Summary

The article provides strategies for content creators to maximize the reach and impact of their work by diversifying platforms and repurposing content.

Abstract

The article emphasizes the importance of not only creating a large quantity of content but also ensuring it is of high quality and focused. It suggests that writers should continue posting on Medium due to its built-in audience but also focus on their own websites to maintain control over their content and audience. The author advises repurposing content for platforms like LinkedIn and Facebook, creating podcasts, books, videos, and courses, and leveraging email lists to build a sustainable writing career. The key takeaway is to leverage content across multiple channels rather than using it just once on Medium.

Opinions

The author believes that relying solely on Medium for content publication is inefficient and suggests that writers should diversify their content distribution to avoid the "one and done" approach.
There is an emphasis on the importance of having a personal website, even if it's not currently profitable, as it serves as a long-term asset and provides control over the content and audience.
The author suggests that writers should use their Medium traction to direct readers to their personal websites and email lists, which are seen as invaluable assets.
The article encourages experimentation with different content formats, such as podcasts, books, videos, and courses, to cater to various audience preferences and to open up new opportunities.
The author advocates for simplicity in content creation and web design, focusing on functionality and user needs rather than complexity.
Creating a book is highlighted as a significant milestone that can serve as a business card and open new doors, with the author providing guidance on how to start writing a book.
Video content creation is strongly recommended, with the author noting that many people prefer watching videos over other content formats, and it can significantly increase audience reach.
The article promotes the idea of creating courses as a way to repurpose content, suggesting that even simple formats like email courses or challenges can be effective.
The author challenges readers to take action by reworking a piece of Medium content for use on another platform, suggesting that taking the easiest step first can lead to productive outcomes.

Here’s How To Create More Content Than Ever Before

Create not just a lot of content but also GREAT content with focus

First, you sit down and write. Then you publish. Repeat.

Write more. Publish. Repeat. It used to be really easy to get into a comfortable habit if you were creating here on Medium.

Then, Medium changed EVERYTHING. First, Medium changed how writers are paid. Then Medium changed how we can publish our content.

The Roller Coaster of Being A Writer On Medium

How I Did In November

medium.com

My personal earnings went from around $15 per post to $8.00 per post, so I’m updating my strategy.

Most writers are hesitant to change.

This is a HUGE mistake.

Why?

All of your writing eventually becomes “one and done.” If you posted it at a lousy time or didn’t have a great headline or image, you completely missed your opportunity to reach others with your content.

And that’s not a good way to build up your audience as a writer or bolster your writing career.

Take a look at this picture.

Yep, it’s a tree. Medium is a lot like a branch on a tree. Let’s call it the “content tree.” There are other branches on this tree (I’ll talk about those more below).

When you post something on Medium and do not create anything else with it, Medium becomes the WHOLE TREE.

That’s not efficient. Every time you create a new piece of content, you’re starting over from scratch.

There is a much better way. Here are a few steps you can take to build out each “content tree” to the max.

1. Yes, Keep Posting on Medium.

That’s right, everything starts right here. Why? Medium has a built-in audience. It’s a great testing ground. Experimenting is essential to your success.

2. Focus More on Your Own Website.

You really want to have your own website, even if it isn’t making you any money at the moment. All of the recent changes on Medium solidify this fact. Your website doesn’t have to be fancy. You might even need to rethink how you view websites. I gave some really helpful examples in this post here.

Do You Really Need A Website?

A closer look at websites and why having your own website matters

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Don’t overdo it. Just keep it simple and make it fit your needs. If you want some help with a simple, but cool website, I can help you out (or point you in the right direction).

And here’s the most important part — use any traction from Medium to move people to your website (and your email list). You have control over these things. They are invaluable assets you can use today and in the future. Focusing on money on Medium is not a good long-term approach.

3. Post Content on LinkedIn.

Yep, right there on LinkedIn. Just like a blog post. Boom. Don’t forget the hashtags either. You’ll see that LI really wants more engagement on their own site versus sharing Medium posts on LinkedIn’s website. If the content flat out doesn’t fit on LinkedIn — maybe it’s a fiction story or about weight loss or relationships — Facebook could be a good fit. The word could is very important here. You need to use good judgement. Again, it never hurts to experiment.

4. Create Podcasts.

Some folks prefer audio over text. That’s fine. Please those folks. Here’s an article I wrote about this specific topic to help you out.

You Will Start Your Own Podcast Today

Sound crazy? Nope. Here’s how to do it

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5. Create Books.

You can always take some of your writing here on Medium and use it to create a book. Don’t forget the email opt-in at the bottom so you can build your list and offer it to the readers who want the whole book.

When I wrote my first book back in 2013, it changed my life forever. How? A book — specifically a physical book — gives you opportunities. It opens doors. Your book becomes your business card. Not sure where to start? I get that. This short article will show you how to get going.

6. Create Videos.

A lot of people will watch a video but will not listen to a podcast or read a blog post. If you don’t embrace video, you are missing out on a ton of customers. The videos don’t have to be fancy, either. Just make something with your phone and feel free to practice using Instagram or Skype. I wrote an in-depth article here on this.

An Introverted Writer’s Guide To Starting Out With Video

Your love for writing is clear… but if you really want to reach your audience, it’s time to embrace video.

medium.com

7. Create courses.

That’s right, you can create courses too. What’s the REAL difference between a course and the other content above? That’s right, not much. Just having a good game plan and creating an intentional path for the end user. Over the past 6 months, I’ve been helping New York Times bestselling authors create courses. That’s something I realize we ALL can do — especially if we are pursuing the other steps listed above. If this sounds too complicated or scary, keep in mind that you could always keep things REALLY simple, like creating an email course or challenge. I made a 5-Day Writing Challenge you can sign up for free right here.

The Takeaway

Are you actually leveraging the content you have on Medium or are you just using it once? That’s my challenge for you today. Take one piece of content on Medium and go rework it so you can use it somewhere else. Whatever sounds easiest to you and makes the most sense. That’s it. Don’t hesitate, just do it. You’ll be glad you did.

Need a better writing habit? Join my free 5-Day Write First Challenge.

Jim Woods is a bestselling author, freelance writer, and writing coach. His work has been featured in Fast Company, Life Hacker, Goinswriter, The Write Practice, and many other publications.