Writers have always been interested in how to get more followers on Medium. But since the platform introduced eligibility requirements for its Partner Program in 2021, there is now a very important reason new writers may seek to increase their follower count.
As you need 100 followers on Medium to get paid for your writing, it’s important to understand the best practices if you want to start earning money via the Partner Program. Below, I’ll go through my top tips to gain followers on Medium.
Crafting a strong presence on Medium and attracting a loyal following takes time and effort. While there’s no magic formula for instant success, there are effective strategies that can help you gain more followers.
How To Get More Followers On Medium
Create Good Content
One of the most important factors for gaining followers on Medium is creating compelling and valuable content. Quality always reigns supreme, so focus on delivering well-researched insights, unique perspectives, and practical advice that resonates with your target audience.
Be authentic and let your own voice shine through, as it helps establish a genuine connection with readers. Medium readers tend to respond better to personal stories that draw on real experience and opinions, so use that to your advantage.
Publish Consistency
Consistency is key when it comes to gaining followers on Medium. Establish a regular posting schedule that aligns with your availability and commit to publishing new articles on a consistent basis.
This not only keeps your current followers engaged, but it also helps you attract new ones. When readers see that you consistently deliver valuable content, they are more likely to hit that follow button to stay updated with your latest articles.
Ask For Followers
That’s right – sometimes you just have to ask! Don’t beg your readers to follow you, but include a natural call to action at the end of your stories reminding them they can follow you for more high-quality stories every time you post.
Say something like: “If you enjoyed this story and want more valuable insights in the future, consider hitting the follow button!”
Write For Publications
Every publication on Medium has their own set of guidelines, and I won’t discuss how to get accepted here. But I will say that getting into publications is a good way to leverage that publication’s followers.
If your story gets published and it’s in line with the pub’s followers’ interests, there’s a good chance that some of them will follow you! Just by getting in front of a larger audience, you can gain more attention on your content and hopefully grow your follower count.
Engage With The Community
Engaging with other people on Medium is another effective way to expand your follower base. Read articles by other writers, clap for the ones you find valuable, and leave thoughtful comments to show your support. Building relationships with fellow writers can lead to mutual support, cross-promotion, and increased exposure for your work.
In addition to engaging within the Medium platform itself, leverage your existing social media presence to promote your Medium articles. Share snippets or excerpts on platforms like Twitter (now X), Facebook, or LinkedIn, accompanied by captivating captions and eye-catching visuals.
Encourage your followers to engage with your content and provide a direct link to your Medium profile. This cross-promotion exposes your work to a wider audience and can attract new readers who may become your dedicated followers!
Use Tags Correctly
Finally, to increase the discoverability of your content, make strategic use of Medium’s tagging system. By incorporating relevant tags that align with the topics covered in your articles, you enhance the visibility of your work in related topic feeds.
See what tags are popular within your niche and choose the ones that best represent your content. This can attract readers who are specifically interested in those topics and it can increase the likelihood of them following you on Medium.
Building a loyal following on Medium requires patience and persistence. Rome wasn’t built in a day, and neither is a thriving Medium profile! Be prepared for a gradual growth process and focus on the long-term value you’re providing to your readers.
Stay dedicated to honing your writing skills, analyzing your audience’s preferences, and adapting your strategies as needed. Remember, building a community of engaged followers takes time, but with passion and perseverance, your Medium audience will steadily grow!
How To Get Your First 100 Followers On Medium
Getting your first 100 followers on Medium and finally getting accepted into the Partner Program requires patience. There’s no getting around it. But you can speed things up by following the tips above and a few of the others below.
Get Eyes On Your Content
To get on your way to reaching 100 Medium followers, start by crafting compelling content that provides value to your readers. Create engaging headlines and subtitles that grab attention and entice people to click on your articles.
Deliver on your promises by providing valuable insights, personal stories, or practical advice that resonates with your target audience. Don’t use clickbait – that’s the easiest way to ensure someone won’t follow you!
Leverage Your Network
Tap into your existing network to spread the word about your Medium profile. Share your articles on social media platforms and reach out to friends, colleagues, or like-minded individuals who might be interested in your content. Encourage them to read, clap for, and share your articles to help you gain visibility and attract new followers.
