Navigating My Average Start on Medium: A Personal Journey
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Chapter 1: My Medium Journey Begins
I embarked on my Medium adventure in August 2021 but only published a single story before going silent. It wasn't until late August 2023 that I decided to dive back in, committing to write more regularly and join the partner program.
While I encountered numerous articles advocating for daily publishing, that wasn't my primary objective. Many popular posts seemed to focus on making substantial earnings from Medium by showcasing how others had succeeded financially. That approach didn't resonate with me; my intention was simply to find a platform to express my thoughts outside my professional blog.
After sharing my first story on August 21, 2023, I wrote an additional 28 pieces by November 11, 2023. Let's analyze that three-month span:
My Earnings Breakdown
- August 2023: Published 2 stories, earned $0
- September 2023: Published 14 stories, earned $0.06
- October 2023: Published 11 stories, earned $0.41
- November 2023: Published 2 stories, earned $0.23
It's important to note that as an international partner (outside the U.S.), 30% of my earnings were withheld, meaning the amounts listed reflect my earnings before this deduction.
This experience highlights a crucial point: those claiming substantial earnings on Medium may not represent the typical writer. I frequently see the same authors, likely due to the algorithm favoring their work, indicating they are widely read.
Did I join Medium to earn a fortune? Not really. I have friends and colleagues on the platform, and I aimed to share my musings and engage with others' writings.
Section 1.1: My Content Strategy
My content strategy has been somewhat relaxed. For instance, I’ve had a draft titled "The Hierarchy of Pants" waiting for weeks. Although I post academic-focused pieces, I also discuss topics like ADHD, my entrepreneurial journey, and my experiences as a PhD student.
I believe the advice shared by writers about earning potential is valid: consistent publishing and high-quality content that resonates with readers are essential.
Subsection 1.1.1: A Glimpse at Earnings
Section 1.2: A Surprising Turnaround
Despite publishing no stories in December 2023 and earning a mere $0.03, I managed to write 15 stories in January 2024, achieving my highest earnings to date at $1.35. That was an exhilarating moment for me.
Since then, my frequency has decreased to about one story a month, resulting in minimal earnings. I do have a few drafts ready for the upcoming weeks, so we’ll see what unfolds.
Chapter 2: Balancing Writing and Life
Even though I recognize the importance of consistent writing, I suspect I will continue my sporadic publishing habits. Writing is a passion of mine, but I also have a business to run and studies to complete, along with upcoming work commitments. Prioritizing writing might lead to feeling overwhelmed, so I plan to keep a few drafts handy for now and add to them in the future.
The first video titled "Can you make money on Medium? I wrote 15 articles in 30 days. Here's what happened..." provides insights into the realities of earning on Medium and the challenges faced by writers.
The second video, "How To Start On Medium — Beginner's Guide For Medium 2022," serves as a beginner's guide for those looking to navigate the platform effectively.
What about you? What are your writing aspirations on Medium? Have you been reaching your goals, or do you find yourself writing sporadically like I do? I’d love to hear your thoughts!