Avoid These Common Pitfalls as a Writer on Medium for Success
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Understanding Common Writing Errors
For those aspiring to thrive on Medium, it’s crucial to focus your writing rather than splatter everything that comes to mind. I once believed that writing solely about my interests would lead to success, but I soon realized that this approach was a barrier to my growth.
Initially, I poured my heart into topics I was passionate about, producing numerous articles that stemmed from my enthusiasm. However, as time went by, I recognized that this lack of specialization was significantly limiting my impact and reach. Despite investing considerable effort, my results were far from satisfactory; the views and reads were disappointingly low, and I felt disheartened after dedicating hours to what I considered quality content.
Remember this: To succeed as a writer on Medium, it’s essential to understand that what matters most is not your personal feelings or thoughts.
Readers seek articles, publications, or blogs that address their needs. If your content doesn’t fulfill their queries, it will likely go unnoticed. You may find yourself growing weary and frustrated despite your hard work if you fail to grasp this concept.
It’s vital to recognize the interests of your audience. They are in search of relevant insights. If your writing does not resonate with their needs, they are unlikely to engage with your work.
If you confine your writing to your own interests, you risk alienating your audience. Failing to understand or cater to their preferences is a common pitfall. For instance, “An article about 'Obscure French Poets From the 1600s' may reflect your interests, but it offers little value to anyone outside that niche,” as noted by Ajayi O.
To grow as a writer, you must shift your focus from solely your interests to those of your readers.
Always remember: Your writing should primarily aim to assist your audience.
Researching Keywords and Audience Needs
To start, conduct thorough keyword and audience research. Discover what potential readers are experiencing and what captivates their attention.
Understand their informational needs and what keeps them awake at night. Analyzing content that garnered the most comments and reads can guide you toward topics they find engaging. You might also consider using tools like Google Keyword Planner to explore other relevant subjects that spark interest.
Additionally, Google Trends can be invaluable for identifying trending topics that align with your audience's searches. When a topic is trending, there’s a higher chance that the algorithm will favor your article if it's properly optimized for SEO.
Once you master these tools, you can create content that is both valuable and relevant to your readers.
Instead of writing merely to satisfy your own curiosities, focus on crafting content that helps your audience achieve their objectives.
The Importance of Addressing Key Questions
As a diligent writer, ensure that you can respond to the 5 W’s and H: Who, What, Why, Where, When, and How. If you can’t answer all of them, aim to address at least two or three. Consider the following questions:
- What details would be beneficial or engaging for them?
- Are there specific challenges they are facing?
- How can we assist them constructively?
- Who is your intended audience?
- What pressing questions need answers?
- What outcomes are desired?
By answering these questions in your writing, you’ll begin to see the results. Readers who previously showed little interest in your work may start to engage. Those who typically skim will linger, and your audience will expand.
"When your passions and expertise align with the needs of your target audience, magic happens. If the subject matter holds significance for them, your enthusiasm will elevate your writing. Simultaneously, you’ll be leveraging your strengths while serving your audience. Remember, the audience should always come first."
Final Thoughts
Before you hit publish, consider who your audience is and whether you're addressing their genuine interests. I learned that the most effective writing strategy is to provide value to others. My growth accelerated significantly once I started prioritizing the needs of my readers.
Avoid the temptation to write impulsively about whatever crosses your mind. Instead, equip your audience with meaningful content that reflects their interests. Master this approach, and your writing will reach unprecedented heights.
Chikwado Paul Igwe | Okwuose John C. | Nwokporo Ezekiel Chiadikaobi
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This video discusses common mistakes new writers make on Medium and provides tips to avoid them for a more fruitful writing experience.
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