Diversifying My Writing Journey: Why Variety Matters
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Chapter 1: The Wisdom of Diversification
Throughout my upbringing, my mother frequently shared her cherished nuggets of wisdom, often phrased in the form of catchy sayings.
“Money doesn’t grow on trees!”
“A penny saved is a penny earned!”
You know, the classic parental clichés.
However, her most recurring mantra was undoubtedly,
“Don’t put all your eggs in one basket!”
She had a knack for using this phrase at every opportunity, regardless of its relevance.
The essence of this advice—avoiding the risk of placing all your hopes in a single endeavor—is indeed valuable. Diversification is key. I did my best to incorporate her wise words into my own pursuits.
The LinkedIn Revelation
In August 2023, I experienced a pivotal moment: I had become completely engrossed in writing, but my LinkedIn audience was losing interest in my lengthy posts. I had effectively put all my eggs in the LinkedIn basket.
Users flock to LinkedIn for career opportunities and to share their success stories, not necessarily to read the next great piece of literature.
Breaking Free from LinkedIn
For 15 months, I juggled my corporate consulting role, managed an Etsy shop, and attempted to cultivate a community on LinkedIn. While I enjoyed being part of LinkedIn, I felt constrained.
I started with a modest base of 253 followers in June 2022, likely a mix of friends, family, and acquaintances. However, through consistent content creation and genuine support for others, I organically grew my following to nearly 10,000 without employing aggressive tactics.
Unfortunately, LinkedIn's algorithms appeared to favor more aggressive networking strategies, such as rapidly adding connections and sending mass InMail messages. The platform seemed designed to encourage this approach rather than fostering an audience based solely on the quality of content shared.
While I appreciate the intent behind expanding professional networks, I didn’t want to feel like a salesperson constantly promoting myself through unsolicited connection requests.
Thus, despite having built a welcoming community, I recognized the need to diversify my efforts. LinkedIn was excellent for networking, but I sought a platform more suited for my writing.
This is where Medium entered the picture.
Medium offers a refreshing landscape filled with high-quality writing and meaningful discussions, devoid of the incessant selfies and superficial content. Could it be a space that values creators and emphasizes substance over fleeting trends? Count me in!
I initially engaged with Medium casually in April 2023, starting from scratch. However, by November 2023, I began taking it more seriously.
What, you thought success would just materialize? Hard work is essential!
My first article gained traction at the end of November, and since then, my community has expanded from 536 to 1,195 followers.
While numbers matter, my focus is on sustainable growth.
I’ve had five articles highlighted thanks to Code Like A Girl.
Solo success is a myth—my heartfelt gratitude goes to Dinah Davis (She/Her) for her guidance and opportunities. My writing journey is about evolution, not merely reaching a destination.
Chapter 2: Writing as a Form of Expression
I am genuinely delighted that I have diversified my writing endeavors. LinkedIn serves as my main platform for sharing updates and light-hearted humor (someone has to attempt to brighten up that space). It also acts as a gateway to my entire portfolio.
Conversely, Medium allows me to showcase my long-form writing and engage with an audience eager for more substantial content. This platform provides the ideal environment to explore and articulate my thoughts for a wider audience of like-minded individuals.
Actionable Strategies to Enhance Your Medium Experience
To succeed on Medium, elevating your writing skills is crucial. Focus on crafting clear prose, captivating hooks, and must-read stories. Don’t hesitate to enroll in online courses or immerse yourself in quality literature to refine your abilities. Ultimately, exceptional content will always shine through.
Additionally, consider submitting your work to various publications on Medium. Think of publications as exclusive social circles—gaining access to one can instantly connect you with a broader audience of engaged readers.
Take the time to research submission protocols and be prepared to network effectively to gain the support of key curators.
Moreover, one of the most overlooked strategies for growth on Medium is simply being an active and supportive community member. This means taking the time to read others’ pieces, offering genuine feedback, and amplifying fellow writers’ voices.
What goes around, comes around in the Medium community.
Finally, resist the urge to obsess over numbers in the beginning. While accumulating views and earnings is desirable, what truly holds value is cultivating your unique voice and producing work you take pride in. Focus on mastering your craft, and your audience will grow in time.
This journey is a marathon, not a sprint, my friends.
A heartfelt thank you to all my readers for motivating me to take this leap! Now, if you’ll excuse me, I need to check on those metaphorical writing eggs…
If you appreciate this delightful approach to #EggBasketLife, connect with me on social media for more insights.
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