Writing with the Reader in Mind

Initially, I wrote for my own satisfaction, without considering an audience. However, when writing for a public platform, the focus shifts to serving the reader.

What interests the reader, and what can I provide that adds value? I'm still exploring these questions, but I recognize their importance for achieving success as a writer. Readers seek articles that resonate with them; this isn’t my personal diary, but a medium for sharing experiences and knowledge with a global audience.

Understanding Your Audience

I’ve experimented with a technique that I believe can be beneficial for you as well. Recognizing that not every piece of writing can appeal to everyone is crucial. Identifying who is likely to read your article and what they seek is essential. For instance, when crafting this article, I envisioned a specific reader:

• Aged 25-30
• Interested in writing
• A new Medium author
• Eager to learn from my experiences

While this might not accurately capture my actual readership, it helps me tailor my content to better serve this hypothetical audience.

Learning What Resonates

I've been analyzing my Medium statistics to leverage them for improvement. These numbers offer valuable insights rather than being mere figures on a screen.

For instance, if an article has a poor read ratio, I can deduce that:

• The title lacks intrigue
• The introduction fails to captivate
• The content didn't meet reader expectations

With this knowledge, I can refine my titles and introductions. Through ongoing experimentation, I can discover what my audience truly desires.

Enhancing Writing Skills

It's undeniable that there are quality articles and those that fall flat. To excel as a writer, your work must meet high standards. Effective writing typically includes:

• A clear and organized message
• Proficient use of language with minimal errors
• Proper formatting
• Valuable content for the reader

I strive to elevate my writing to these standards, which requires consistent practice.

Writing Regularly

Becoming a proficient writer is nearly impossible without ample experience and practice. Expertise is built over time.

I write daily—not always a complete piece, but at least a few paragraphs. Since adopting this habit, I've noticed marked improvements in my writing skills. While I may not yet be highly effective, I am certainly getting better. Sometimes, I jot down thoughts and reflections in my journal; all forms of writing contribute to growth.

Studying the Craft

When I first began my writing journey, I struggled with crafting compelling titles and engaging introductions. Even now, I continue to learn.

Every day, I dedicate time to reading the works of other writers and seeking advice on how to enhance my articles. An open mind is essential for growth; highly effective writers consistently seek to improve, differentiating them from their peers.

The Power of Perseverance

One simple factor sets great writers apart: their commitment. They've invested more hours, penned more articles, and gained invaluable experience. Most importantly, they never give up.

Having spent only a short time on Medium, I recognize that many writers have years more experience than I do. Naturally, they have garnered larger followings and produce superior content.

The Importance of Gratitude

My read counts and earnings have fluctuated significantly. The lows can be disheartening and lead me to question my writing path.

I often see stories of writers who quickly gain thousands of followers, making me feel inadequate. However, I must remind myself of my initial purpose for writing. While follower counts and earnings are factors I consider, they are not the primary reason for my writing journey.

Isn't it remarkable that I can share my thoughts with the world, even if only a few people engage with them? That is truly amazing!

Never Losing Hope

My intention is to continue writing on Medium for years to come. I genuinely enjoy sharing my ideas and insights. Allowing the challenges to deter my journey would mean giving up, and I refuse to be a quitter.

I believe that perseverance ultimately pays off, and the arduous journey is worthwhile when you reach the summit.

Grit is essential for success. Writers with massive followings didn’t achieve that without determination. Otherwise, everyone would reach that level of success.

I remind myself:

• So what if I had a surge of views today? If I stop writing, I won’t maintain that momentum.
• So what if my views are low today? Tomorrow could be the day one of my articles goes viral.

Change is constant, and it’s important to remain present to witness that transformation, turning aspirations into reality.