10 Things I Wish I Knew Before Starting Medium
From confusion to clarity — what I have learnt the hard way.
Non-paying members can read here for free.
When I first heard about Medium, I couldn’t believe it. A website where writers can publish their work in front of an audience of more than a million readers and get paid for their writing.
I was sold—finally, there was a place on the Internet where I could get paid to write and never work in the office again.
Spoiler alert — I have been on Medium for over six years, still working, and haven’t been able to quit my 9–5 job.
Though I do not make a sustainable income from Medium, that would allow me to leave my job. I still get paid, and I enjoy it here, but for the newbies who are still finding their way — or even to some older members like myself — here is my list of 10 things I wish I knew before starting Medium.
1. Medium is a marathon, not a sprint.
Like any meaningful venture, building a presence on Medium takes time, effort, and consistency.
Don’t expect instant results — not in the first week, the first month, or even the first year.
I earned $0.89 in my first month writing on Medium.
It’s a slow burn, not a quick win.
If you’re hoping to crank out rushed articles for a quick payday, this probably isn’t the platform for you.
Medium readers value thoughtful, well-crafted content from writers they can trust — and that kind of trust takes time and consistency to earn.
2. Read before writing.
I get it — when you’re excited to start writing, it’s tempting to jump in and hit publish right away (I did the same).
But before rushing ahead, it’s worth slowing down and spending some time reading what others are publishing. Medium’s homepage features curated articles that reflect the tone, structure, and quality the platform tends to reward.
It’s difficult to define exactly, but there’s a certain style of writing that resonates here on Medium — thoughtful, clear, and value-driven.
Taking time to observe what works well can give you valuable insight and help you shape your voice more effectively.
3. Join Publications
Publications are a great way to be noticed. I am a publisher for 16 different publications.
My most-read article on Medium was published in About Me Publication, and I still get views to this day. Many of my followers/subscribers have found me through that publication, and I have discovered writers from that publication, too.
4. Writing comments goes a long way.
While all forms of engagement matter, I believe commenting is the most meaningful.
Why?
Because when someone takes the time to leave a comment, it shows they didn’t just skim your words — they connected with them. A thoughtful comment is like a handwritten letter compared to a store-bought card.
It’s personal and intentional and carries weight. It turns passive reading into active conversation — and that’s where real connection begins
5. A good picture is worth a thousand words.
There’s plenty of talk about the power of a strong title or subtitle on this platform — and rightly so.
But what often gets overlooked is the impact of a great image for your article.
I’ve learnt that a compelling visual can be just as powerful as a headline when it comes to grabbing your readers' attention.
Unsplash is a website that offers a vast library of high-quality, royalty-free photos that can instantly elevate your post, making it more clickable and visually appealing (Just remember to always give credit to the photographer).
6. Your story needs a takeaway.
Before you start writing, ask yourself: What will my reader walk away with?
Are you offering advice, sharing a lesson, sparking inspiration, or simply providing a moment of humour? (Disclaimer — I try to do all of the above.)
Every time someone clicks on your article, they’re giving you their time, so make it worthwhile. Give them a reason to keep reading and keep coming back to your articles.
7. Focus on quality rather than quantity.
Before publishing, read your work aloud. Listen to its tone and rhythm — does it flow naturally? Strong writing not only follows proper grammar and formatting but also captures the reader’s attention and keeps it. Aim for clarity and engagement. Remember, quality always outweighs quantity
8. Use SEO to Your Advantage.
If you want readers to find your work, start by understanding what they’re searching for.
SEO (Search Engine Optimisation) helps your articles show up in relevant searches, giving them a better chance of being discovered.
Personally, I use SEO-driven topics for about 70% of my content — it helps build traction and grow my audience. The other 30%? That’s reserved for personal reflections and ideas which I feel compelled to write about in the moment. Both have their place, but SEO is what brings people to my page.
9. Get Grammarly
This won’t be for everyone, but if it’s within your budget, Grammarly is one of the most valuable tools you can invest in as a writer. (And no — this isn’t sponsored.)
It’s saved me hours of second-guessing and re-editing by catching grammar, punctuation, and tone issues before I hit publish. While it won’t replace your voice or creativity, it acts like a second pair of eyes, helping ensure your message is clear, clean, and professional.
10. Enjoy the Process
It’s no surprise that the writers who thrive on Medium are the ones who genuinely enjoy the process. Not just the publishing part, but the thinking, the drafting, the refining, and even the quiet moments of self-doubt.
Writing here isn’t just about chasing views or followers (though those are nice); it’s about showing up for yourself, sharing your voice, and connecting with others through your words.
When you focus on the joy of creating rather than the pressure to perform, everything feels lighter, and the growth becomes a by-product of your passion.
Thank you for taking the time to read this article.
If you’ve made it this far… Please share what you wish you knew before starting on Medium.
Thank you for your time.
