avatarLinda Locke

Summary

Linda Locke advocates for using Medium as the premier platform for new bloggers in 2023 due to its ease of use, community engagement, and built-in audience.

Abstract

In her article "Why Medium Still Rocks in 2023," Linda Locke argues that Medium is an excellent starting point for aspiring bloggers. She dismisses the traditional four-step blogging formula of picking a niche, setting up a WordPress site, writing content, and expecting immediate wealth as unrealistic and daunting for beginners. Instead, Locke suggests that Medium offers a straightforward sign-up process, a superior writing editor, freedom from niche constraints, a sense of community, and a built-in readership. She emphasizes the benefits of Medium's publications for increasing visibility and the platform's domain authority for SEO. Locke also recommends joining the Medium Partner Program once a writer has 100 followers to start earning money from their writing.

Opinions

  • The common advice for blogging is oversimplified and often leads to frustration and unrealistic expectations of quick wealth.
  • Medium's user-friendly interface and exceptional editor make it the best platform for blogging.
  • Blogging on Medium allows for flexibility in writing topics, unlike the pressure to stick to a profitable niche on other platforms.
  • The community aspect of Medium helps alleviate the loneliness often associated with writing and blogging.
  • Medium's large reader base increases the chances of a writer's work being read, as opposed to a solo WordPress blog where visibility may be low.
  • Publishing on Medium can leverage the platform's domain authority for better SEO and search engine listing.
  • The Medium Partner Program is a valuable opportunity for writers to earn money from their content after gaining a following.
  • The low barrier to entry on Medium makes it accessible for anyone to start blogging without the need for upfront investment in domains or hosting.

Write This Way

Why Medium Still Rocks in 2023

There’s no better place to get started with social blogging

Image from Canva

Everyone and her mother seems to be selling blogging courses right now. The advice hasn’t changed much over time.

They say, It’s easy! Just follow these 4 steps:

  1. Pick a profitable niche.
  2. Set up a WordPress site with Bluehost.
  3. Start writing.
  4. Get rich.

But the truth is none of these things are easy to do. People get stuck on every step and give up in frustration. And everyone knows you’re not going to get rich overnight with a blog (as if!). Go buy a lottery ticket instead, the odds are better :) Psst, I have some lucky numbers for you right here.

Image from Canva

I’d like to offer you an alternative route.

One that helps you discover the things you want to write about and doesn’t involve spending money on a domain name, WordPress hosting and lots of tech stress.

My recommendation

If you want to blog, start writing on Medium. There’s no better place in my humble opinion for social blogging. Especially for newcomers.

Here’s some reasons to consider:

  1. It’s easy to get started. Just sign up for a free account and start reading and writing on Medium. Notice what you read, follow writers that interest you, start commenting and post consistently.
  2. Medium has the best editor I’ve found for blogging. And believe me, I’ve tried everything and I’m picky. It’s clean, it’s easy to use, the formatting tools are just right, and it’s free to use to get you started.
  3. You don’t have to choose a niche if you don’t want to. You can write whatever you want. You can experiment and have fun.
  4. Writing can be lonely, but not on Medium. You can build relationships and community with other readers and writers on Medium.
  5. People actually read your blog posts! Medium is a platform for readers :) There are more readers on Medium than writers and they’re all looking for something new to read.
  6. Publications help you boost your readership and get noticed. You can post fantastic stuff in your solo WordPress blog, but if no one reads it, you’re just spinning your wheels. But on Medium, you can submit your writing to publications and reach a whole new audience.
  7. Domain authority. Medium has it in spades. This helps with Search Engine Optimization (SEO) and getting listed on search engines. With a solo blog it can take forever to get listed, but by publishing your blog on Medium, you can piggyback on their awesome Internet reach.
  8. When you reach 100 followers, sign up for the Medium Partner’s Program. It’s only $5 per month and you’ll be eligible to meter your stories and earn some bucks.
  9. The barrier to entry is low. This is huge. You just need to take the first step and start. And then keep on writing.

Key Message: Blogging on Medium is fun and you can get started anytime. All you need is the courage to take the first step and give it a try.

Got questions? Ask them in the comments and I’ll answer them :)

© Linda Locke

Linda Locke is a writer, mentor/teacher and Lead Editor for the Midform Publication. She lives in Southern California in Ventura County by the Coast with her husband and lots and lots of books.

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