Build a Medium Presence You Can Be Proud Of
The one thing I learned From Facebook that is useful on Medium
Let’s be honest, the path to building a successful presence on Medium is often portrayed as a well-trodden, conventional route.
You’re told to stick to best practices, and gradually build your audience.
You’re digesting articles on how to increase Medium followers, how to make money on this platform, or how to crack the platform’s algorithm.
I have been writing here on Medium for more than two months now, and I can see minimal progress. Even if it a slow progress, it is still progress.
I have been in Facebook content creation for 5 years now.
Like I did on Facebook, how can we build a Medium presence that we can be proud of?
One thing I learned from Facebook content creation is to:
Never worry about the algorithm, how to increase followers, or how to make money from this platform.
Instead…
“WRITE MEDIUM STORIES FOR YOUR READERS”
Money, followers, and the algorithm will always follow.
The Struggling Years: Rejections and Doubts
Like many of you, I spent years being ignored, facing constant rejections, and doubting my abilities as a writer and Facebook content creator.
The traditional publishing world seemed impossible to break into, and my dreams of reaching more people felt further and further away.
But let me ask you: How many of you have followed all the typical advice, only to find yourselves lost in a sea of average content?
Exactly!
My Unconventional Approach: Using the JK5 Method
Desperate for success, I decided to completely flip the script and take an unusual approach on Medium.
Initially, my posts are about Facebook monetization and content creation which is totally different from the usual stuff on Medium because it drives Medium readers out of the platform — one thing that Medium does not want.
Like any other platform, they want their users to stay on their platform unless you are paying for ads to divert them.
Plus, Facebook video creation is different from writing on Medium.
So, I got to thinking about how to utilize my Facebook experience to write on Medium and build a decent presence.
My answer?
It’s to use the JK5 method to fill the gap.
Instead of being narrow niche-focused, I actively use the JK5 method to avoid algorithm and engagement fatigue.
The Backlash and the Breakthrough
As you can imagine, my unconventional approach didn’t go over well with everyone.
I faced decreased views, especially when I was starting. But in the middle of all that backlash, something amazing happened — my posts started gaining traction.
The JK5 method stirred up and fueled minimal progress which means drawing in readers even from the top page of Google. (Link to my other Medium Blog Post).
Leveraging the Algorithms: Finding the Sweet Spot
While my content strategy drove my initial success, I realized I needed to balance being provocative with optimizing for Medium’s algorithms.
I studied the Medium algorithm for two months (even though not enough time frame), and I read 100+ articles on Medium writing tips, experimenting with different ways to maximize visibility and engagement.
Through tons of trial and error, I found the sweet spot — a powerful mix of topics, strategic use of keywords, and a compelling storytelling style that kept readers hooked.
Or the best approach is Not to Write Content… But to Document Your Story!
Understanding the Medium Algorithm
Throughout my journey, there’s one truth that has constantly emerged, transcending platform tweaks or new algorithm releases.
Ready for it?
Your READERS are Medium’s true algorithm.
Wait, what?
Didn’t Medium have a coded, structured algorithm?
Absolutely!
But at the end of the day, that algorithm is driven by one major force: PEOPLE.
Let me explain...
Understand the real power of your audience and what Medium is at its core.
It’s a publishing platform, right? Its primary aim?
To keep users engaged, to make them spend time reading, discovering, clapping, and commenting on the platform.
Who are these users? They are your readers. And mine. And every other writer’s.
Readers Are Greater Than Codes
Now, I’ve seen many writers lose sleep over algorithm updates, trying to decrypt the new code, and figuring out what Medium wants.
But here’s the thing — Medium wants what the readers want. It’s that simple.
Why?
Because when the readers are happy, they stay longer, engage more, and come back frequently.
This is what Medium desires.
Hence, the real “algorithm” driving Medium’s coded algorithm is the readers’ interests, preferences, behaviors, and feedback.
Tuning into Your Readers
How can you make the algorithm work for you?
Here’s the golden rule: prioritize your readers. When you prioritize them, the algorithm naturally swings in your favor.
Here’s how:
Engage and Interact: Reply to comments and make your readers feel seen and valued.
Consistent Value: It’s not about posting daily but about posting valuable content that answers questions, solves problems, or entertains.
Authenticity: I cannot stress this enough. Be genuine. Show your authentic writing, share your journey, and remain true to your voice.
Feedback is Gold: Did a post get fewer views and reads? Ask your audience why. They’ll provide better insights than any analytical tool.
The Medium Algorithm is in Your Hands
By now, you must be wondering, “So, do I have control over the algorithm?”
In a way, yes, you do.
When you consistently serve your readers and keep them at the forefront, you essentially guide the algorithm.
Why? Remember, every clap, comment, or share is a signal to Medium that your content is valuable.
The more your audience engages, the more your content is pushed out to a wider audience.
You feed the algorithm its favorite dish:
engaged and happy readers.
Medium, despite its coded complexities, is a tool for sharing personal ideas and stories.
It thrives on keeping users engaged. And you, with your writing, have the power to keep users glued to the platform.
Forget about chasing every algorithm update.
Instead, chase a deeper understanding of your audience.
When you make them your priority, the algorithm, in its quest to please its users, will inevitably work in your favor.
It’s like a Facebook reel dance trend. While Medium provides the music (the coded algorithm), your audience sets the rhythm.
Align with that rhythm, and you’ll have a graceful dance on this platform.
By prioritizing your audience, you wield a significant amount of power. Recognize it, harness it, and watch as the tides turn in your favor.
Building a Medium Presence You Can Be Proud Of
As your presence grew on Medium, so did your loyal following.
These weren’t just casual readers — they were die-hard fans who valued your authenticity and willingness to tackle subjects.
Build a community by writing for your readers, actively engaging with your audience, responding to comments, and even inviting them to share their own stories and views.
Let me ask you: When was the last time you felt a real connection with your readers?
I want to build that Medium Presence
Been on Medium for more than two months. My Medium presence has begun and hoping to grow with other Medium writers and readers.
That is incredibly rewarding and fulfilling.
Final Thoughts
Looking back on my journey, I can’t help but feel proud and grateful. While my methods were pretty out there, they taught me valuable lessons about authenticity, resilience, and the power of standing out in an overcrowded online space.
So, If you read my story, I’ll leave you with this: Are you ready to break free from the ordinary and build the Medium presence you want?
Because if so, I can promise your journey will be anything that you can be proud of.
P.S. You can read my article on How To Earn on Medium Without the Medium Partner Program
