Why Are Top Medium Writers Leaving? Insights and Alternatives
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Chapter 1: The Current State of Medium
In recent times, there has been a significant departure of prominent writers from Medium. Over the past two years, the platform has altered its monetization and content distribution approaches, leading to widespread dissatisfaction among creators.
Many top writers have decided to leave, seeking better opportunities elsewhere. This shift raises questions about what it means for both writers and readers alike.
Section 1.1: The Gold Rush Era of Medium
Back in 2018, Medium was a land of opportunity. Writers could earn substantial incomes, sometimes $5,000 or even $10,000 for a single article. Many built entire careers solely on the platform's royalties, often neglecting to establish a business foundation or sales funnel.
They thrived in a system that allowed for impressive earnings without the necessity of marketing or long-term strategies. However, those days are a distant memory.
Subsection 1.1.1: A Shift in Earnings
Currently, it’s rare for writers to earn more than $3,000 a month, and that’s only achievable through consistent publishing—around 4 to 5 articles weekly, with some receiving boosts. Newcomers can reach $100 or even $1,000 much faster than seasoned writers once could, creating a sense of isolation among those who previously thrived.
Section 1.2: The Impact of Algorithm Changes
The nature of algorithm changes isn’t unique to Medium; it’s a common phenomenon across various platforms. Take Twitter (or X) as an example—every platform faces shifts in engagement priorities or content types.
The key to surviving these changes is adaptability.
Chapter 2: Building a Sustainable Future
Living in a rapidly evolving digital landscape means that strategies that worked six months ago may no longer be effective. Writers should not attempt to navigate these changes alone. Instead, they can benefit from collaboration with peers.
Why Are So Many Medium Publications Leaving?
This video explores the reasons behind the recent exodus of top writers from Medium and the implications for the platform's future.
Creating a community can foster shared knowledge and experimentation, allowing for more innovative approaches than one individual could achieve alone.
Section 2.1: Diversifying Income Streams
One crucial piece of advice is to avoid relying entirely on a single platform. The most effective strategy is to build an email list—an asset that remains unaffected by algorithm changes. Most creators find that their email lists are their primary revenue sources, rather than the platforms themselves.
The process is straightforward:
- Publish valuable content on Medium.
- Create a related lead magnet and offer it through a service like Gumroad.
- Include a call to action in your articles, encouraging readers to download your free resource in exchange for their email.
- Use a service like ConvertKit to manage your email list.
- Develop a brief welcome sequence to introduce your audience to your work.
Is Medium Still Worth It in 2024?
This video discusses whether Medium remains a valuable platform for writers in 2024, featuring insights from top creators.
Section 2.2: Learning from Successful Writers
Writers like Nick Wagnall exemplify the importance of diversifying income through a robust email list and a suite of validated digital products. His success proves that one can thrive independently of Medium's changing landscape.
The takeaway? Avoid placing all your eggs in one basket.
Chapter 3: Personal Commitment to Medium
Despite the departure of notable writers such as Anthony Moore and Nick Wagnall, I remain committed to creating content on Medium. For me, the platform serves as a vital tool for audience building rather than just a monetization avenue.
While my earnings may contribute to my expenses, I view Medium as a way to attract potential readers and clients.
As the digital landscape evolves, I will continually reassess my options. Medium may implement necessary changes that could restore engagement and monetization. Until then, I will continue to leverage the platform for growth.