A Comprehensive Guide to Connecting Through Stories on Medium
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Chapter 1: Introduction to Engagement on Medium
Starting your writing journey on Medium can be quite challenging. This is a reality many seasoned writers will attest to. It often takes weeks or even months to fully grasp the nuances of fostering a community on this platform. Some newcomers learn these social norms the hard way, occasionally facing misunderstandings with other writers due to their lack of familiarity with the community's customs.
If you're new to writing, especially within the Express Impact publication or any other, this guidance is crucial. Trust me, it’s indispensable! Ignoring these vital norms could hinder your ability to grow an audience.
Before diving deeper, it’s important to note that Medium operates differently from other social media platforms. Regardless of your proficiency with sites like TikTok, Instagram, X, or Snapchat, approach Medium with a sense of humility and readiness to adapt.
Let’s explore the key tools for engagement on Medium: Claps, Highlights, and Responses/Comments.
Section 1.1: Understanding Claps
Claps serve as a method to express appreciation for a writer's work, similar to “liking” a post on other platforms. However, there’s a unique aspect to it. You can clap up to 50 times on a single story. To do this, simply click and hold (on PC) or tap and hold (on smartphone) the clap icon. You’ll notice the clap count increasing.
The number of claps you give is entirely up to you, but it’s advisable to avoid giving just one clap. Here’s my approach: If I find a title compelling, I start with 10 claps, regardless of the content. If the story meets my expectations, I add another 20 claps. If it resonates on a personal level or includes a captivating personal anecdote, I might give an additional 5 to 20 claps, depending on my connection with the narrative.
While this may seem like a lot, I often find that most stories I read meet these criteria, resulting in 50 claps for many of them. You don’t have to follow this structure strictly; sometimes a single phrase can inspire me to give the maximum claps. Just discover what works for you, and remember, your claps support writers in numerous ways.
Key Takeaway: Clap generously after reading! Avoid single-digit claps.
Section 1.2: The Importance of Highlights
Highlights allow you to indicate to the writer and fellow readers which parts of the story resonate with you. Highlighting is crucial as it demonstrates that you engaged with the content. You can highlight any line, and even do so multiple times. To highlight, simply select the desired text and choose the pen icon from the action options that appear.
Key Takeaway: Highlight the sections that you appreciate or connect with.
Subsection 1.2.1: Engaging Through Responses
The speech bubble icon signifies the response feature. By selecting it after highlighting or beneath the story, you access the responses panel where you can share your thoughts.
Writers and Medium’s algorithm can easily discern whether you’ve read the entire story or just parts of it, so it's important to be genuine in your feedback. Share what resonated with you and why, and feel free to ask questions for clarification. Mentioning the writer’s name can enhance your response. Avoid generic comments like “Thanks for sharing” or “Nice article,” as they may trigger Medium's spam filter.
Key Takeaway: Be authentic in your responses; steer clear of generic feedback!
Chapter 2: Building Connections Through Engagement
Combining all three engagement tools can help you forge meaningful friendships, become an integral part of the Medium community, and cultivate an audience that eagerly interacts with your content.
The first video, "Pro-Tips: Animation in Adobe Express with Andrew Hochradel," provides valuable insights into enhancing your storytelling through animation.
The second video, "Lessons I'm Learning About Storytelling and Engagement," explores key lessons in crafting engaging narratives.
Thank you for taking the time to read this guide!