Summary

The author reflects on their February Medium earnings, attributing the low amount to decreased engagement and infrequent posting, and outlines a plan for improvement in March.

Abstract

Nicki J, the author, expresses disappointment over their Medium earnings for February, which amounted to $1.85, significantly less than in their first month of writing. The decline in earnings is linked to a period of reduced engagement, both in writing and commenting on other stories, particularly during December and February. The author identifies that their writing frequency was inconsistent, with stories concentrated towards the end of the month, leading to a disengaged audience. However, they note a rebound in audience interaction towards the end of February, correlating with an increase in writing activity. Nicki J plans to improve engagement and increase follower count in March by writing more regularly, crafting compelling titles, and commenting more on other people's stories. They aim to reach 1000 followers, read more diverse writing for inspiration, and submit to publications that provide constructive feedback to enhance their writing skills.

Opinions

The author acknowledges personal responsibility for the low earnings due to inconsistent posting and reduced engagement.
Consistency in writing is deemed crucial for maintaining audience interest and generating engagement.
Commenting on other writers' stories is seen as valuable for increasing followers and visibility on the platform.
The author believes in the potential of their writing to be more successful, despite the modest financial returns so far.
The importance of compelling titles and engaging content is highlighted as a means to encourage reader interaction and attract more readers to the author's profile.
The author encourages fellow writers to consider the non-monetary benefits of writing on Medium, such as reader engagement, popularity, and the opportunity to share life experiences.
They advocate for putting in full effort when writing, suggesting that anything less would lead to regret when reviewing one's performance.

WRITING OBSERVATIONS

Writing on Medium: Why I Deserved my $1.85 Earnings in February

And how March will be better

Seeing my earnings in February decline to a low is a sad moment. Even in my first month of September, I earnt more than that.

So I decided to look at what could be wrong, although I already knew why.

I needed to be more engaged and have not been since the New Year, and the rot set in during December!

In February, I wrote one story on the 5th and nothing for several weeks, then as soon as I wrote again, a couple of stories on the 19th and another couple on the 22nd, the views kicked back up. I ended the month much stronger with a story on the 27th. (The black dots represent stories, the larger the dot, the more the activity)

FEBRUARY— Stats for the Stories I write — Nicki J

If I compare it to January on the chart below, I followed almost an identical pattern, splurging at the end of the month. However, these stories hardly generated any interest as my audience had forgotten I existed.

That then demoralised me for most of February, coupled with a busy period at work, travelling interstate, and a swimming challenge I had to finish for charity!

Thank goodness for the last week when the momentum returned. This is key. You have to maintain the momentum - through consistency.

I also looked at the stats for my engagement in commenting on other people’s stories. Although I hadn’t written much, I was still commenting most days on peoples writing, with a few noticeable breaks in both months. Again in the chart below, the black dots represent the days I commented, and the size of the dot is larger for more comments.

I believe that’s why my follower numbers are increasing, as I continue to engage in dialogue and draw people to my profile. However, I’m looking forward to getting over 1000 followers, and that’s my goal for March.

FEBRUARY — Stats for the comments I make — Nicki J

JANUARY — Stats for the Comments I make — Nicki J

So given that January and February have been incredibly disappointing, I only have myself to blame.

My stories are not regular enough and not consistent enough

I need to write more regularly, with stories that engage the reader and make them want to clap 50 times, highlight passages, and comment, but also go to my profile and want to read more.

My titles need to be compelling. I may recycle some great stories that need to be read more and see whether they generate more interest with new titles.

I need to put more effort into commenting on other people's stories.

I have several people I follow, all different styles, and I look out for their articles and search them up if they have been quiet. I admire their writing. I am engaged by everything they write regardless of the topic, and I am very grateful for their feedback and comments on mine. I want to be that person.

Although the earnings are nice, it's hardly anything close to being enough to buy me a cup of tea or warrant the time I spend doing it. But I believe I have the potential.

The aim for March

To hit 1000 followers by writing consistently and frequently with interesting, well-structured stories that grab the reader's interest.
To read more work from a diverse range of writers and gain new ideas, inspiration and motivation to get back to earning double figures in March.
To improve my writing by submitting work to publications that take the time to provide feedback. Only a few publications have spent the time to make constructive comments. Most accept and publish.

To all the writers who look at the earnings and think it is not worth the effort, ask yourself why it might be worth it.

What are you motivated by? The money alone, the popularity, the chance you may go viral, or the fact that people are reading your work, your life stories, the struggles you face and the moments you celebrate.

Whatever your reasons and goals, give it 100% effort, or you will look at your charts and only have yourself to blame.

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