Why Authenticity Matters More Than Medium SEO
The power of genuine self-expression, authentic voice, and meaningful connections — the true keys to Medium mastery.
Why Authenticity Matters More Than Medium SEO
Discover why authenticity trumps algorithm-chasing tactics when it comes to building a successful presence on Medium. This guide delves into the power of genuine self-expression, cultivating an authentic voice, and fostering meaningful connections — the true keys to Medium mastery.
An Authentic Writing Style and Medium SEO
Let’s face it, Medium is saturated with content. Articles are uploaded every day at a fast rate. If you want to cover all Medium articles, you need to read every 2 seconds.
Amidst the saturated writing platform, it’s easy for your blog posts not to get claps and views especially if you’re solely focused on SEO tactics. However, when you tap into your unique writing style and share your genuine experiences, you have the power to captivate readers in a way that no algorithm can match.
Authenticity is the secret that sets you apart from the countless others vying for attention. It’s the raw, unfiltered expression of your thoughts, emotions, and perspectives that resonates with your audience on a deeper level.
When you write from the heart, your words carry an undeniable weight and resonance that no amount of keyword stuffing or technical wizardry can replicate.
Cultivating an Authentic Persona on Medium
Crafting an authentic persona on Medium isn’t about projecting a false image or adopting a persona that doesn’t align with who you truly are. Instead, it’s about embracing your unique style, experiences, and perspectives, and allowing them to shine through your writing.
Start by asking yourself:
What matters most to me?
What are the stories, lessons, or insights that have shaped my life? What are the passions and causes that ignite a fire within me?
By tapping into these deep wells of authenticity, you’ll naturally attract an audience that resonates with your message and values your unique perspective.
If you are asking these questions, you are addressing the two reasons why readers utilize Medium:
1. They want to be entertained or wanted knowledge
2. They seek solutions to their problem
Building Meaningful Connections
At its core, Medium is a platform for sharing ideas, sparking conversations, and fostering connections. While Medium SEO tactics might drive some initial traffic, it’s the authentic connections you forge with your readers that will keep them coming back for more.
When you write from a place of authenticity, you open the door to deeper, more meaningful interactions. Your readers will feel a sense of kinship as if they’re engaging with a real person, rather than just consuming content.
They’ll be more likely to leave thoughtful comments, share your work with others, and actively participate in the dialogue you’ve initiated.
The Power of Vulnerability
Authenticity often requires vulnerability — the willingness to bear your experiences, share your struggles, and embrace your imperfections.
It’s this raw, unfiltered honesty that forges the deepest connections with your audience.
When you courageously share your vulnerabilities, you create a safe space for your readers to do the same.
They’ll see themselves reflected in your stories, gaining the strength and courage to confront their own challenges and embrace their authentic selves.
The Right Length and Format of Medium Blog Posts
There’s no one-size-fits-all formula for article length on Medium. The key is striking a balance between providing substantial value and respecting your readers’ time and attention spans.
Aim for articles between 600–2000 words, but don’t get too caught up in word counts. Focus on thoroughly exploring your topic while maintaining a clear, concise writing style.
As for formatting, Medium’s clean and minimalist design lends itself well to shorter paragraphs, subheadings, and visual elements like images or pull quotes to break up text and enhance readability.
Remember, authenticity should guide your writing, not rigid formatting rules. Let your unique writing style and message dictate the length and structure that best serves your content.
Incorporating Keywords Naturally
Effective keyword integration shouldn’t compromise your authenticity but rather complement it.
The key is to weave relevant keywords into your writing organically, without forcing them or disrupting the natural flow of your content.
Start by identifying the primary keywords that align with your topic and resonate with your target audience. You can use Google Trends to tap on the trending topics related to your niche.
Then, look for opportunities to incorporate them into your writing in a way that feels natural and contextual. Include them in your title, subtitle, H2s, and H3s and throughout your individual paragraph. You can read this medium blog post of mine about What You Should Know About Medium SEO.
How to naturally incorporate relevant keywords on Medium blog posts
For example, if you’re writing about “finding your authentic style on Medium,” you could seamlessly integrate the keyword phrase into sentences like:
“Over time, you’ll develop a distinct, authentic style that resonates with readers on Medium.”
“Embracing your unique perspective and sharing personal stories is crucial to finding your authentic style on the platform.”
Plus, consider using semantic and related keywords that enrich your content while maintaining authenticity.
Instead of repeating the exact phrase “authentic style on Medium” verbatim, you could incorporate variations like “genuine self-expression,” “raw honesty,” or “personal narrative.”
The key is to prioritize the natural flow of your writing and avoid awkward or forced keyword placement. Your authenticity should shine through, while relevant keywords enhance the discoverability and SEO value of your content.
Strategies for Creating Engaging and Authentic Medium Content
Creating high-quality, engaging, and authentic content on Medium is about striking a delicate balance between authenticity, value, and captivating storytelling.
Here are some strategies to consider:
Tell Compelling Stories
Humans are hardwired to connect with stories. They connect with emotions, logic, and fear.
Share personal experiences, anecdotes, or even fictionalized narratives that illustrate your points in a vivid, relatable way. This not only makes your content more engaging but also helps reinforce your authentic voice and perspective.
Provide Actionable Insights
While personal stories are powerful, your readers also crave practical insights and takeaways they can apply to their own lives or work. Balance storytelling with actionable advice, tips, and strategies that offer genuine value to your audience.
Use a Conversational Tone
Ditch the dry, academic writing style in favor of a more conversational and approachable tone. Imagine you’re having a one-on-one discussion with a friend or colleague, and let your personality shine through in your word choice and phrasing.
Incorporate Multimedia Elements
Break up your text with visually appealing elements like images, videos, or infographics. Not only do these help reinforce your points, but they also add variety and visual interest, keeping your readers engaged from start to finish.
Encourage Interaction
Authentic connections are at the heart of Medium’s success. Pose thought-provoking questions, invite reader comments and feedback, and actively participate in the discussions that follow. This fosters a sense of community and keeps your audience invested in your content.
Related article: Write Daily On Medium For a Year
Final Thoughts
The pursuit of authenticity should take precedence over the chase for algorithmic perfection.
While SEO tactics may provide temporary boosts in visibility, it’s the genuine connections you forge through authentic self-expression that will sustain your success in the long run.
So, embrace your unique style on Medium, share your stories with raw honesty, and let your authenticity shine through your writing.
In doing so, you’ll not only captivate your audience but also cultivate a community of loyal followers who resonate with your message and appreciate the genuine human behind the words.
