As a freelance writer, you are always looking for ways to improve your craft and reach a wider audience. One platform that you might be considering is Medium. But is Medium worth it for freelance writers?
Medium is worth it for freelance writers, as not only can you earn money for your writing, but you can also use the platform as a way to improve your writing skills for free. You can also build up an audience on the platform, which can be very useful for gaining freelance writing clients.
Below, I’ll go through the benefits and drawbacks of using Medium as a platform for freelance writers. And I’ll discuss whether or not it’s worth it for honing your craft and reaching a wider audience.
Why Write On Medium?
One of the biggest benefits of Medium is that it’s a platform specifically designed for writers and content creators. It’s a place where you can share your writing, get feedback, and connect with other writers and readers. This can be extremely valuable for freelance writers who are looking to improve their craft and reach a wider audience.
Medium also has a large and engaged community of readers, which can be beneficial for freelance writers looking to get their work in front of a wider audience. Medium’s algorithm promotes high-quality content, which can help your writing be seen by more people.
Another benefit of Medium is that it’s easy to use, and it doesn’t require a lot of technical knowledge to set up and maintain your profile. This can be a huge plus for freelance writers who are just starting out. Or for those who don’t have a lot of time to spend on promoting their work.
Why Not Write On Medium?
One of the biggest drawbacks is that Medium is a platform that heavily relies on algorithms, which can make it difficult to reach a wide audience, especially for new writers. Medium has a paywall feature, which means that readers have to pay to read some of the content, and this can limit the reach of your writing.
However, Medium has a huge reader base, and so it is possible to build up a following. But as with everything in the world of freelancing, it just takes a lot of time and effort.
Can You Make Money On Medium As A Writer?
You can make money on Medium as a writer, but it’s important to understand that Medium is not a traditional monetization platform like a blog or website. Medium operates on a subscription model and a revenue-sharing program, so you earn depending on how your stories perform.
MPP
One way to make money on Medium as a writer is through the Medium Partner Program (MPP). The MPP is a revenue-sharing program that allows writers to earn money from their content. As a member of the MPP, you will earn money for the time that paying members spend reading your content.
The exact ways that Medium calculates your earnings are not known, but essentially the more people that read your content, and the more of your content they read (i.e. they’re not just clicking off after one paragraph), the more you’ll earn.
Note: You used to be able to earn money through Medium’s referral program too. But they stopped that in late 2023.
It Won’t Happen Overnight
It’s important to note that making money on Medium as a writer is not a get-rich-quick scheme. Medium is a platform where the emphasis is on quality content and building a loyal audience.
It takes time to build a following and earn money from your writing on Medium. It’s important to consistently produce high-quality content and engage with your audience.
5 Alternatives To Writing On Medium
1. HubPages
Hubpages is an alternative to Medium that offers a wide range of options in terms of what you can write about.
If one of the reasons (or the main reason) you’re looking to write on a platform like Medium as a freelancer is to make money, then HubPages’ system might interest you.
You can earn money through ad impressions and affiliate marketing. While you’re unlikely to get rich very quickly on the platform, it can be a useful way to improve your writing chops while also (potentially) getting paid.
2. Newsbreak
Newsbreak is a news and information app that allows users to personalize their news feed by following specific topics and sources. It has a feature called “Newsbreak Creators” that allows users to create and publish their own content on the platform, similar to Medium.
Newsbreak is a good alternative to Medium for a few reasons:
- Personalization: Newsbreak allows users to personalize their news feed by following specific topics and sources, making it easier for readers to find content that is relevant to them. This can be beneficial for writers looking to reach a targeted audience.
- Reach: Newsbreak has a large user base, with millions of active monthly users, which can provide a wide reach for your content.
- Monetization: Newsbreak allows writers to earn money from their content through the Newsbreak Creator Program. It also allows writers to monetize their content through sponsored content and affiliate marketing.
However, it’s important to note that Newsbreak is primarily a news and information app, and it may not have the same level of engagement and community as Medium. Also, the monetization options on Newsbreak may not be as robust as Medium’s Partner Program.
While writers earned a lot when the platform first gained traction, as there were flat fees paid for articles, they have since shifted to a performance-based payment system, which means earnings are very much dependent on how well your article performs on their platform.
3. Substack
Substack is a platform that lets you create a newsletter and reach a large audience. Substack allows writers to monetize their content by charging subscribers a fee to access their content. It also provides tools to help writers grow their audience, such as the ability to share their newsletter on social media.
This is ideal for those that want to build a loyal following and monetize their writing through subscriptions.
4. LinkedIn
LinkedIn is a professional networking platform that can be a valuable tool for promoting your writing. LinkedIn allows you to share your writing with a professional audience and target your posts and ads to specific job titles, industries, and locations.
This is a particularly useful platform for freelance writers as you can use your writing as a way of getting in front of potential new clients. Combining your networking with your writing can be a very efficient way to boost your portfolio.
5. WordPress
WordPress allows you to create a website or blog and publish your writing. WordPress offers a wide range of customization options, and it’s relatively easy to use. You can either use WordPress.com or the self-hosted version, WordPress.org, depending on your needs.
This is the best way to go if you want more freedom in how you monetize your content, and if you’re comfortable building your own website.
Will You Start Writing On Medium?
Medium is a great platform for freelance writers looking to improve their writing skills, build up an audience, and potentially make some money in the process. It’s easy to use and is a brilliant way to build up a writing portfolio if you’re a beginner freelance writer.
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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