Medium vs. Substack: My Journey as a Writer Juggling Two Platforms
What I’ve Learned About Visibility, Connections, and Earning Potential
Starting my journey on Medium was like finding a well-lit path in a forest. The platform offered me tools to connect with readers, SEO benefits, and a community of thoughtful writers. After a year on Medium, with just about 1,000 followers and some steady earnings, I decided to expand my horizons and try Substack, another platform gaining popularity among writers looking to connect with their audience on a more personal level.
In two months on Substack, I’ve gained 47 subscribers — no paid ones yet — but I’ve enjoyed the community vibe and the ability to connect directly with readers and fellow writers.
I’ve noticed a few key differences between the two platforms, especially around visibility, income, and the way I interact with readers, that have made Medium my current platform of choice. Here’s a breakdown of my experiences on both, along with my thoughts on what each platform offers for writers like us.
Building Visibility: Medium’s SEO Power vs. Substack’s Limited Reach
When it comes to visibility, Medium’s SEO game has been a very pleasant surprise. Many of my…