The Perfect Posting Strategy: Boost Your Medium Reads and Claps Today
If you’ve been writing on Medium for a while, you’ve probably wondered: Why are some articles raking in thousands of claps while others barely get noticed? The answer often lies not just in what you write but how and when you publish it. Medium is an incredible platform for writers, offering the chance to build an audience and earn money through the Partner Program. But without a clear posting strategy, even the best articles can get lost in the shuffle.
The good news? Crafting a perfect posting strategy isn’t rocket science. In this article, I’ll share actionable tips, real-world examples, and lessons from top Medium writers to help you boost your reads, claps, and overall engagement.
1. Write for the Reader, Not Just Yourself
One of the biggest mistakes writers make is focusing solely on what they want to write, rather than what their readers want to read. To gain traction on Medium, you need to deliver value — whether it’s in the form of insights, advice, or relatable stories.
How to Understand Your Audience
- Look for Trends: Browse Medium’s trending topics and publications in your niche.
- Analyze Comments: Read comments on your previous articles or those of successful writers to identify what readers are asking for.
- Ask Questions: Use CTAs (calls to action) to invite readers to share their thoughts, needs, or challenges.
Example in Action:
Jessica Wildfire, a Medium writer known for her thoughtful essays, often writes about societal norms and personal growth. Her article “Why People Stop Reading Your Writing” resonates because it addresses a common struggle for writers, blending personal experience with actionable advice.
2. Timing Matters: When to Post for Maximum Visibility
Posting at the right time can significantly impact how many people see your article. Medium’s audience spans across time zones, so publishing when your target readers are most active increases the chances of your article being recommended.
Best Times to Post on Medium
- Weekdays, Early Morning: Most readers check Medium during their morning routine. Posting between 7 AM and 10 AM (EST) can help you catch the early risers.
- Midweek Sweet Spot: Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday tend to have the highest engagement rates.
- Experiment and Track: Use Medium’s analytics to identify when your articles perform best.
Example in Action:
Shaunta Grimes shared in “How Writing on Medium Changed My Life” that her articles gained more traction when she consistently posted midweek mornings. Tracking performance helped her refine her timing strategy.
3. Craft Irresistible Headlines
Your headline is the first thing readers see, and it often determines whether they’ll click on your article. A great headline should be clear, intriguing, and aligned with your content.
Tips for Writing Better Headlines
- Use Numbers: Listicles and numbered posts (e.g., “10 Ways to Improve Your Writing”) perform exceptionally well.
- Solve a Problem: Highlight the benefit readers will gain (e.g., “How to Beat Writer’s Block in 5 Minutes”).
- Add Curiosity: Use phrases like “The Secret to…” or “What No One Tells You About…”.
Example:
Tim Denning’s “Why You Should Write on Medium Even If You’re Not a Writer” has an engaging headline that speaks directly to readers’ doubts and encourages them to give writing a try.
4. Format for Readability
No one wants to read a wall of text. A well-formatted article is easier to read and more likely to keep readers engaged until the end.
Best Practices for Formatting
- Use Subheadings: Break your article into sections with clear subheadings.
- Keep Paragraphs Short: Aim for 2–3 sentences per paragraph.
- Add Visuals: Use images, graphs, or GIFs to complement your points.
- Include Lists and Bullet Points: These make your content skimmable and reader-friendly.
Pro Tip: Tools like Canva can help you create custom visuals, while platforms like Unsplash provide free high-quality images.
5. Leverage Medium Publications
Publishing under a reputable Medium publication can significantly boost your visibility. Publications often have established audiences, giving your article an initial push.
How to Get Published in a Medium Publication
- Research publications in your niche using Medium’s search bar.
- Review their submission guidelines, which are often linked on their profile.
- Submit your article with a personalized pitch explaining why it fits their audience.
Example in Action:
Ali Abdaal’s article “Why You Shouldn’t Wait for Inspiration to Strike” gained significant traction by being featured in a popular productivity-focused publication.
6. Build Momentum with Regular Posting
Consistency is key to growing your Medium presence. Regularly publishing articles increases your chances of being discovered by new readers and keeps your current audience engaged.
How Often Should You Post?
- For Beginners: Aim for 1–2 articles per week to build your portfolio.
- For Experienced Writers: Post 3–5 times per week to maintain visibility and growth.
Pro Tip: Use Medium’s “Schedule” feature to plan posts in advance and maintain a steady publishing cadence.
7. Engage with Your Audience
Building a loyal following on Medium requires more than just publishing great articles. Engaging with readers creates a sense of community and encourages them to keep coming back.
Ways to Engage Your Audience
- Respond to Comments: Show appreciation for readers who take the time to comment.
- Include a Call-to-Action (CTA): Invite readers to share their thoughts or follow you for more content.
- Clap and Comment on Other Articles: Supporting fellow writers can lead to mutual engagement.
Example in Action:
Nicolas Cole, a prolific Medium writer, often responds to comments on his articles, fostering a two-way dialogue that keeps readers invested. Check out his insights in “The Secret to Becoming a Better Writer”.
8. Optimize for Medium’s Algorithm
Medium’s algorithm determines how your articles are distributed and recommended. Understanding its key factors can help you maximize your reach.
Factors That Impact the Algorithm
- Engagement Metrics: High read ratios, claps, and comments signal valuable content.
- Consistency: Regular posting boosts your profile’s visibility.
- Relevance: Writing on trending topics or keywords improves discoverability.
Pro Tip: Analyze your stats regularly to identify patterns in what performs well.
9. Learn from Successful Medium Writers
1. Shaunta Grimes: Focus on Value
Shaunta shares actionable advice and personal stories that resonate deeply with her readers. Her article, “How I Made $8,000 in 3 Months on Medium”, is a masterclass in combining relatability with practical insights.
2. Tim Denning: Be Consistent
Tim’s strategy involves publishing frequently while maintaining substance. His article, “Why You Should Write on Medium Even If You’re Not a Writer”, reflects his commitment to consistency and delivering value.
3. Nicolas Cole: Experiment and Iterate
Nicolas emphasizes the importance of experimenting with topics and formats. His piece, “The Secret to Becoming a Better Writer”, offers practical advice for improving your craft and building an audience.
Conclusion: Start Boosting Your Medium Success Today
The perfect posting strategy on Medium combines thoughtful timing, reader-focused content, and consistent engagement. By crafting irresistible headlines, optimizing for the algorithm, and learning from successful writers, you can boost your reads, claps, and follower count in no time.
Remember, there’s no one-size-fits-all approach — experiment, analyze, and adapt as you go. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned writer, Medium offers endless opportunities to grow your audience and make an impact.
So, what’s your next article about? Start writing, keep experimenting, and watch your Medium journey soar!