Boost Your Writing Journey: Gain Followers Without Follow-for-Follow
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Chapter 1: The Importance of Genuine Engagement
When I began my writing journey on Medium, my goal was to quickly reach 100 followers to start monetizing my content. I noticed a plethora of articles advocating for follow-for-follow strategies. However, this approach presents two significant challenges.
First, even with 100 followers, only a handful—perhaps five—actually engage with your work. Second, many writers struggle to enter the Medium Partner Program, as follow-for-follow practices are against their guidelines.
Chapter 2: Embracing Publications as a Solution
Medium publications provide an excellent alternative. These platforms serve as collaborative spaces for stories centered around a shared theme or subject, typically featuring multiple contributors. Anyone with a Medium Membership can create their own publication.
The primary benefit is particularly pronounced at the onset of your writing career. Without followers, your posts may go unnoticed. However, publications often have a substantial audience, increasing the chances that your work will be read. For instance, in a community of 1,000 followers, you might find that 30 people read your article.
Section 2.1: Locating and Joining a Publication
To find a publication that aligns with your interests, search Medium for relevant topics. You'll discover various publications that cater to your niche. Once you've identified a few, examine their submission guidelines carefully. Adhering to these rules will enhance your chances of acceptance.
For example, if you wish to contribute to "Practice in Public," simply navigate to their 'Write for Us' section.
After crafting your article, follow the submission process outlined by the publication. You'll need to send an email, and while you may not receive a notification confirming your acceptance, persistence is key.
Section 2.2: Publishing Your Work
To publish within a chosen publication, select the three-dot menu option and choose "Add to Publication." Then, select the relevant publication and click submit. Congratulations! You've successfully submitted your work. If your piece doesn’t get accepted, don’t be discouraged; this is a common experience. Just keep trying with different articles.
As you gain more followers, you might consider stepping away from publications, but I recommend continuing this practice until you reach your first 1,000 followers.
Conclusion: The Benefits of Publication Contributions
Contributing to publications can significantly enhance your visibility without demanding excessive effort. I encourage you to give it a try and share your successes with me.
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