Choosing Medium for Blogging: A Comprehensive Guide for Aspiring Writers

Should you use Medium to blog as an aspiring writer? While the answer might seem simple, it's important to explore the pros and cons, and consider how you want to approach your blogging venture. This guide will help you decide if Medium is the right platform for you, based on my personal experience and insights from various sources.

Introduction to Medium

Medium is a platform for writers, journalists, and content creators to publish articles, share ideas, and reach a global audience. It is known for its simplicity and ease of use, making it a popular choice for new writers and those looking to grow their audience quickly. However, the decision to use Medium should be carefully considered, weighing the benefits and potential drawbacks.

Try It Out

I recommend giving Medium a try for a limited period, ideally between 6 months to a year. This timeframe will provide enough time to evaluate whether the platform suits your writing style and goals. Start with the free version to see if you enjoy the experience and if it aligns with your content vision. If you find yourself interested in making money from your articles, consider upgrading to a paid subscription for access to more features and a greater audience.

Comparing Medium to Self-Hosted WordPress

For aspiring writers, self-hosted WordPress is another viable option. I initially chose this route but eventually found it overwhelming in terms of maintenance and monetization requirements. Self-hosting requires an initial investment, and the effort involved can be draining. The choice between the two lies in what you expect to achieve and how much effort you are willing to put in.

With self-hosted WordPress, you have full control over your content and the ability to implement various monetization strategies. However, the effort required to maintain and grow your blog can be high. In contrast, Medium offers a simpler experience with built-in revenue streams, but you may be limited in terms of audience and monetization options. There is also a paywall that limits free reads, which can impact visibility.

Benefits and Drawbacks of Medium

One of the key benefits of Medium is the ease of use and the built-in audience. Articles on Medium can attract significant traffic, even in the early stages. However, the platform comes with its own set of challenges. The paywall can limit your reach and visibility, as you only receive traffic from other Medium users. Additionally, the political leanings of the platform may impact your audience. Be aware that a significant portion of the community may be Left-leaning, and you may need to navigate this carefully.

Another important factor to consider is the quality of your content. Blogging requires a different writing style than other forms of writing. You need to cater to an audience, which involves a lot of trial and error. The taste of your readers can change over time, so it's essential to stay adaptable and responsive to their preferences.

Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Ultimately, whether you choose Medium or self-hosted WordPress depends on your goals, preferences, and the effort you're willing to commit. Medium can be a great starting point for new writers and offers significant benefits in terms of audience and ease of use. However, if you're looking for more control and flexibility, self-hosted WordPress might be the better choice.

My personal experience and research suggest that Medium is neither a good nor a bad choice. It works for some and not for others. The key is to try it out and see what works for you. If you do decide to use Medium, make the most of its features and remember that blogging is a marathon, not a sprint.

Recommendations

If you decide to stick with blogging, focus on producing high-quality content that resonates with your audience. Utilize social media to amplify your reach and engage with your readers. Blogging is a journey, and it may take time to find your voice and gain traction. If you enjoy writing, continue to hone your craft and pursue your passion.