Everyone wants to go viral on Medium.
Few are trying to build actual readers.
And that’s the difference between getting a hit article that fades in a week versus having people who read everything you post.
The folks who open your story before finishing their coffee.
Who comment like they’ve known you for years.
Who even message you when you haven’t posted in a while like you’re an old friend who forgot their birthday.
This isn’t luck. It’s not timing.
And it’s definitely not about chasing the latest algorithm trick like a confused raccoon in a recycling bin.
It’s about doing the simple things that most people don’t want to do consistently.
So if you’re here to build a loyal following on Medium not just rack up random views here’s the blueprint.
Know Who You’re Talking To
Let’s get one thing straight.
You don’t need to write for everyone. You need to write for someone.
The biggest mistake new writers make is thinking a broad audience is the goal.
“I write about life.”
Cool. So does everyone else.
That’s like saying you cook “food.” Doesn’t tell me much.
If you want people to care, make them feel like you’re writing just for them.
Imagine your reader.
Like, literally imagine them.
Are they 25, stuck in a job they hate, bingeing self-help content at midnight?
Or are they a 40-year-old parent trying to squeeze wisdom between snack breaks?
Pick your person.
Understand their problems.
Then write like you’re solving them one story at a time.
Create Content Worth Coming Back To
One-off articles don’t build loyalty.
Consistency does.
Think of your writing like a show on Netflix.
Same vibe. Same energy. New episode every week.
That’s how people form habits around your work they start expecting you.
Series work. Recurring themes work.
Even a simple structure like “3 Things I Learned About X” builds familiarity.
Familiarity builds trust.
And trust? That’s the gateway drug to loyalty.
Also, stop trying to sound like everyone else.
You’re not applying for a job at ChatGPT Inc.
Your tone is your edge.
Sarcastic, thoughtful, raw, awkward whatever’s you.
Double down on that voice. People don’t just follow content. They follow people.
Use Medium Without Letting It Use You
Yes, the platform has rules.
But you don’t have to play by them like a desperate contestant on a reality show.
Start by using the tools that actually help:
- Tags: pick ones people actually search, not cute made-up ones that sound like band names.
- Publications: submit to ones that fit your niche. (Don’t just go for size. Go for vibe.)
- Responses: comment on other posts like a human, not a robot programmed by a growth hacker.
And here’s the thing most people forget, Medium is still social.
You want more readers?
Mention other writers.
Shout them out in your posts.
Collaborate.
The fastest way to grow on Medium is to become known in your corner of it not the whole mall.
Talk to Your Readers, Not at Them
Loyalty comes from connection.
If someone comments on your post, reply.
If they highlight your line , thank them.
If they DM you, respond like a real person, not a support chatbot.
It sounds simple. But almost no one does this at scale.
Why? Because they think it doesn’t scale.
Spoiler: neither does loyalty.
Also, ask questions at the end of your articles.
Not fake “let me know what you think” filler.
Real questions. Invite conversation.
Then listen.
Look at what stories people save, comment on, and share.
That’s your feedback loop.
Use it.
It tells you what to write next, better than any spreadsheet.
Take Them Off Medium (So You Own the Relationship)
Medium could change its algo tomorrow.
You could go from 10,000 views to 10 overnight.
(And still get that one clap from your mum.)
That’s why smart writers build an off-platform channel.
Email still wins.
It’s direct. It’s personal. And it’s yours.
You don’t need to do anything fancy.
Just start with a simple CTA at the end of your posts, “If you liked this, I share extra stuff here once a week.”
Send a short newsletter.
Drop some bonus tips.
Even a PDF or checklist works.
Think of it like an afterparty , the best stuff often happens off the main stage.
Keep Writing, Keep Growing
This isn’t magic. It’s not sexy.
It’s definitely not instant.
It’s kind of like the gym, results come after the boring reps.
But if you want a real following, not fake claps and views, this is how it happens.
You pick your reader.
You show up consistently.
You use the platform smartly.
You talk to people like a person.
And you build something of your own outside of it.
That’s how you win long-term.
By being unskippable to the right people.