How I Craft $350 Articles with Just 1500 Followers: Unveiling my Magic Formula

The alchemy of content creation: Transforming 1000 followers into $250 articles

Usman Aslam
ILLUMINATION’S MIRROR
6 min readSep 28, 2023

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Have you ever wondered how some content creators manage to turn a modest following into a substantial income stream?

It may seem like a daunting task, especially when you have only 350 followers, but fear not!

In this article, I’m going to unveil the secrets behind my process of crafting a $250 article with such a modest audience.

Prepare to be surprised, inspired, and ready to take your content creation game to the next level.

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The Unexpected Revelation: Size Doesn’t Always Matter

It’s a common misconception that you need thousands or millions of followers to make a substantial income as a content creator.

While a large following certainly helps, it’s not the only path to success. The key lies in the quality of your content and your ability to engage your audience.

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Breaking It Down: The Article Format

Start with an Unexpected Revelation or Lesser-Known Fact

The journey to a successful article begins with a captivating hook. For me, it’s often an unexpected revelation or a lesser-known fact related to the topic I’m covering.

This piques the reader’s curiosity and keeps them hooked from the very beginning.

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Use Sub-headings to Segment and Guide the Narrative

Breaking your article into sections with informative sub-headings makes it easy for readers to navigate and absorb the content.

It also creates a sense of structure, making your article more appealing and reader-friendly.

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Use Space Wisely to Improve Readability

Strive to incorporate ample white space in your articles to enhance readability and visibility. Notice how I keep my paragraphs concise and easily digestible?

Keep in mind that many Medium readers access articles on their mobile devices, not large screens. Effective use of white space greatly enhances the reading experience.

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Incorporate Anecdotes and Historical Events Where Appropriate

Anecdotes and historical events add depth and context to your content. They help readers relate to the topic and can make even complex subjects more accessible.

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The Conversational Tone & Voice

Conversational and Introspective

My writing style is all about being conversational and introspective. I want readers to feel like they’re having a friendly chat with me, exploring a fascinating topic together.

Merge Personal Experiences with Broad Themes

Sharing personal experiences humanizes your content and makes it relatable.

Don’t be afraid to open up about your journey as a content creator, including both successes and challenges.

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Use Relatable Examples

To make abstract concepts tangible, use relatable examples that your audience can easily connect with. This bridges the gap between theory and practice.

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Engaging Techniques

Use Direct Questions

Direct questions invite readers into the narrative. They encourage active engagement and make readers feel like they’re part of the discussion. For instance, “Have you ever faced challenges with a small following?”

I always aim to encourage my readers to contemplate and reflect on various aspects of the topic in question.

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Include Interactive Elements

Incorporate links to original content or relevant external articles to provide readers with opportunities for deeper exploration.

This keeps them engaged and encourages them to stay on your platform.

Accessibility in Vocabulary & Grammar

Aim for Clarity over Complexity

Accessibility is key. Use language that’s clear and straightforward, prioritizing clarity over complexity. Avoid jargon that might alienate readers.

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Focus on Terms and Concepts That Resonate

Choose terms and concepts that resonate with a wide audience. Explain technical terms when necessary, ensuring that your content remains inclusive.

Imagery & Metaphor

Leverage Everyday Comparisons

Compare complex ideas to everyday experiences or well-known concepts. This helps readers grasp the essence of your message.

Think of it as providing them with a familiar roadmap through unfamiliar territory.

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Use Vivid Examples

Vivid examples are like beacons in your content, highlighting key messages and making them memorable.

The Call-to-Action (CTA)

Engage Readers Further

Don’t let your readers slip away after finishing your article. Encourage them to subscribe, share, or explore more of your content.

A well-crafted call-to-action can significantly boost reader engagement.

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Article Length

Aim for Medium-Length

Aim for articles that take around 5–7 minutes to read. This is a sweet spot that allows you to delve into the topic without overwhelming your audience.

Authenticity & Transparency

Share Personal Experiences

Whenever possible, share personal experiences or examples related to your journey as a content creator.

Being authentic and transparent builds trust with your audience.

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Final Thoughts: Sparking Further Thought

As I wrap up this article, I want you to ponder the possibilities that await you as a content creator.

Your follower count is just one piece of the puzzle. With the right approach, you can craft articles that not only educate but also monetize your passion.

So, here’s the challenge: Take these insights, apply them to your own journey, and see how you can turn your 350 followers into a thriving content creation career.

It’s not about the numbers; it’s about the value you provide and the connections you make along the way.

Dare to dream big, even with a small following. Who knows? Your next $250 article might be just around the corner.

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About the Author

Usman Aslam stands as a seasoned Principal Solutions Architect, boasting over 16 years of experience within the technology domain. His remarkable journey includes achieving all 12 AWS certifications, a testament to his unwavering commitment and profound expertise. With an extensive background spanning Amazon Web Services (AWS), Capgemini, and Emerson, Usman has refined his skills in crafting resilient cloud solutions. He has been at the forefront of steering application migration and modernization onto the AWS platform. Usman’s leadership is a driving force behind the seamless transition and modernization of systems from on-premises environments to the Cloud. Notably, Usman has earned the trust of both enterprises and startups, owing to his exceptional skill set and adept leadership, rendering him an invaluable asset in their respective journeys to the cloud.

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Usman Aslam
Usman Aslam

Written by Usman Aslam

Ex-Amazonian, Sr. Solutions Architect at AWS, 12x AWS Certified. ❤️ Tech, Cloud, Programming, Data Science, AI/ML, Software Development, and DevOps. Join me 🤝

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