Understanding the Success of a Top Medium Article

Every once in a while, a writer produces a piece that really resonates, leading it to gain significant traction. While the reasons behind a story’s popularity can be elusive, there are instances where they become evident. This analysis focuses on one such article on Medium.

Kathleen Murphy's piece, "The Brain Science Behind Aging and Forgetting," emerged as the most-read article on Medium in March, garnering around 13,000 claps and 200 comments.

The accolades for this success belong entirely to Murphy. However, as her editor at Wise & Well, I have insights on why this article struck a chord. There are numerous approaches that can lead to a successful narrative, and her method is just one that consistently works, as seen both on Medium and in my three decades of experience in health, science, technology, and business writing and editing.

In essence, this article meets all the criteria for a well-researched, thoughtfully constructed general-interest piece, providing a valuable framework for anyone looking to write effectively on any topic.

Section 1.1: Why This Article Stands Out

To assist fellow nonfiction writers in honing their skills, I’ll share my perspective on why Murphy's article resonated with so many. If you can open two screens and compare my observations with her writing, you will notice:

• Universal Appeal: The article addresses a topic that many of us ponder or worry about—aging and memory loss. It avoids a narrow focus and speaks to a broad audience.
• Engaging Headline: The headline is straightforward, concise, and intriguing, complemented by a subtitle that enhances its appeal. This combination invites clicks.
• Unique Lede: The article opens with an unconventional lede that adds historical context—surprising and engaging readers right from the start. This sets it apart from standard blog entries or encyclopedic pieces, showcasing depth and character.
• Strong Research Foundation: The article is backed by credible research, utilizing various reliable sources to support its premise.
• Effective Structure: It is meticulously organized, with digestible sections and enticing subheadings that motivate readers to continue.
• Clear and Compelling Writing: The prose is straightforward and engaging, devoid of unnecessary filler or distractions.
• Visual Engagement: The inclusion of relevant images and additional resources further enriches the reader's experience.

Section 1.2: The Writer's Perspective

Curious about the origin of Murphy's ideas and how they developed, I asked her about the writing process.

"When I created the article in early March, there was a lot of discussion about the U.S. Presidential race and whether the leading candidates were too old to lead," she shared. "Instead of diving into politics, which felt overwhelming, I was intrigued by the science behind memory and forgetting."

Her personal curiosity, combined with an awareness of current events, sparked the idea. She sought an alternative angle, leading to unexpected discoveries.

"I was excited to find intriguing information," Murphy explained, "from case studies of individuals who could not forget even the smallest details, to research revealing how unreliable our memories can be, even when we believe them to be accurate."

Additionally, Murphy enjoyed the writing process—a crucial element for producing quality work.

"It was genuinely enjoyable to research and write," she noted. "Readers seemed to appreciate the interactive components of the 'Apple Logo' memory game, demonstrating the significance of attention in long-term memory."

Chapter 2 Title: The Role of Boosting in Article Success

It's essential to mention that Murphy's article received a Boost—a significant factor for many writers on the platform. This clearly aided in reaching a wider audience. However, it’s crucial to understand that Boosting is not the sole determinant of a story's success on Medium. Writers play a pivotal role. I liken Boosting to pressing the gas pedal; if the underlying content is strong and well-crafted, the Boost can propel it to greater heights.

While Boosts can be subjective and not every deserving story receives one, the more compelling narratives often rise to prominence within Medium's intricate system of algorithms and human curation.

Murphy's article excels because it fulfills the promise of its engaging headline, addressing key reader questions, all while being supported by quality arguments, credible sourcing, and insightful quotations. It is informative, enjoyable, and embodies what Medium readers value most: a compelling story from a credible author.

In conclusion, despite the considerable effort Murphy invested, her article appears deceptively simple. Great writing often possesses that quality, which is what makes it challenging to achieve.

Cheers,

Rob

This analysis is shared for the benefit of Medium readers and writers. For more writing tips, I offer weekly guidance through my Writer's Guide newsletter on Substack.

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