Stage 1: Kickstarting Your Journey (0–500 followers, $0–25)

The three pivotal actions that propelled me through Stage 1 are as follows:

1. Focus on Improvement

   At the outset, it's vital to disregard metrics. Concentrate on enhancing your writing skills. The first 50 articles are primarily for your development, so don’t stress over a lack of readership. Avoid overwhelming yourself with too much writing advice; instead, choose three tips to implement, then switch to another set of three. While this may feel tedious, it lays a solid foundation for future success.

2. Boost Your Writing Volume

   Writing quantity matters. I began with seven articles per month, escalating to 14 by May. Increasing your output has numerous benefits, including skill enhancement, recognition, and valuable insights into what resonates with your audience. Since time is limited, consider using productivity hacks to streamline your writing process.

3. Identify Your Niche

   While some may debate the necessity of niche writing, focusing your content is crucial for growth. After six months, I discovered that my articles on writing were the most popular, leading me to dive deeper into that subject area, which subsequently fueled my growth.

Stage 2: Accelerating Growth (500–6000 followers, $25–700)

At this stage, it's time to strategize for growth. While many will offer dubious growth hacks, focus on these three proven strategies:

1. Craft Compelling Headlines

   Your headline is the first and most critical component of your article, deserving a significant portion of your effort. A successful headline should be simple, clear, and hint at a solution or insight.

2. Enhance Read Rates

   A significant number of readers abandon articles within the first 30 seconds. Therefore, your read ratio significantly impacts your Medium earnings and visibility. Ensure your introduction and initial points are captivating: keep your intro concise and present a compelling reason for readers to continue.

3. Inject Personal Experiences

   Authenticity resonates with readers. They prefer stories of personal struggles and triumphs over generic advice. When I began incorporating personal narratives into my writing, my growth surged. This approach not only builds credibility but also connects with readers emotionally.

Stage 3: Scaling Smartly (6k-13k followers, $700–1200+)

Consider the analogy of two entrepreneurs, Jane and Mary, who each operate a chair-making business. Despite having similar skills and working the same hours, their outcomes differ greatly due to their operational systems. Developing effective systems can significantly enhance your productivity and growth.

For instance, I discovered that one of my articles performed exceptionally well, leading me to repeat the successful elements in subsequent articles. This strategy yielded $300 from just three pieces.

The essence is to identify what works and replicate it. I maintain a list of nine successful strategies that I utilize for new articles each month, giving me a competitive advantage.

Utilizing systems—like headline templates and editing checklists—can help you maximize the benefits of your hard work. Upon reaching Stage 3, focus on implementing systems to accelerate your growth.

Remember, there are no shortcuts to success on Medium. However, by following this roadmap and persevering, you can achieve remarkable results.

The first video titled "How To Get More Followers on Medium.com as a Writer" provides insights into effective strategies for enhancing your Medium presence.

The second video, "How To Gain Your First 100+ Followers on Medium," offers tips for new writers looking to build their audience quickly.

For those interested in a structured approach, consider joining my free email course, which offers daily insights to help you become a compelling writer and elevate your skills.

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