Introduction
Let me be honest with you, I used to be that person who started seventeen different blogs, wrote three posts on each, and then abandoned them faster than a New Year’s gym membership. Sound familiar?
Then I discovered Medium, and everything changed.
It isn’t just another blogging platform. It’s where your random 2 AM thoughts about why pineapple belongs on pizza can find an audience of thousands. It’s where that career advice you’ve been giving your friends for years can turn into a side income. And it’s where you can finally stop worrying about web design and focus on what really matters, your words.
After three years of writing on Medium and building a following of over 15,000 readers, I’ve learned the ins and outs of this platform. Whether you’re a beginner wondering “What even is Medium?” or looking to level up your existing presence, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know.
What Exactly Is Medium? (The Simple Explanation)
Think of it as the lovechild of WordPress and Twitter, raised by intellectuals who read books. It’s a publishing platform where anyone can write about anything, and readers come to discover well-crafted stories and insights.
It was launched in 2012 by Twitter co-founder Evan Williams with a simple mission: create a place for quality writing on the internet. Unlike traditional blogging platforms, where you shout into the void, Medium has a built-in audience of curious readers actively looking for great content.
The platform hosts everything from personal essays about overcoming anxiety to detailed technical tutorials about coding. Startup founders share their failures, teachers explain complex concepts, and everyday people tell extraordinary stories.
What makes Medium special is its algorithm and recommendation system. Instead of relying solely on follower counts, It promotes content based on engagement quality. This means a well-written piece by a newcomer can get as much visibility as content from established writers.
Getting Started on Medium: Your First Steps
Setting Up Your Profile
Your Medium profile is your digital first impression, so make it count. Here’s what I’ve learned works:
Choose a clear profile photo. This doesn’t need to be professional headshot territory, but it should be recognizable. I use a casual picture of myself because readers connect with real faces.
Write a compelling bio. You’ve got 160 characters to tell people who you are and why they should care. Mine reads: “Writer sharing practical life lessons and career insights. Coffee enthusiast. Dog parent.” Simple, personal, relatable.
Add your interests. Medium uses these to help distribute your content to the right readers. Be specific but not too niche.
Understanding Medium’s Interface
Medium’s writing interface is beautifully simple. When you click “Write,” you’re presented with a clean, distraction-free editor. There are no widgets to fidget with or complicated formatting options, just you and your words.
The editor supports basic formatting: bold, italic, headers, quotes, and links. You can also add images and videos and embed tweets or other social media content. The key is restraint. Medium’s strength lies in its simplicity.
How Medium Actually Works (Behind the Scenes)
The Algorithm Demystified
It’s algorithm isn’t as mysterious as everyone makes it seem. It primarily considers:
Read time and completion rates: How long do people read your article? Do they finish it?
Engagement quality: Claps (Medium’s version of likes), comments, and highlights matter more than raw view counts.
Topic relevance: It tries to match your content with readers interested in similar topics.
Freshness: New content boosts, but evergreen pieces can resurface months later.
The Clap System
Instead of simple likes, Medium uses “clareaders” to give up to 50 claps per article. This system rewards truly engaging content over quick, superficial interactions. When someone gives you 50 claps, you know you’ve created something meaningful.
Writing for Medium: What Actually Works
Finding Your Voice
Medium readers appreciate authenticity over perfection. They want to hear your unique perspective, not a corporate press release. My most successful pieces are the ones where I’m most vulnerable and honest.
Don’t try to sound like everyone else. If you’re naturally funny, be funny. If you’re more analytical, embrace that. It has room for every voice. The key is being genuinely yourself.
Story Structure That Hooks Readers
Medium articles that perform well follow a loose structure:
Hook them immediately. Your first paragraph should solve a problem, tell a surprising story, or ask a compelling question.
Deliver value early. Don’t make readers wait ten paragraphs to get to your point.
Use subheadings liberally. They break up text and help readers scan your content.
End with a call to action. This could be asking for claps, encouraging comments, or inviting followers.
