Pushkar, I typically don't respond to comments of this nature, but yours struck me as sincere. So, here's the essence of what you need to know...
If you want people to read your stories on Medium, consider these strategies:
WRITE A LOT AND IN YOUR OWN VOICE. Consistency is key. You've published only two articles last year. If you have insightful thoughts, express them in words that not only inform but also delight your readers. I'm not suggesting you adopt a style of writing that doesn't suit you—like my own tendency for purple prose (a weakness I'm well aware of). Instead, find and use your unique voice.
FIND YOUR AUDIENCE. Identify who you're writing for. Consider what your audience might want to read. This doesn't mean you should only "write what sells," but it's important to think about who you aim to inform or entertain with your writing. This process should feel natural. If you don't have a passion for writing, reconsider your pursuit. Remember, there are countless writers who continue to write passionately, even without immediate readership. Find Medium magazines that reach your audience. Submit articles to them -- the editors will whip your writing ambitions into shape or tactfully decline (don't worry, improve your writing and submit somewhere else, don't give up!)
ENGAGE WITH THE COMMUNITY. Medium is not just a platform for publishing but also a community. Engage with other writers by reading their work, commenting, and participating in Medium's publications and challenges. This visibility can help attract readers to your own content.
UTILIZE SEO BEST PRACTICES. While Medium has its own audience, optimizing your articles for search engines can draw in readers from outside the platform. Use relevant keywords, craft compelling headlines, and include subheadings to make your articles more discoverable.
LEVERAGE SOCIAL MEDIA. Share your Medium articles on your social media platforms. This not only increases your visibility but also directs your existing network to your Medium profile, potentially growing your readership.
OFFER VALUE. Whether it's through informative how-tos, insightful commentary, or captivating storytelling, make sure your articles provide value to your readers. People are more likely to return to your profile and recommend your work to others if they find it useful or engaging.
BE CONSISTENT. Establish a regular publishing schedule. Consistency helps build an audience over time as readers begin to anticipate your next piece.
REVIEW AND REVISE. Before hitting publish, review your work for clarity, grammar, and spelling. Consider having a trusted peer or mentor provide feedback. Well-edited and polished articles reflect professionalism and care.
EXPLORE AND EXPERIMENT. Don't be afraid to try new topics, styles, or formats. Medium's diverse audience allows for experimentation. Pay attention to which types of content resonate most with your readers and adjust accordingly.
BE PATIENT AND PERSISTENT. Building a readership takes time. Don't be discouraged by slow growth or lack of immediate engagement. Continue to write, engage, and share your work, and your audience will gradually expand.
FOLLOW SUCCESSFUL MEDIUM WRITERS. Learn from those who have successfully built a following on Medium. Notice how they structure their articles, engage with readers, and what topics they cover. You can gain valuable insights by observing and possibly even collaborating with these writers.
By following these tips and staying committed to your craft, you can increase your chances of success on Medium. Remember, every successful writer started somewhere, and persistence is key to growth and improvement.
I eagerly anticipate the incredible stories you're set to pen. Should you write consistently, explore topics that spark my interest as a reader, and craft words that enchant me, I assure you, I'll be compelled to follow you. You'll have given me every reason to do so.
Best Regards!
Cezary
