Step 1: Write as If You're Chatting with a Close Friend

If you're still striving for a "professional" tone, you're missing the point. People seek connection on Medium, not robotic advice laden with jargon. They want to feel acknowledged and understood.

When you write, picture yourself texting a close friend who's going through a tough time. Be sincere, keep it genuine, and don’t hesitate to add humor, wit, or even a bit of vulnerability. Readers can easily sense insincerity. If your writing doesn’t resonate with you, why would it resonate with others?

Here’s a little secret: if you enjoy reading your work when you revisit it, chances are others will too. If you find yourself cringing, it’s a sign you’ve lost your way.

Step 2: Consistency Without the Boredom

You've likely heard that regular posting is crucial. However, it's not about churning out content daily until you feel burnt out and start dreaming in Medium analytics (trust me, I’ve been there). It’s about establishing a posting routine that suits you, whether it’s three times a week or twice a month. The goal? Consistency without exhaustion.

Your audience appreciates reliability, but if you turn into a content-producing machine that only produces fluff, you’ll lose them faster than a bad internet connection. Always prioritize quality over quantity.

On those days when writing feels impossible? Take a break. Step away from your desk. Go for a walk, watch a show, or dive into someone else’s work. This fresh perspective will help, and your readers will appreciate you for not delivering half-hearted content.

Step 3: Engage with the Community

This is where many falter. Writing on Medium isn’t a solitary endeavor. Too many authors treat it like a stage where they perform and await applause. Here’s the truth: it’s a reciprocal relationship. You need to read, applaud, and comment on others’ work too.

Before you roll your eyes at the thought of online "networking," consider this: building an audience relies on relationships. Your readers are real people, and they notice when you engage with their content. It’s the quickest way to expand your audience. Think of it as karma—what you give is what you receive.

You could spend hours crafting the perfect article, but if you’re not cultivating relationships on this platform, it’s akin to shouting into an empty room. Dedicate time to connect with others in your niche, leave thoughtful comments (not just "Great post!"), and share their work. It pays off significantly.

To get started, consider participating in writing challenges, joining publications like The Writing Cooperative or Illumination, and making yourself visible in spaces where your target audience gathers.

Step 4: Craft Headlines That Demand Attention

No one is going to click on an article titled, "How to Improve Your Writing." Sorry, but it’s not groundbreaking. Your headline serves as the first impression, and in a sea of content, you have mere seconds to convince someone to invest their time in your piece.

Here’s a tip: your headline should spark curiosity or offer something of value. You don’t need to resort to clickbait, but you must think from a reader’s perspective. Would you click on it? Would your easily-distracted self pause to read it?

A technique I use is to draft my headline after completing the article. By that point, you know what you’re delivering. If you need inspiration, check the popular articles in Medium's Top Writers section to see what resonates.

Step 5: Embrace Your Authentic Self

In a world where many strive to emulate others, here’s a plot twist: being genuine is your greatest asset. On Medium, authenticity is vital. Readers crave real voices and distinct viewpoints.

So, let your quirks shine. Share that peculiar joke that only makes sense to you. Narrate that embarrassing moment when you spilled coffee during a Zoom meeting. Such instances make you relatable, and that's what attracts readers.

When I say be yourself, I mean the true you—not the polished, filtered version. Your audience wants to see your highs and lows, your struggles, and your victories. They want to know there’s a real person behind the words.

Step 6: Focus Less on Metrics

I’ll be candid; it’s tempting to check your stats every few minutes, hoping for a viral breakthrough. But here’s the reality: numbers merely reflect past performance, not future potential. While it’s useful to analyze data—identifying which topics resonate and which headlines attract clicks—don’t allow them to dominate your life.

Instead, I prioritize creating a portfolio of work I’m proud of. Metrics will fluctuate, but by consistently providing value, your audience will naturally grow. Obsessing over numbers is like watching a clock during a workout; it doesn’t expedite the process.