Topics That Resonate
Based on my experience and observing successful writers, specific topics consistently perform well on It:
Personal development: Productivity tips, habit formation, and goal setting. Career advice: Job hunting, workplace culture, entrepreneurship
Technology: AI, coding tutorials, product reviews. Writing and creativity: Writing tips, creative processes, storytelling. Mental health: Self-care, anxiety management, therapy insights. Relationships: Dating advice, communication skills, family dynamics
But here’s the thing: you don’t need to stick to these popular topics. I’ve seen articles about niche hobbies, specific technical skills, and personal stories get thousands of reads because they are well-written and authentic.
Medium’s Partner Program: Can You Actually Make Money?
Let’s discuss the elephant in the room: Can you make money on Medium? The short answer is yes, but it’s not as simple as posting a few articles and watching the dollars roll in.
How the Partner Program Works
Medium’s Partner Program allows writers to earn money based on engagement from paying Medium members. You get paid when subscribers read, clap, and engage with your content. The exact formula is proprietary, but engagement quality matters more than quantity.
Realistic Earnings Expectations
Here’s what I’ve observed across different writer levels:
Beginners (first 6 months): $10-50 per month Consistent writers (1-2 years): $100-500 per month
Established writers: $500-2000 per month, Top performers: $3000+ per month
These numbers aren’t guaranteed; they depend on your niche, consistency, and ability to connect with readers. I know writers who make six figures annually on it, but they treat it like a serious business, not a hobby.
Tips for Maximizing Earnings
Write consistently. The algorithm favors active writers.
Engage with other writers. It is a community that supports others, and they’ll help you.
Focus on evergreen content. Articles that remain relevant continue earning long after publication.
Could you build an email list? Please don’t rely solely on it for your audience.
Building Your Medium Following: Strategies That Work
The Power of Consistency
I cannot stress this enough: consistency beats perfection every time. I’d rather see you publish one solid article per week for six months than watch you burn out trying to post daily for three weeks.
Set a realistic schedule and stick to it. Whether once a week or twice a month, your readers will begin to expect and look forward to your content.
Engaging with the Community
It isn’t just about publishing, it’s about participating. Here’s how I build relationships:
Comment thoughtfully on others’ articles. Not just “Great post!” but genuine insights or questions.
Respond to every comment on your articles. This shows readers you value their engagement.
Clap and highlight generously. Support other writers, and many will reciprocate.
Share others’ work. Curate great content for your followers.
Leveraging Medium Publications
Publications on this site are like magazines with specific themes and audiences. Getting accepted into popular publications can dramatically increase your reach.
Some publications I recommend submitting to:
- The Startup: (entrepreneurship and business)
- Better Humans: (self-improvement and productivity)
- The Writing Cooperative: (writing and creativity)
- UX Planet: (design and user experience)
Each publication has submission guidelines; follow them exactly. Editors receive hundreds of submissions and will reject pieces that don’t meet their requirements, regardless of quality.
Medium vs. Other Platforms: Why Choose This?
The Built-in Audience Advantage
Unlike starting a blog from scratch, it provides immediate access to millions of readers. Your content can be discovered through Medium’s homepage, email newsletters, and topic-based feeds.
Quality Over Quantity Culture
Medium’s audience tends to appreciate longer, more thoughtful content. While Twitter rewards quick wit and Instagram favors pretty pictures, its readers come for depth and insight..
Monetization Without Ads
Traditional blogs rely on advertising revenue, which means you need massive traffic to make meaningful money. Medium’s Partner Program lets you earn from engaged readers, not just page views.
Professional Credibility
Having a strong Medium presence has opened doors I never expected. Employers, clients, and collaborators often discover me through my Medium articles. It’s become an invaluable part of my professional brand.
Common Medium Mistakes (And How to Avoid Them)
Writing Clickbait Headlines
Its readers are sophisticated and can spot clickbait from a mile away. Instead of “This ONE WEIRD TRICK Will Change Your Life Forever,” try “How changing my morning routine improved my productivity (and might help yours too).”
Ignoring the Comments Section
Comments are where the magic happens on it. My best insights and future article ideas have come from reader comments. Always respond, always engage, always appreciate feedback.
Inconsistent Publishing
I’ve seen talented writers gain 1,000 followers, disappear for three months, and return to find their audience has moved on. Consistency matters more than you think.
Not Using Publications
Publishing only to your profile severely limits your reach, especially when starting. Submit to relevant publications to expand your audience.
