Understanding What Not to Do on Medium

This article presents a concise list of mistakes every Medium writer should be aware of.

1️⃣ Reposting Old Stories

It's not entirely inaccurate to say that many older articles don't garner much interest. However, based on my own observations, some can still earn a few cents or dollars even months later. That being said, the worst tactic is to delete an old article and repost it, hoping to trick the algorithm for easy profit. This strategy is unlikely to succeed. Instead, consider using a new title and reworking the content if you feel compelled to revisit an old topic. If the story was previously boosted, you need to exercise even greater caution to avoid any issues.

For guidance on reposting older stories, I reached out to Medium staff, and they provided clarity on best practices.

2️⃣ Submitting the Same Draft to Multiple Publications

I was unaware that this was a common practice until I overheard a discussion about it. Some writers submit their drafts to various publications in hopes of quicker acceptance. If one publication accepts the draft, they can simply withdraw the others. However, this approach is not much different from the first mistake. Unless there’s a significant wait, publishing speed isn't typically critical—delaying by a few hours usually won’t affect you negatively. If you prefer a set timeline, you could publish the draft on your profile before submitting it to a publication that accepts already published works.

3️⃣ Withdrawing Articles from Publications

This point relates back to the previous one. It’s important to consider the publication's perspective; no reputable publication will support behavior that resembles "poaching" from others. If you want to withdraw an article from one publication to publish it elsewhere, be aware that it may not yield any real benefits. Even with permission, this act can be inconsequential.

4️⃣ Over-Promoting Your Content

Be cautious in how you market your articles. Excessively tagging unfamiliar individuals or repeatedly posting your links in comment sections can be off-putting. Additionally, being overly contentious or provocative may lead to backlash. If too many users respond negatively, it could adversely affect your visibility. The platform’s algorithm is designed to respond to user feedback, so proceed with caution.

5️⃣ Excessive Criticism of Medium

I once penned an article expressing my frustrations with Medium. While it wasn't purely critical, I received advice from a seasoned professional suggesting that companies often dislike negative feedback. Personally, I've found the Medium team to be supportive and respectful. However, it's wise to be mindful of how you express dissatisfaction. Negative perceptions could impact your relationship with the platform and affect opportunities like being nominated for boosts.

Chapter 2: Video Insights for Medium Writers

To further enhance your understanding of writing on Medium, here are two informative videos:

"Explore essential steps to take before publishing on Medium to maximize your success."

"A beginner's guide to starting on Medium in 2022, with tips on effective writing and engagement."