Learn How to Build a Loyal Readership on Medium

Tips for how to engage your medium readers

Alp Arslan
New Writers Welcome
3 min readOct 30, 2023

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Photo by Kui from Midjourney

Hey there! If you’re reading this, you’re probably a writer on Medium, or thinking of becoming one.

And like me, you’re probably wondering, “How do I get people to actually read my stuff?”

Well, I’ve been there, done that, and got the t-shirt. So, let’s dive into the world of engaging readers, shall we?

Giving this article 30 seconds of your time helps it climb the Medium ladder. Every second counts — Thanks for the support! :)

The title: your first handshake

Imagine meeting someone for the first time. Your title is like that first handshake. It needs to be firm, confident, and inviting.

Instead of “My Day at the Park,” how about “The Day a Squirrel Stole My Sandwich at the Park”?

A bit more interesting, right?

Be the friend, not the lecturer

We all have that one friend who talks at us, not to us.

Don’t be that friend. Write like you are chatting over coffee. Share stories, ask questions, and listen.

Yes, even in writing, you can “listen” by engaging with comments and feedback.

Your life is a goldmine

You might think your life is boring, but trust me, it’s not.

Remember when you accidentally put salt in your coffee instead of sugar? Or when you got lost and found that cute little bookstore?

Share those stories. They are relatable, human, and often hilarious.

Consistency: the unsung hero

Imagine waiting for your favorite TV show and it doesn’t air.

Annoying, right? Your readers feel the same. If you write once a week, stick to it. If it is every day, even better.

But remember, quality over quantity.

The comment section: not just for trolls

The comment section can be scary. But it is also where the magic happens.

It is where you get to know your readers, where they share their stories, and where you can ask for feedback.

Engage, chat, and make friends. It’s called social media for a reason.

Collaborate and listen

Remember the 90s song “Ice Ice Baby”?

Okay, maybe not. But the message stands. Collaborate with fellow writers. Share their work. Write responses to their stories.

It’s a community, and everyone benefits from a little teamwork.

Keep it simple

Big words might make you sound smart, but they can also be confusing.

Keep it simple. Write like you talk. If you wouldn’t say “utilize” in a regular conversation, just say “use”. It’s easier on the ears (or eyes, in this case).

Visuals: a picture is worth a thousand words

Add pictures, gifs, or even doodles to your stories. They break up the text, add some color, and can often enhance your story.

Plus, who doesn’t love a good meme?

In conclusion…

Building a readership on Medium is not about having the fanciest vocabulary or the most groundbreaking ideas.

It is about being human, being consistent, and genuinely connecting with your readers. So, grab that coffee (with sugar, not salt), sit down, and start writing. Your readers are waiting.

P.S. If you have made it this far, thank you! Drop a comment, share a story, or just say hi. Every interaction is a step closer to building that loyal readership. And if you have any tips of your own, I’m all ears! Or eyes. You get the point. ;)

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Alp Arslan
New Writers Welcome

Writing about freelancing & personal growth. Let's grow through stories!