If you’re “new” at Medium or have no readers…

1 year ago, I wrote about my terrible start on Medium. It started like this:

My first story got 18 reads.
My 2nd story got 7.
My 3rd story got 2.

Which, I suppose, is better than none.

1 year later, that article is still in my top 3.

It’s amazing, because on Facebook or Twitter, stuff you posted a year ago has scrolled into oblivion. Here, your content stays evergreen.

A weird thing I learned about Medium…

Once the post hit 500 comments, I couldn’t see new comments anymore. I get email notifications, but I can’t scroll to them on the page. Who knew? I’d never had a post with over 500 comments before. So if you commented on that post — or any post with 500+ comments — and no one clicked or replied, that’s why…

In hindsight? I’d give different advice today…

Hindsight is always 20/20, you know? Steve Jobs once said you can’t connect the dots looking forward. You can only see how all the dots are connected when you look backwards. I’ve learned a lot from that post.

Today, I’d give new writers just 2 tips…

There’s the rare writer that doesn’t want readers, but that’s not most of us. Most of us write because we feel compelled to — but we want to be read, too.

Thus begins the battle between hope and fear. We hope someone will read, but we’re afraid to promote the very art we want people to consume. Thing is, growth seldom happens in our comfort zone. Fear is just telling us something is new and unknown. The alternative is same old, same old.

Tip #1. Go where the people are.

Write for a publication. Publications have an audience hungry for content. Here’s a list of publications looking for writers.

Look through the list and find one that’s just big enough that you feel a bit nervous and submit. Better yet, submit different posts to different publications and find the one that’s most receptive to you.

Don’t take rejection personally. Every publication is just trying to tailor their content to their audience. Keep trying until you find a great fit.

Or, write for the members program. I haven’t written for members (yet) so I can’t comment on how well it works, but I know Medium promotes member content to members. (I’m a member so I get the member emails. :)

There’s no point in launching your writing to crickets.
I did that so you don’t have to. :)

Tip #2. Be interesting — and leave comments!

People follow people because they like what they have to say. Be you. Let who you are shine through. Don’t write what you think people want to read. Just be you, quirks and all. As they say, everyone else is taken.

That doesn’t just apply to your posts. It applies to comments, too! Interact. It really does makes a difference. The more people get to know who you are, the bigger an audience you’ll build. Trust me on this one.

Also…

Same offer as before. If you have few readers, paste a link to your best or favorite post in the comments. If the comments don’t blow up, I’ll come say hi and welcome.

Have a great day. Thanks for reading! ❤