Medium of Love
In my previous work as a Web Developer, I had to work with different platforms, by optimizing them or by creating websites from scratch and I have a lot of knowledge of how they work on the backend.
Probably you may assume that the platform I chose to post my articles for my master's is by creating my own blog website. But I’m a big fan of Medium as a digital publishing platform and below I am going to explain my choice.
Medium isn’t adequately described as a “blogging platform.” Yes, it offers blogging services on a slick, user-friendly interface, but it’s so much more! It’s a publishing platform that also features photographs and video material; it’s not just a place for authors to share their thoughts, but also a place for users to locate great information. “Quality” is the crucial word here. That is the most crucial thing to remember about Medium; the way the system is set up, the finest and most-loved posts rise to the top, while the garbage goes to the bottom.
Here are some reasons why I use Medium:
1. It’s easier.
When you manage your own personal blog, you have a LOT on your plate. There’s the design to consider, as well as hosting issues, content distribution, and writing itself. You just write on Medium. You won’t have to bother about the frills that come with running your own blog because the style is clean and basic.
2. Gives you access to a broader audience
Medium is similar to a magazine that interested internet users pick up when they want to read good information, regardless of the brand or author. It will be easier for you to be identified and exposed by readers if you do it in this manner.
3. Reach out to like-minded people
I always believe that if people are engaging with your story, it means they resonate with what you say. There is no rocket science. I don’t write for 100 people. I write for that one ideal person who can take benefit from it. It can be your friend, a stranger, or someone who follows you dearly. If you engage with this post highlight a phrase, give a clap, and tweeting about it, I will instantly know that I address one of your pain points. You can also leave a comment to share what you liked the most about it.
4. Improve my writing
You must have understood by now that I make mistakes in writing. I am not ashamed of it because I learn daily. Medium is a great platform to share your thoughts in writing, and if I will leverage this free to use the platform to improve the way I write.
Conclusion
No need for a website setup may be the first reason for being attracted by Medium, but the real benefit of Medium is another one.
You’ll soon notice that the number one problem, with writing, is getting read. Medium provides you with an audience. Not a large audience as it may seem. A few readers will see you, at first. But story after story, you’ll gain readers, and they will interact with you. This won’t happen with an independent website unless you’ve already a massive online reputation.
At the same time, you need to grow as a writer, and by reading the stories of the others, and getting their feedback, you’ll get in touch with different perspectives from other authors. This will help you as a writer and will help the growth of your audience at the same time.
In a word, all of the Medium benefits boil down to one: the community.
COS colleagues Kathi & Sandra have also written some very interesting blog posts about transitioning from Blogging on a website to Medium.
