Unlocking the Secrets of Timeless Articles: A 7-Month Journey
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The Enduring Appeal of My Article
As many of you might be aware, I've been closely monitoring my analytics to identify which types of content resonate with readers today and how engagement influences my earnings. During this analysis, I stumbled upon one of my older articles, penned exactly seven months ago on January 2, that continues to attract significant views and engagement.
At first, I overlooked its performance, but today, a notification sparked my curiosity.
Screenshot By Me
This led me to ponder: what is it about this article that keeps it in the spotlight even after seven months? It seems no different from the many other quality pieces I've written, which quickly lose traction.
In fact, many of my articles seem to vanish within 6–8 hours, almost like a digital farewell. Marcus Musick aptly noted, “I know no one has the answer to that question, but it’s astonishing how some articles go viral despite being quite similar to others.”
He further mentioned that most articles have a fleeting lifespan of 6–8 hours before disappearing unless pinned to a profile. I couldn’t agree more. Recently, numerous articles of mine have enjoyed brief success, only to fade into obscurity.
So, what differentiates this particular article and allows it to endure?
Finding the Source of Longevity
Upon further investigation, I uncovered the answer.
Interestingly, out of 1,000 views and a 70% read rate, 675 views originated from Google. This suggests my article must be ranking on Google's first page, which explains its sustained engagement.
Indeed, I found it ranking on the first page of Google.
If you're curious why this article has only generated $2.16 from 1,000 views, it's because I recently enrolled in the Medium Partner Program on August 14, 2024, and placed this story behind a paywall. Thus, my earnings have been limited thus far.
Strategies for Google Ranking
To get your article to rank on Google, it's essential to choose specific topics. Focus on “How to” guides, lists, and themes that typically have high search volumes.
Here’s my approach:
- Craft an Engaging Headline: Keep it simple and relatable. Research successful headlines on Google to inspire your own.
- Write Detailed Content: Aim for well-written, long-form articles. Aiming for a read time of at least four minutes is advisable.
- Utilize Publications: Medium has high domain authority, which can enhance your chances of ranking on Google. While not mandatory, submitting to reputable publications can be advantageous.
What Makes Content Succeed?
The enigma of what content excels and what doesn’t remains unsolved for me. There’s no universal formula to guarantee virality.
For example, I recently penned a similar piece that remains unnoticed, not earning a single dollar yet.
This highlights an undeniable truth: the same approach doesn’t guarantee success every time.
While clickbait titles and other tactics might boost views, they don't necessarily translate to higher earnings. I've covered this topic in previous articles if you're interested in learning more.
The Value of Engagement
Earnings on Medium are not solely based on views or reads; they hinge on meaningful engagement.
Ultimately, consistency is key. By continually producing quality content, you'll eventually experience a breakthrough that captures the attention you deserve.
In conclusion, there’s no single answer to what works and what doesn’t. Trends change, and what succeeds today may not do so tomorrow. What currently appears stagnant could thrive in the future.
It all boils down to a combination of luck and perseverance. Keep writing, keep pushing forward, and most importantly, remain present.
Thank you for your time! If you enjoyed my content, please consider clapping and commenting on my posts. Your support as a reader is invaluable to my growth as a writer.