Introduction

In December, I earned $116 during my first month in the Medium Partner Program. This was after two months of writing on Medium, during which I opted to paywall my articles just before December began. That month, I also achieved five Top Writer statuses in categories such as Satire, Short Story, Social Media, Education, and Humor.

Disclaimers

Before diving deeper, I have two important notes:

1. I won't cover the usual advice like gaining followers, engaging with others, or submitting to large publications, although some overlap may occur.
2. Regarding the question of "cheating the system," I must clarify that there aren't shortcuts. While you might feel tempted to leave, I encourage you to explore how to work effectively within Medium’s existing framework.

Finding Niche Publications

When considering which publications to write for, it's crucial to assess their visibility. Large publications allow any reader, member or not, to access their articles easily. Techniques like using Incognito Mode mean readers can bypass paywalls with little effort. While I encourage paying for quality content, breaking the Medium paywall is surprisingly simple.

Writers at major publications can access all articles without restriction. Remember, chasing member reading time isn't the ideal approach; passion should drive your writing.

I made $116 in my first month by tapping into niche publications that are less competitive but attract dedicated readers. For instance, I discovered an audience for True Crime articles, which average around $10 each. These readers often have been on Medium longer, likely being members. This gives you more member reading time compared to larger publications, which generally attract non-members.

Engaging with Feedback

Instead of asking for comments, it can be more effective to respond to unsolicited feedback. When readers engage with your work, acknowledge their thoughts. For instance, I received a comment on a humorous article where I jokingly wished misfortune upon editors who changed my pieces. I thanked the reader and asked for suggestions on improvement.

Incorporating feedback from my readers has helped refine my style and focus on what resonates with my audience. Acknowledging constructive criticism can lead to a stronger connection with your readers.

The Importance of Publication Layout

The layout of a publication can significantly impact your success. A publication that highlights 'Latest Stories' at the top ensures that your articles are more likely to be read. If a publication is cluttered with featured articles, it's unlikely that readers will scroll down to find your work.

Seek out niche publications that prioritize showing the latest content to maximize your exposure and reading time. Remember, if writing isn’t enjoyable, none of these strategies will matter.

Titles vs. Images

An ongoing debate among writers is whether titles or images are more crucial for engagement. While compelling images can attract initial attention, an engaging title will ultimately determine whether a reader clicks on your article. Use tools like Google Trends to craft titles that resonate with current interests, ensuring they are both informative and appealing.

Avoid the mistake of forcing keywords into titles at the expense of clarity. A strong title will often compensate for a mediocre image, while a poor title will not.

Key Takeaways

• Writing for niche publications can yield greater earnings compared to larger platforms.
• Use reader critiques to enhance your writing and achieve Top Writer status.
• Choose publications that display 'Latest Articles' prominently for better visibility.
• Prioritize crafting strong titles over images; a great title can often outweigh a less attractive image.

Conclusion

Earning $116 in my first month on the Medium Partner Program is a solid start, especially considering I began writing on the platform less than two months prior. While the title of Top Writer is not the ultimate measure of success, these strategies can help you thrive in your writing journey. Remember, the joy of writing is paramount; without it, no amount of earnings will suffice.

Enjoying writing is essential to your success.