Unlocking the Secrets to Crafting Your First Article
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Chapter 1: The Journey Begins
Reading is a wonderful pursuit, yet have you ever considered putting your thoughts into words?
Two months ago, I found myself immersed in articles on Medium, but I hadn’t penned a single sentence. You may relate to this experience. The primary hurdle I faced was uncertainty about how to begin. However, after two months of writing, I successfully cultivated an audience of over 5,000 and generated an online income.
Getting Started: The Hardest Step
The initial step is often the most daunting. You may feel unsure about the process and fearful of potential failure. When I encounter this fear, I remind myself:
"I might fail and lose everything, but at least I will have tried, and I won’t live with regret."
It’s far better to endure the discomfort of failure temporarily than to bear the weight of lifelong regret. The same principle applies to writing; you simply need to dive in.
Choosing Your Topic: A Personal Journey
You might wonder, "What if I can’t think of anything to write about?" When I embarked on my writing journey, I began with personal experiences. I wrote a few narratives about relationships and eventually gravitated towards self-improvement and writing tips.
Writing mirrors life; the future is uncertain. Is that a reason to avoid writing? Absolutely not. If you’re unsure of a topic, start with something familiar.
It’s perfectly fine to explore various subjects initially. Your interests may shift over time, just as mine did. I encourage you to experiment instead of confining yourself to a single topic at the start of your writing adventure. This exploration can reveal your true potential as a writer.
Analyzing Your Work: The Key to Improvement
What truly matters is how you evaluate your writing. After crafting around 10 to 20 articles, take a moment to review their performance. The stories that resonate well with readers will guide your path to success.
Focus on the read ratio; a figure of 60% or higher indicates strong performance, and such articles will be favored by algorithms. Investigate what made these stories successful—was it the topic, the writing style, or the value provided (insight or emotional connection)?
A common misconception is that you can accurately assess a story's performance with just a handful of views. I’ve had pieces with a 20% read ratio gain significant traction after initially receiving only 20 views. Eventually, they garnered 1,000 reads within a week with an 80% read ratio.
Thus, the higher your readership, the more reliable your insights will be. I suggest aiming for a benchmark of 100 views for a clearer picture.
Finding Your Angle and Consistency
Another crucial aspect of writing is consistency. To maintain this, identify a topic that not only performs well but also ignites your passion. Writing about subjects you love will make the process enjoyable rather than laborious.
Strike a balance between engaging content and your interests. Once you’ve identified this equilibrium, iterate and write regularly.
Embracing the Ups and Downs
Remember, writing is a journey with its highs and lows—much like life. If you consider giving up, take a moment to reflect on whether writing is truly meant for you.
Keep in mind: "Good days follow the challenging ones."
Thank you for taking the time to read my story! I would love your feedback. Feel free to check out my other content and consider subscribing to my newsletter for exclusive insights. Additionally, follow my Medium account for valuable information.
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