Blogging can be an incredibly fulfilling hobby or even a lucrative career. But it’s not always easy to build a following and unlock opportunities.
As a newbie blogger, it’s natural to feel overwhelmed and uncertain about where to start. However, with dedication, persistence, and a willingness to learn. You can grow your followers and take your blog to the next level.
In this article, follow my personal journey from a novice to a Medium member. Learning lessons and opportunities along the way.
Discover some tips and insights that you can apply to your own blogging journey. And help you achieve success.
Whether you’re just starting out or looking to take your blog to the next level. This article will offer valuable insights and inspiration to help you achieve your goals.
Starting Out on Medium: My Experience with Posting and the Medium Partner Program
When I started blogging, I wanted to find ways to get more traffic to my website.
I had heard about Medium.com through a YouTube video about driving traffic to a blog. So I decided to create an account on there to share my blog articles and hopefully gain some traffic.
At the time, I didn’t know much about Medium or the Medium Partner Program (MPP). I simply posted my first article and was surprised to see a pop-up about the MPP.
After reading about it, I realized that I just needed to have one article published to be eligible. Which was easy enough.
However, the second requirement was to have 100 followers, and I didn’t have that many at the time. But since my main goal was just to share my blog articles, I didn’t worry about it too much.
My Experience with Facebook Groups as a Newbie Blogger
When I started my blogging journey, I knew I needed to learn more about the industry and connect with fellow bloggers.
And Facebook groups were a great way to do this. So, I joined groups where I could interact with other newbies like me, as well as seasoned bloggers and freelance writers.
One of the most helpful groups I found was specifically for Medium writers and bloggers. It was a very interactive group. And despite my being an introvert and a newbie, I mustered the courage to comment and post.
This was a big step for me, as I usually just lurk on Facebook and scroll through posts without engaging.
But being part of this group allowed me to learn more about Medium and blogging in general. I could ask questions and get advice from people who had been doing this for a while.
It also helped me feel less alone in my new career path. And as a bonus, I even gained some followers from the group who were interested in my writing!
Discovering the Benefits of Followers
As I continued to post on Medium and interact with other bloggers in Facebook groups. I began to notice that my follower count was increasing.
At first, I didn’t give it much thought, as my main goal was just to share my blog articles and get some traffic.
However, as my follower count grew, I started to realize the benefits of having a larger audience. With more followers, my articles were being seen by more people. So I was receiving more feedback and engagement.
Through my interactions with other Medium writers. I also learned that having a larger following can help attract the attention of publications. And increase your chances of being curated by Medium.
I soon discovered that becoming a Medium member would allow me to read even more articles. And expand my knowledge on various topics.
However, I hesitated at first, as I was not yet earning any income from my blog and did not want to add another monthly expense.
But as I continued to enjoy reading articles on Medium, I realized that being a member had many benefits.
Including being able to read exclusive content and having access to various features. That can help improve my writing and online presence.
So I set a goal for myself to upgrade to a Medium membership once I reached 50 followers. Which gave me the motivation to continue engaging with my audience and growing my following.
My Journey to Becoming a Medium Member
Target Reached: My Achievement
For sure, reaching 50 followers on Medium has been an achievement for me. It was my target for upgrading my account to a Medium membership.
I am proud of myself for actively engaging in an online community. As well as writing articles that resonate with my audience.
Getting Involved: Overcoming My Shyness
Joining Facebook groups for bloggers and writers has allowed me to get involved. In addition, connect with fellow writers.
As a shy person, I never imagined myself participating in an online community. But the more I engage with other writers, the more comfortable I become sharing my thoughts and ideas.
Becoming a Medium Member: Unlocking More Opportunities
As a member, I now have access to more articles on Medium.
I enjoy reading and learning from other writers. And I believe that becoming a member will help me improve my writing skills.
Although I do not live in a country supported by the Partner Program. I still see the value in being a member. The more I write and engage on Medium, the more opportunities may open up for me in the future.
Lessons Learned from this Journey
The lessons that can be learned from the previous sections include:
- It is possible to get traffic to a blog by sharing posts on Medium and other platforms.
- Joining groups on social media can be a great way to learn from other bloggers and gain followers.
- Engaging with the online community by posting and commenting can help build an audience.
- Upgrading to become a Medium member can offer access to more articles and benefits. Even if you are not in a supported country for the Partner Program.
The Benefits of a Medium Member
Becoming a Medium member offers several benefits that can help improve one’s writing and online presence, including:
Access to exclusive content
Medium members get access to a curated selection of exclusive articles. Audio versions of popular stories, and personalized reading recommendations based on their interests and reading history.
Increased visibility
Members’ stories get highlighted in Medium’s weekly newsletters. Making it more likely for their work to be discovered by new readers.
Enhanced networking opportunities
Members can join Medium’s exclusive Slack community.
Where they can connect with other writers, editors, and publishing professionals. Exchange feedback and ideas. And participate in writing challenges and workshops.
Monetization opportunities
While not available in all countries, Medium members in supported countries can earn money through the Medium Partner Program. By allowing their articles to be eligible for distribution through the Medium network.
Writing improvement
As a platform that values quality writing, Medium offers a range of tools and resources. To help writers improve their craft, including writing prompts, grammar guides, and style tips.
By taking advantage of these benefits, becoming a Medium member can help writers improve their online presence. And expand their audience.
Additionally, the feedback and interaction with other writers and readers can offer valuable insights. To what works and what doesn’t when it comes to writing and publishing on the web.
How to Improve Following on Medium
Here are some effective strategies for gaining followers on Medium:
- Write high-quality content: This is the most important factor in gaining followers. Writing engaging, informative, and well-written content. That resonates with your target audience will help attract new readers and keep existing ones coming back for more.
- Promote your work on social media: Share your Medium articles on social media platforms like Twitter, LinkedIn, and Facebook. To reach a wider audience and encourage followers to engage with your content.
- Engage with the Medium community: Participate in Medium’s social network by reading, clapping, and commenting on other writers’ work. This will increase your visibility and help you build relationships with other Medium writers and readers.
- Use tags effectively: Use relevant tags on your articles to help readers find your work when searching for specific topics. This can increase the visibility of your content and attract new followers who are interested in your niche.
- Collaborate with other writers: Partner with other writers in your niche to co-write articles. Share each other’s work, and cross-promote on social media. This can help increase your exposure to a wider audience and attract new followers.
- Be consistent: Regularly publishing new content on Medium can help keep your followers engaged and attract new readers. Consistency is key to building a strong online presence.
By implementing these strategies, you can increase your chances of gaining followers on Medium. And building a strong online presence.
However, it’s important to remember that building a following takes time and effort. So it’s important to be patient and persistent in your efforts.
Final Thoughts
My journey to becoming a Medium member has been a rewarding experience.
Starting as a new blogger, I learned that Medium is not only a platform to drive traffic to your website. But also a community of writers and readers that provide valuable feedback and support.
Through my interactions on Medium and Facebook groups. I have gained knowledge, confidence, and a growing audience.
Reaching the halfway mark of the Medium Partner Program was a surprise. But I took it as a sign to upgrade my account to a Medium membership.
Being a Medium member gives me access to more articles and features. That can help me improve my writing skills and online presence.
Although my country is not supported by the Partner Program. I see the value in being a member and engaging with the community.
In conclusion, my experience as a new blogger on Medium has taught me the importance of engaging with the online community. Being persistent, and setting achievable goals.
I look forward to continuing my writing journey on Medium and discovering new opportunities.
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