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Unlocking the Secrets to Reader Engagement on Medium

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Understanding Reader Desires on Medium

My journey on Medium started off poorly. However, I eventually uncovered a key strategy that transformed my experience.

Monthly growth stats screenshot

The image above illustrates my growth trajectory from August 2023 to January 2024. Initially, I was only gaining 2 to 3 followers per month. In August and September, I managed to add just 5 new followers. But then, everything changed.

In January 2024, I witnessed an astonishing increase of 150 new followers. What was the catalyst for this surge? What insights did I gain about what readers truly seek on Medium?

Tip One: Present Clear Evidence

A major factor in my follower growth can be summed up in my first piece of advice: "Present Clear Evidence."

What does this mean? For instance, the central theme of this article is helping you identify what readers want to engage with on Medium. However, you are unlikely to trust my perspective unless I provide proof that I know what I'm discussing.

Thus, it's crucial to showcase evidence from the start! My statistics demonstrate that I gained 150 followers in a single month, reflecting my authenticity. You can see my past struggle and this remarkable growth, reinforcing my credibility.

Here’s how you can apply this concept:

  1. Reflect on the story you wish to tell.
  2. Identify the core message.
  3. Find a way to present evidence supporting your message right from the beginning.

By adhering to this approach, you should see an uptick in your views and engagement. If you're unsure about any of these elements, save your story idea in drafts until it crystallizes. Some concepts require time to develop, so don’t discard them prematurely.

Stories page screenshot

As illustrated, I currently have 94 drafts awaiting refinement.

Tip Two: Authenticity Over AI

What’s my second tip for increasing your Medium readership? This might stir some debate: readers prefer content from individuals who genuinely understand their topics.

You don’t need to be an expert, but it’s vital to avoid fabricating stories or resorting to AI-generated content for attention.

Critics argue that AI can produce comparable narratives, but that’s a misconception. No AI can replicate my unique voice. Moreover, when AI attempts to mimic my style, I can easily counter it with my own writing. While many may praise AI, remember that it requires human input to generate content. If you don’t have a genuine passion for your subject, you won't invest the necessary effort.

So here’s my second takeaway: Don’t rush to publish. Instead, take your time to craft your final draft, allowing it to rest for a few days. This will enable you to return with fresh eyes, catching mistakes and inconsistencies you might have missed.

Tip Three: Building Your Audience

If you want to enhance your writing skills and engage more readers, I encourage you to follow me. Here's my final piece of advice.

Did you catch the essence? Many social media experts stress the importance of finding your niche. However, finding an audience doesn’t solely rely on niche identification.

There are three key reasons people choose to follow you:

  1. You discuss topics they care about.
  2. They believe you will remain active and not disappear.
  3. You possess knowledge they wish to gain.

This is the formula for success. My own experience shows that I gained 150 followers due to these reasons. One of my articles went viral because it resonated with a vast audience, addressing a topic of significant interest.

Additionally, my extensive publication history—over 400 articles—reassures readers that I’m committed to contributing more. Lastly, I offer insights as a 21st-century skills expert, including effective communication.

If you want to cultivate a larger following, consider these questions:

  • Are you addressing subjects that matter to others?
  • Do you plan to write on Medium consistently for the next year?
  • Are you knowledgeable about topics others want to learn?

If you answered "YES" to all three, focus on those areas.

This video, "How to Write Medium Stories Millions of People Want to Read," provides insights on crafting compelling articles that attract readers.

In this video titled "Is Medium Still Worth It in 2024? (from a Top Writer + Boost Nominator)," experts discuss the platform's evolving relevance and strategies for success.

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