Chapter 1: The Potential of Medium

For those who are new to Medium, joining the platform can feel like discovering an uncharted territory filled with opportunities. As someone who enjoys reading, finding Medium was akin to stumbling upon a hidden gem. The possibilities for creativity are endless, and the chance to earn some extra income is an enticing prospect.

Many of you might be wondering: Is it truly possible to monetize my writing on this platform? The answer is a resounding yes. However, before you can start generating income, you'll need to cultivate your own readership. It's completely normal to experience modest engagement at the beginning:

In the early stages, you might see something like 29 claps and 2 comments. Did I spend sleepless nights worrying about this? Absolutely not. Here's a snapshot of where I was after six months:

Six months later, I saw a slight improvement with 289 claps and 10 comments. Did my worries disappear? Not quite—it's a gradual process. Fast forward another five months, and here’s where I currently stand:

There's still a lot to accomplish, but the progress is evident.

The One Insight I Wish I Knew Sooner

Utilize your initial phase on Medium wisely. This "Honeymoon Period" is critical. When I first joined, I was engrossed in reading article after article, but I missed out on a key opportunity—engaging with the content creators through meaningful comments.

Simply saying "Good read" or "Thanks for sharing" isn't enough. Instead, I would advise my past self to take a moment to think about what I read. Ask questions, clarify interpretations, share personal experiences, or even add a touch of humor to my comments. Engaging thoughtfully can significantly enhance your visibility.

By doing this consistently, you’ll start to attract attention. The beauty of Medium lies not only in its built-in audience but also in the niche readers you can connect with. For instance, if you enjoyed an essay by a writer you admire, explore the comments section. You'll likely find others who share your interests—potential readers for your own work.

During your Honeymoon Period, channel your enthusiasm into purposeful reading and valuable commenting. These thoughtful remarks act as digital breadcrumbs that can lead readers back to your profile over time. With a bit of luck, you’ll see improved results in a shorter timeframe.

PS: If you haven’t caught the first part of this series, check it out here:

How I Started Earning On Medium

I Took A Year To See Results. You Can Do Better: The Start