Advanced Medium Strategies
Cross-Promotion Techniques
Don’t let your Medium content exist in isolation. Share your articles on:
- LinkedIn (especially for professional content)
- Twitter (with compelling excerpts)
- Facebook groups related to your niche
- Reddit communities (following each community’s rules)
Email List Building
While it provides an audience, you don’t own that relationship. Build an email list by:
- Adding a call-to-action at the end of articles
- Offering free resources or guides
- Using your Medium bio to promote your newsletter
Repurposing Content
One well-researched article can become:
- A LinkedIn post
- Multiple Twitter threads
- A YouTube video script
- Podcast talking points
- Newsletter content
The Future of Medium
It continues to evolve, and I’m excited about where it’s heading. Recent changes include improved recommendation algorithms, better tools for writers, and expanded monetization options.
The platform is investing heavily in audio content, with features that allow readers to listen to articles. It’s also exploring new ways to connect writers and readers through events and communities.
Measuring Success on It
Success on Medium isn’t just about money or follower counts. Here are metrics I pay attention to:
Read ratio: What percentage of people who start your articles finish them? Fan acquisition: How many new followers do you gain per article? Engagement rate: Comments, claps, and highlights relative to views. Earnings per article: For Partner Program participants. External traffic: How many people discover you outside of Medium because of your presence there?
Frequently Asked Questions About Medium
How often should I publish on Medium?
Consistency matters more than frequency. Whether you publish weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly, stick to a schedule your readers can expect. Start once weekly if you’re serious about building an audience.
Do I need to pay for a Medium membership to be successful?
While you don’t need a paid membership to write on Medium, having one helps you understand the reader experience and access member-only content for research. Many successful writers invest in the $5 monthly membership.
How long should my Medium articles be?
Medium articles typically range from 1,000 to 3,000 words, with the sweet spot around 1,500-2,000 words. Focus on value over word count. Some of my best-performing pieces are under 1,000 words.
Can I republish content from my personal blog on Medium?
Yes, but use Medium’s import tool and set canonical links to avoid SEO penalties. However, original content typically performs better on Medium than republished pieces.
How do I get featured in Medium publications?
Research publications in your niche, read their submission guidelines carefully, and pitch your best work. Start with smaller publications to build credibility before approaching major ones like The Startup or Better Humans.
Is it worth joining the Medium Partner Program immediately?
Suppose you’re eligible (available in select countries), yes. Even if you only earn a few dollars initially, the psychological boost and feedback loop can motivate you to write more consistently.
How do I deal with negative comments or criticism?
Respond professionally to constructive criticism and ignore trolls. Medium’s community is generally respectful, but occasional negative feedback comes with putting your work out there.
Should I focus on trending topics or evergreen content?
Both have value. Trending topics can bring immediate traffic, while evergreen content continues to attract readers in the long term. I aim for about 70% evergreen and 30% timely content.
How vital are tags on Medium?
This is very important. Use all five available tags and choose them strategically. Include both broad tags (like “productivity”) and specific ones (like “remote work”) to maximize discoverability.
Can I write about any topic on Medium?
Medium allows most topics, but avoid spam, hate speech, or content violating their service terms. The platform works best for thoughtful, well-researched pieces rather than purely promotional content.
Conclusion: Your Medium Journey Starts Now
Medium has genuinely changed my life as a writer and professional. It’s given me a platform to share my thoughts, connect with like-minded people, and earn money doing what I love. But more than that, it’s made me a better writer by forcing me to clarify my thoughts and communicate more effectively.
The platform isn’t perfect, and no format is, but it offers something unique: a space where quality writing can find its audience without the noise and distractions of other social media platforms.
Whether you’re looking to build your personal brand, share your expertise, explore new ideas, or improve your writing skills, Medium provides the tools and audience to make it happen. The key is to start before you feel ready and to keep showing up consistently.
Your first article doesn’t need to be perfect. It just needs to be published. Medium’s community is supportive, and readers appreciate authenticity over polish. So open that laptop, start typing, and join the millions of people who’ve found their voice on Medium.
The best time to start writing on Medium was three years ago. The second-best time is right now. What story are you going to tell?
Ready to start your Medium journey? Sign up for Medium today and publish your first article. Remember, every expert was once a beginner. Your unique perspective is precisely what the platform needs.
