Chapter 1: The State of Medium

Medium has reached a significant milestone, celebrating 12 years of existence. With over a million articles published each month, it can sometimes feel as if your contributions are merely a drop in an ocean.

“Should I switch to Substack?” you might ponder.

However, there’s merit in arriving late to the party. There are compelling reasons to appreciate the challenge of making your voice stand out amidst the noise. In fact, entering a crowded space might be more advantageous than it seems. Here are four reasons to be enthusiastic about starting your journey on Medium today.

#1 It's Never Too Late to Begin

Tim Ferriss launched his popular podcast, The Tim Ferriss Show, in 2012. Many criticized him for being tardy to the podcasting scene, claiming it was already oversaturated. Fast forward 12 years and over a billion downloads later, Ferriss is certainly enjoying the spoils of his decision.

The reality is that you will often find yourself "late" to new platforms. By the time you discover the latest trend, the prime opportunities may have already been seized. Instead of seeking shortcuts, concentrate on your unique journey. Accept that growth takes time.

I once believed I was behind in starting my fitness journey in my thirties, but I now find myself in the best shape of my life. People frequently fret over when or where to begin, but seldom consider the cost of inaction.

So you’re late? That’s fine—better late than never.

#2 The Value of Competition

I’m not one for competition. You won’t catch me at martial arts tournaments or racing events. Writing, on the other hand, is a solitary pursuit that allows for personal exploration without the need for comparison.

Yet, writing online, particularly on Medium, is inherently competitive. Your piece competes with thousands of others for attention in a relentless feed.

But this competition can be beneficial. It challenges you to elevate your craft. If you can craft compelling headlines and engage readers on Medium, you can do so elsewhere. Mastering the art of capturing attention is a vital skill in today’s digital landscape, often yielding significant rewards.

So, embrace the competition—it’s a catalyst for your growth as a writer.

The first video, "Standing Out In A Saturated Medium - Erin Sarofsky," dives into strategies for distinguishing yourself in a crowded field. It's an insightful look at making your voice heard amid the noise.

#3 The Power of Fresh Perspectives

In recent years, Sam Sulek has made waves in the bodybuilding and YouTube communities. Despite operating within a saturated niche, he quickly garnered a massive following by embracing a unique approach—his thumbnails were simple, and his videos eschewed the overly polished editing common at the time.

Being new allows you to bring a fresh perspective, enabling you to approach the existing landscape creatively. Audiences are often eager for something novel and relatable.

Remember, even your favorite creators were once unknown. When they first caught your attention, it was their originality that resonated. If you can present something distinctive, you might attract a fanbase. One follower can quickly lead to hundreds or even thousands, but you must first put yourself out there.

#4 Tapping into a Vast Readership

While it might seem that Medium is overrun with writers discussing writing, the platform actually has a vast audience. Each month, over 160 million visitors engage with Medium. That’s an incredible opportunity for your work to be seen.

Although chasing virality isn’t a sound strategy, being on a platform with a large readership can dramatically increase your chances of exposure.

With the potential to reach countless readers, Medium offers a unique advantage that independent blogs may not.

In conclusion, what have we gathered?

Yes, you may be late to Medium, but starting is what counts. The competitive environment can enhance your skills, and there’s always a demand for fresh and exciting content. Medium’s extensive user base presents an invaluable opportunity to amplify your voice.

Choosing to commit to this platform is a valuable investment. Even if Medium isn’t your long-term solution, it provides an excellent training ground for honing your skills.

Ultimately, it's not the vehicle, but the driver that makes all the difference.

Thanks for reading! Did I overlook something? What are your thoughts on building a platform? I welcome your feedback in the comments.

Chapter 2: The Potential for Growth

The second video, "Saturated Media Extract Alternate Soil/Media Testing," provides insights into testing and optimizing content in saturated markets. This could be a valuable resource for those looking to enhance their writing strategies.