Comment On Other Stories
Read and comment on articles by other writers (ideally in a similar niche), sharing your insights and showing genuine interest in their work. Engaging with the community not only helps you build relationships but also increases the likelihood of others checking out your profile and following you in return.
Don’t ask for followers on other people’s stories. Not only does this just seem desperate and it’s unlikely to actually gain you any followers, but it’s also just a bad practice no matter the platform.
Publish Consistently
Establish a posting routine that works for you and commit to it. Regularly publish new content on Medium to build credibility and keep your followers engaged. Determine a schedule that suits your availability and consistently deliver valuable content.
Think about it – why would someone follow you if they can’t expect to get regular value from your stories?
Use Relevant Tags & SEO
Don’t neglect tags and basic SEO. Incorporate relevant tags into your articles to increase their discoverability on Medium, and optimize your articles for search engines by including relevant keywords in your headlines, introductions, and throughout your piece (but don’t keyword stuff).
Encourage Engagement & Feedback
Finally, invite readers to leave comments on your articles via a call to action at the end of your story and make sure you respond to them all. Engage in meaningful discussions, answer questions, and show appreciation for their feedback.
This interaction enhances the reader experience and encourages others to join the conversation and potentially follow your Medium profile.
Gaining your first 100 followers on Medium takes time and effort, but by following these strategies and staying committed, you can reach this milestone. Now I’ll go through a few tactics you should not employ if you want to gain Medium followers.
How NOT to Get More Medium Followers
Quantity Over Quality
Don’t prioritize quantity by churning out low-quality content just to increase your article count. Focus on delivering valuable and well-crafted articles instead. Remember, quality content is what attracts and retains followers on Medium.
Copying Or Plagiarizing Content
Never resort to copying or plagiarizing other writers’ work. Originality is highly valued on Medium, and readers appreciate fresh perspectives and unique voices. Plagiarism not only damages your credibility, but it can also lead to account suspension or termination.
Neglecting Engagement
Don’t overlook the importance of engaging with your readers and the Medium community. Failing to respond to comments, ignoring discussions, or not showing appreciation for your audience’s feedback can make you appear distant and uninterested. Engage actively and foster connections to build a loyal following.
Buying Followers Or Using Bots
Avoid the temptation to buy followers or use automated bots to boost your numbers. While it might seem appealing to have a large follower count, these fake followers won’t contribute to meaningful engagement or provide any real value (and they won’t earn you any money either). Authenticity and genuine connections are essential for building a loyal following.
Neglecting Self-Promotion
While excessive self-promotion can be off-putting, neglecting to promote your Medium profile altogether can limit your visibility. Find a balance between self-promotion and providing value to your audience. Share your articles on appropriate platforms and in relevant spaces where people are likely to engage with it.
Neglecting Social Media Integration
Don’t underestimate the power of leveraging your existing social media presence to promote your Medium articles. Integrate your Medium profile with your social media accounts, share snippets or excerpts, and encourage your followers to check out your Medium content.
Keyword Stuffing
Avoid misusing or overusing specific keywords in your articles. While keywords are obviously important on Medium, you won’t be able to game the system in the way that some website owners used to be able to game Google search results. You’re writing for an audience on Medium, not a search engine!
5 Quick Tips To Increase Your Medium Follower Count
1. Publish Valuable & Consistent Content: Aim for consistency in posting to keep your followers engaged and coming back for more.
2. Engage With The Medium Community: Leave insightful comments on other writers’ articles, share insights, and show genuine interest in their work.
3. Promote Your Articles: Share them on your social media platforms, email newsletters, or personal website.
4. Utilize Relevant Tags: Relevant tags increase the discoverability of your content, making it easier for readers interested in those topics to find your articles.
5. Optimize Your Profile: Use a high-quality profile picture and include links to your website or social media accounts.
For more insights about using Medium as a writer, check out my article on blogging on Medium vs your own website.
Chris is the creator of Freelance Ready. He originally started freelancing (on Fiverr) while at university, writing and editing website content. He created this website to share his freelancing experience and help others on their own self-employed journeys. He is now a freelance SEO consultant and content editor. You can learn more about Chris here.
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