# Strategies for Growing Your Medium Audience Effectively
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Chapter 1: Embrace Your Unique Path
As I embarked on my journey as a writer on Medium nearly a month ago, I made it a priority to keep my expectations in check, avoiding stress over metrics like earnings, views, or follower counts. Medium offered a fresh outlet for my thoughts amidst my busy schedule as a medical student juggling 8–5 classes and hospital rotations.
To my surprise, the results exceeded my expectations. Within a month, I organically attracted my first 100 followers without resorting to the common tactic of following others in hopes of reciprocation. My focus was on building authentic connections with talented writers, and I look forward to expanding these relationships to support each other's writing endeavors.
This message is aimed at new writers who recently joined Medium, especially with the exciting expansion of the Medium Partner Program to 77 additional countries! 🎉
While I won't provide a checklist of "must-do" strategies—given my own limited experience—I encourage you to approach advice, including mine, with a critical mind.
Initially, I aimed to publish two articles weekly, aligning with my schedule. However, just last week, I managed only one. Some writers advocate for daily writing, while others contend that one article a week suffices. Ultimately, it’s vital to discover what rhythm suits your lifestyle best.
Section 1.1: Establish Your Writing Routine
Everyone has unique circumstances affecting their writing journey. It's essential to find a pace that works for you. No one else understands your commitments, daily responsibilities, or your drive to succeed as a writer.
Finding time to read others' work and produce my own has recently proven challenging, particularly with upcoming exams. I worry this might hinder my progress on Medium. To counter this, I plan to dedicate specific times daily—whether an hour or even just 30 minutes—to read fellow writers' articles and aim to write on my more relaxed days, particularly during weekends.
If you’re facing similar challenges, remember that you are not alone. Difficulties are part of every writer's journey, but if you aspire to stand out, resilience and perseverance through challenges are crucial.
Subsection 1.1.1: The Importance of Reading
I invest as much time, if not more, reading others’ pieces as I do writing my own. Engaging with fellow writers provides valuable insights into diverse experiences across the globe. For instance, I recently read an article by Gary A J Martin, a writer from Ukraine, sharing his personal experiences amid conflict. His narrative not only evoked hope for the safety of the Ukrainian people but also reminded me of the privilege of having a secure home.
This is just one enlightening read among many that have helped me grow, both personally and professionally. Initially, I followed about 20 people out of my 153 followers, largely uninformed about metrics and algorithms. Building connections with other writers fosters a supportive community that can significantly enhance your experience on this platform.
Section 1.2: Focus on Engagement Over Numbers
Remember, your earnings on Medium are not directly linked to your follower count. That number is merely decorative—it’s not everything. (Avoid fixating on reads and views; you can refer to my earlier article for insights on that topic.)
Looking forward, prioritize consistency and engagement with your fellow writers. You never know what valuable lessons you may learn or the friendships you might cultivate along the way. The journey itself holds as much significance as the destination, and I’m eager to see where this path leads us!
Chapter 2: Connect and Support Each Other
I hope this article proves helpful as you navigate your writing journey. If you have any questions or simply wish to connect, please leave a comment below. I’m committed to supporting your endeavors and will keep an eye on your progress!