How Medium Fuels the Freelance Fire
As someone who runs multiple 7-figure marketing agencies and has spent years teaching freelancers how to grow their businesses, I can’t help but notice the impact Medium has had on the freelancing world.
In fact, I’d say it’s nothing short of revolutionary.
You might be wondering why someone like me, who’s been in the industry for a while, is so hyped up about Medium.
Well, that’s because I’ve seen first-hand how it’s changed the game for freelancers, helping them build their personal brands and connect with like-minded professionals.
In this read, I will share my honest, no-nonsense opinions on Medium’s role in the freelancing revolution; trust me, it’s worth the read.
So grab a cup of coffee (or tea, if you prefer), and let’s dive into how Medium has transformed the world of freelancing and what it means for you, the modern-day freelancer.
Ready?
Democratizing Content Creation for Freelancers Everywhere
Back in the day, it was a real struggle to get your work noticed or even published.
You had to rely on traditional publishers, websites, or magazines to showcase your talent — and, let’s be honest, it was often more about who you knew than how good your work was.
Enter Medium — a game changer for the freelance community. Suddenly, everyone can share their thoughts, ideas, and expertise with the world.
This platform has leveled the playing field, giving freelancers from all walks of life an equal opportunity to showcase their work.
I know what you’re thinking: “Doesn’t this mean there’s more competition?” Sure, more people are vying for attention, but that’s not bad.
In fact, it’s pretty awesome. The increased competition pushes us to create better, more engaging content that truly stands out.
It also means a wealth of knowledge and diverse perspectives are available at our fingertips.
What’s more, Medium has made it incredibly easy to get started.
No need to mess around with website builders, domain names, or hosting. You can simply sign up, create your profile, and start publishing.
This ease of access has opened doors for countless freelancers without the resources or know-how to establish their online presence otherwise.
So, what’s my take on Medium’s democratization of content creation?
It’s a breath of fresh air.
Medium’s impact on the freelance community is undeniable.
This platform has empowered us to take control of our careers, expand our reach, and make our mark in the digital world.
And honestly, it’s about time we had a platform that truly supports and values the contributions of freelancers like us.
Medium’s Communities — A Deeper Dive
Let’s talk about something we all know is important; networking.
But this isn’t your average, run-of-the-mill networking — we’re talking about the power of Medium’s communities.
In my opinion, it’s one of the most underrated aspects of the platform, so let’s dive in and see what makes it so special.
Birds of a Feather:
Finding Your Niche Community One of the coolest things about Medium is that there’s a community for just about everyone.
Whether you’re a freelance graphic designer, a marketing guru, or a tech-savvy writer, there’s a Medium community waiting to embrace you.
And guess what?
These niche communities are goldmines for networking opportunities, collaboration, and learning from your peers.
The Comment Section:
A Networking Playground I know, I know — comment sections can be a bit daunting. But trust me when I say that Medium’s comment sections are different.
They’re often filled with thoughtful, constructive, and downright inspiring conversations.
So, don’t shy away from leaving a comment on someone’s story or responding to a comment on your own work.
You never know who you might connect with, and it’s a great way to show your personality and expertise in a more casual setting.
Publications:
The Freelancer’s Networking Hub Now, let’s talk about publications.
These are Medium’s versions of magazines or journals, and they often focus on specific topics or industries.
By contributing to publications, you not only get your work in front of a larger audience but also have the chance to network with fellow contributors, editors, and industry professionals.
In my experience, this can lead to some fantastic connections and even new business opportunities.
My Two Cents:
Building Authentic Connections Here’s the deal: networking on Medium is all about building authentic connections.
Don’t just go around following random people and spamming them with messages.
Instead, genuinely engage with others’ work, ask thoughtful questions, and offer valuable insights.
Trust me — being genuine, curious, and helpful will get you much further than trying to force connections or sell yourself at every turn.
Medium communities are a powerful networking, collaboration, and growth tool.
The Secret Sauce: Medium’s Algorithm Unveiled (Well, Sort of)
Alright, let’s talk about the elephant in the room — Medium’s algorithm.
We all know it’s a bit of a mystery, but it plays a huge role in determining whether our content gets discovered or lost in the abyss.
So, let’s try to unravel this enigma and see how we can make it work in our favor.
The Algorithm’s Whims:
Timing, Engagement, and More One thing we do know is that Medium’s algorithm looks at various factors to decide which articles should be promoted.
These factors include the timing of your story, engagement (claps, response, shares), reading time, and bounce rate.
I believe paying attention to these metrics is crucial if you want to get on the algorithm’s good side.
Consistency Matters:
Keep ’Em Coming to Another crucial aspect of Medium’s algorithm is consistency.
The more regularly you post, the better your chances are of getting noticed.
My advice?
Set a publishing schedule and stick to it.
Whether it’s once a week or three times a month, find a pace that works for you and keep those articles coming.
Quality Over Quantity:
Don’t Get Too Comfy Now, while consistency is essential, don’t forget about the quality of your content.
Pumping out subpar articles just to meet a schedule won’t do you any favors.
Remember, Medium’s algorithm loves engaging, high-quality content — so take the time to make your articles worth reading.
Find Your Tribe:
Targeting the Right Audience Medium’s algorithm also considers readers’ interests, so it’s crucial to know your target audience.
Write about topics that resonate with them and use relevant tags to help them find your content.
In my experience, the more targeted your content is, the better the chances are of getting it in front of the right people.
The Power of Curation:
Get That Stamp of Approval Getting curated on Medium can significantly boost your content.
The platform’s editorial team handpicks curated articles and promotes them to a broader audience.
While there’s no surefire way to get curated, focusing on quality and following Medium’s guidelines can improve your chances.
And, believe me, it’s worth the effort.
Keep Learning and Adapting:
The Algorithm Evolves The truth is, Medium’s algorithm is always changing.
What works today might not work tomorrow. So, stay informed, learn from your successes (and failures), and be ready to adapt your strategy.
The key is to be persistent and proactive, and you’ll eventually crack the code.
Make Medium’s Algorithm Work for You Medium’s algorithm may be a mystery, but it doesn’t have to be a roadblock.
Medium’s Impact, Summed Up
So, there you have it. Medium has undoubtedly shaken up the freelance world in some pretty cool ways.
It’s broken down barriers, put money in our pockets, and connected us to some amazing people.
It’s up to us, the freelancers, to make the most of these opportunities.
Let’s seize the day and rock the Medium platform like the freelance superstars we are.
— —
Peace & love,
