for-follow tactics.
The author is not naturally inclined to seek attention or go against the norm but made a conscious decision to try a different approach with their article "Stop Looking for Followers."
They are critical of the follow-for-follow culture and advocate for gaining true followers through engagement and quality content.
The author feels encouraged by the positive feedback and engagement from their readers and acknowledges that this support has been instrumental in their success.
They plan to continue their writing journey, with future goals including updating their profile, increasing their article count, writing for more publications, and possibly starting their own publication.
The author expresses a special thanks to those who have supported them, including readers who have left comments, and is motivated to keep improving and engaging with their audience.

My Medium Journey — Two Week Update

(I’m blown away by what has happened)

I have to admit that there was apprehension even fear when I first joined and hit that first publish button.

I had no idea what to expect.

There was this build-up over the Golden 100. To be honest I had doubts that I would even be able to reach that number when I first joined.

It seemed a tall order to get started with. Especially when I started reading the quality of writing on this platform.

Somehow, I managed to not allow fear to take over.

I can’t believe that it is just two weeks since I started writing here and I have reached and gone over the golden number (only just). Now I can become a member of the MPP.

How Did I Do It?

I started to write. I know it seems too simple right.

Let me elaborate.

I have only written 7 articles so far.

Slow but sure, that is me.

I didn’t manage a daily article as I wanted to take time to edit and write articles that I was proud to put my name to.

Not to throw something together for the sake of it.

The article that gained me the most traffic and engagement was my last one.

Stop Looking for Followers

(It will get you nowhere — here’s why)

medium.com

I admit looking at it now, it seems controversial but I did not write it to cause a stir.

In fact, I am normally someone who shies away from the limelight, an introvert.

Someone who does not go against the flow.

Yes, I’m normally a sheep. But I am glad on this occasion I chose to try something different.

What I Did

I noticed that when someone commented on my article, I tended to go to their profile and their stories. I would read at least one of their stories. And then leave them a comment as well. I would start to follow them if I liked what I read.

I started doing this with other stories I came across. Reading and leaving them comments. I discovered that this encouraged others to have a look at my work.

Sometimes they followed me. I hope that this was because they liked my work. Sometimes they commented back, gave me a clap, or highlighted a piece of my article.

This meant that they had at least engaged with the piece in some way. This is the ultimate goal. Engagement vs tons of followers.

I really hate the follow-for-follow idea. I had some stick for airing that view. But it is my view and I have said it. So I will own it.

I am sure that commenting will become harder to do timewise as I gain more followers and I will have to see how that goes.

But if you want to find 100 TRUE followers then go and read my article.

Somehow that strategy has worked for me. At least I like to think it has. (let me wallow for a few moments, I’m not a big-headed person but it’s great to feel encouraged).

I am now over the threshold and can join the Medium Partnership Program.

This has motivated me to keep writing more.

I know that there are other things I need to do like update my profile, increase my articles, write for more publications and maybe even start a publication. But that is in the future, let’s remain in the now.

Special Shout Out To All Those That Gave Me Support

My 100 (and more) followers in no particular order.

Flynn Hannan; James Schnebly; Catherine Jane Wallace; Rosemi Mederos; Warren Patterson; Emily Forman; Robin Nemesszeghy; AliciaMarie Belchak | Master Life, Build Dreams; Gammons Thome ; Sari Lakkis; BichoDoMato; Janet Meisel; Brett Millan; Jeffrey Clos; Emthy; Ripley J. Cloud; Damien Dixon; Shuvashis Das; DC Crawford; Paul JARRIGE; Graham Cooke; Benjamin Rancourt; Javier Menéndez; Twomin Tales; Saman Fatima; David Ben Gurion; Ash Flynn; Annelise Lords; Mickey Rippa; Frances Wymbs; Dave Wedderburn; ◣Rohan◢ ; Rodney McGill; Cameron Gorrie; Brenda Henning; Timora Inyang; Christian Taylor; Chris Sharratt; jules; Masterclass Notes; Richard Sugandha; RAKESH CHANDRA; Umme Salma; Christina Sponias; Judy Derby; Marine Dondy; Sven Vandenberghe; Juniper Kane; Colby Hess; Julian Cosky; Gina-Marie Cheeseman; Sanjam Singh; Jimmy Misner Jr.; Aaliyah Cora; Lokesh Sastya; Eric Garner Johnson; Justjulieandherblog; Dr. Art Eckstat; Nikki Lives; David Perlmutter; John Walter Raney 1st; Tyra Jaide; Andie Holman Scar Queen; Emari; Paulina Larocca Creative Catalyst; Lukas Benzl; E.S. Yates; Shy Shansonga; Richard Seltzer; Waheed Ahmad; Med Reader; NeeluAli, Nomadic David; Rieneke Van Santen; Ali Kurtulmus; Alex Yuan; Sundus F. Khan; Amelia Mia; Amilly Rosey; Yoli Cimino; Anthony Lam; Zee Khadijah Karim; Ilana Lydia; Ambreenarshad; Andrey Pilipets; J.R. Spiers; Becky Van Horn; Ömer Tarık ÖZDEMİR; Roxanne Barbour; Ben mula; Jo An Fox-Wright Maddox; Natasha Nichole Lake; Iris B. Stehn; Harjeet_Kaur, Keith Chen; Carol Durant; Rafay Hiraj; Memati Baş

Thank You Each and Everyone One of You.

If I haven’t commented on your work already, that’s because I’m still working my way round to you all.

A special shout out to the engaged readers below who took the time to leave me a comment.

Iris B. Stehn (you have inspired me and have written some lovely comments); Julian Cosky (your words motivated me), Robert Ralph (for the great New Writers Welcome platform), Zak; Rodney McGill; Ömer Tarık ÖZDEMİR; Annelise Lords; Warren Patterson; Nive; Emily Forman; Jennystar; Dave Wedderburn; Mimmo; Lokesh Sastya; J.R. Spiers; Mark Joseph Aduana; Brett Millan; Carol Durant; Janice Eastman; Jimmy Misner Jr.; Sam McGuire; Catherine Jane Wallace; Thomas Lowery; Christina Sponias; Umme Salma; Eric Garner Johnson; Sundus F. Khan.

I appreciate every one of your comments. Each one motivates me to keep going and helps me to improve.

To all those that clapped or highlighted my articles thank you for taking the time.

I wish you success on your writing journey.

Mine has just begun.