Maximizing Your Medium Earnings: Lessons Learned Along the Way
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Chapter 1: My Journey to $200 Monthly Earnings
This month marks the third occasion I've achieved $200 in earnings from my Medium writing. Starting from scratch with no followers, reaching this financial milestone has become a recurring success after just nine months, six of which were spent in the hospital. While the journey has been rewarding, it has also been filled with numerous mistakes that could have expedited my path to success.
> This article aims to outline some of the most significant errors I made along the way, with the hope that they will help others achieve the $200 goal more quickly.
Section 1.1: The Perils of Waiting for Inspiration
Generating regular content can be challenging, yet it's essential for earning substantial income on Medium. Initially, I made the mistake of posting articles only when I had a compelling topic in mind. This was compounded by my first article being selected by Medium for wider distribution, leading me to believe that sporadic posts would suffice for a decent side income.
I learned the hard way that I was mistaken. Today, I utilize a content calendar in Obsidian, which not only serves as a repository for potential titles but also tracks the status and key research for each piece. I keep the Drafts app on my Apple Watch, allowing me to capture ideas on the go. If I find a title worth pursuing, I transfer it to my Content Calendar during my evening review.
To maximize productivity, aim to publish 2–3 articles each week. Once you establish this routine, consider increasing your output to 3–5 pieces weekly.
Section 1.2: The Importance of Making Time to Write
Another mistake I made was postponing writing until I had "the time" to do it—often right before unwinding with Netflix or while waiting for dinner. Frequently, articles would take days or weeks to complete.
If you're serious about generating income on Medium, you need to dedicate time to your writing. While many suggest waking up early to find this time, I have young children and need my rest. I wake up around 7:00, prepare breakfast, and aim to be at my desk by 8:00, allowing me an hour or more of focused writing before my day job begins.
To make that hour effective, I spend about twenty minutes the evening before outlining my article’s main points. This way, I can jump right into writing the next morning without wasting time deciding what to say.
If you struggle to find a full hour, small writing sessions of 10-20 minutes can still be effective—just ensure you know what you want to accomplish during that time.
Chapter 2: Enhancing Focus and Structure in Writing
How Much Money You Can Make Writing on Medium in 2024
This video explores potential earnings for writers on Medium, providing insights into how to maximize your income through effective strategies.
Not Being Fully Present While Writing
When you carve out time to write, it's crucial to be fully present. Many of my articles were crafted with distractions like the TV or social media vying for my attention. The pieces I take pride in are those where I was wholly focused, offering well-structured content that provides real value to readers.
Once published, your work will be available for an extended period, so make sure it's of high quality. Strive to create content that you can be proud of—this is what you're here to do.
Improving Article Structure
A lack of focus often leads to a lack of direction in writing. My earlier articles tended to wander without a clear purpose. Now, I ensure I have a targeted audience in mind and a definitive objective for each piece.
Is my goal to solve a specific problem for the reader? Am I aiming to establish credibility for future topics? Am I encouraging readers to follow me for more content? I now focus on making my articles straightforward to read, with concise sentences, short paragraphs, and a clear call to action at the end.
Investing in Personal Growth
I used to think I could figure everything out on my own to save money. However, I've recently recognized the value of investing in guidance from those who are further along in their journey.
The writing industry is filled with enticing offers, so it's essential to discern where to invest your time and resources wisely. I've begun exploring various avenues for growth with a long-term perspective.
Building an Audience Beyond Medium
While I'm not heavily invested in social media, I regret not having an active Twitter presence. My attempts to maintain a personal Twitter account led to confusion among friends who weren't interested in my writing.
Medium's recent changes to its partner program highlighted the platform's intention not to be the sole audience for writers. I now have active accounts on Twitter and Mastodon and am focused on growing my audience. Once I establish a larger following, I plan to explore newsletters, but I'm still working toward that goal.
If you're looking to expand your reach, consider building your audience outside of Medium. Collaboration and support can be beneficial, so feel free to reach out.
Final Thoughts
I hope the insights shared in this article prove helpful. If you found value in it, please consider following me on Twitter or Mastodon, where I regularly share my experiences in developing a small online business.
If social media isn’t your thing, simply clicking the "like" button can help bring this post to the attention of others who may find it useful.