Let’s break down three of my most recent articles—views, earnings, and what might’ve helped.

One of the main things about views on Medium is that it depends on who's reading. Where's the traffic coming from?

For the one with over 1000 views (published on May 12), traffic was pretty evenly split between member and non-member views, so the earnings were fair. I don’t usually promote outside of Medium except for Twitter, and even then, it’s mostly to reach other Medium writers who are active there. This time, I also shared it on Substack Notes, so that might’ve played a part.

The second article got slightly fewer views, but it was featured and seemed to hit home with members. So even though the numbers were lower than the first one, the earnings were higher.

The last one actually performed better than the first two because it had the highest member reads, and that’s really where the real earnings are.

Now, about this post specifically.

I noticed a lot of +1 clappers, and at first, I assumed it was newer writers. There’s a reason I thought that—there’s a trend where newer writers seem to give just 1–10 claps, even though they know 50 is an option.

Engagement is More Than Just One Clap

Of course, clapping is a choice. One clap is enough to trigger the algorithm. But here’s what they might be missing.

Medium is an engagement platform.

If you engage a lot—read, clap generously, leave a thoughtful comment—there’s a high chance the writer will be inspired to check out your work, too.

You Are Your Own Best Promoter

You are your own best promoter. You cannot depend on the algorithm to do your job for you or your immediate circle alone.

Have you ever noticed how people are automatically drawn to articles with good engagement? That’s the curiosity factor. People want to know what the hoopla is about.

Comments Drive Discoverability and Connections

And leaving a comment on a post like that? Also strategic. There’s a good chance more people will discover you there. I’ve made many Medium friends through the comment section alone.

So think about it—do you want more engagement?

If so, what are you doing about it?

Are you only engaging with your immediate circle and hoping something magical happens? (Because yes, I know the ones who only read me when they’ve published something 😉—the rest of the time, they’re super selective. Apparently, I’m a soft target for readbacks lol)

And are you doing what you hope will be done for you? Like giving 50 claps and leaving a genuine comment?

Some people might think all of this is “a bit much.” That’s fine. Do your thing.

Just know—it’s a choice.

You can hope for things to happen, or you can make them happen.

Up to you.

More from Yana:

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