Mastering Medium: How I Earned $51.65 from My Next.js Article
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Chapter 1: Captivating the Audience
Writing my Next.js article was a straightforward task, yet it resonated with thousands of amazing readers. In this section, I'll break down the elements that made my article stand out and share a formula to help you achieve similar acclaim.
Let's jump right in!
Section 1.1: Attracting the Reader
To draw in readers, you need to focus on three essential components:
- Title
- Subtitle
- Featured Image
Title: Opt for a title that encompasses a wide range of meanings. Specific titles may not resonate with as many people. Phrasing your title as a question—utilizing words like "How" and "Why"—engages readers from the get-go, prompting them to relate to your content. Using first-person words like "I" and "My" enhances this connection.
For example:
- How I Nearly Gave Up on Next.js
- Why My Next.js Application Keeps Crashing
Subtitle: Treat the subtitle as a supportive addition to the title. It should provide further clarity without being overly specific.
Key strategies to consider:
- Clarify the Title: A broad title may leave readers wanting more information, and the subtitle can fulfill that need.
- Quantitative Terminology: Using terms like "Top 5" or "The #1" can catch the reader's eye and stir curiosity.
An effective subtitle for my article was: My Top 5 Biggest Mistakes.
Featured Image: Ensure the featured image is:
- High Quality: Consider using images from Unsplash.
- Relevant: The image should align with the title's theme.
- Strategically Placed: I found success placing the image above the title to surprise readers. Experiment with positioning and seek feedback from friends.
Remember, a well-chosen image can significantly enhance engagement.
Section 1.2: Hooking the Reader
Once you've secured their attention with your title, subtitle, and featured image, present a brief yet engaging description to entice them to continue reading.
My article boasts a member read ratio of 78%, which is impressive for a piece that has been live for a month. This success can be attributed to my concise description that keeps readers engaged for over 30 seconds—a key metric for retention.
Tips for crafting an effective description:
- Short and Simple: Brevity is key; a lengthy description might bore readers.
- Impress the Reader: Use relatable metaphors to draw readers in. I described my article as "saving you from stepping into puddles filled with countless hours of unnecessary debugging."
- Quantitative Terminology: Incorporating numbers can also maintain reader interest.
Chapter 2: Building Momentum
Enhancing your read ratio is just part of the journey. Now, focus on providing readers with an unforgettable experience.
From feedback on my article, I gathered the following insights:
- Be Controversial: Sharing strong opinions can divide readers but will also engage both supporters and critics.
- Speak from Personal Experience: Authenticity and originality are rewarded over generic content.
- Utilize Bullet Points: Readers appreciate clear, easily digestible formatting.
- Limit Emojis: A modest approach to emojis maintains professionalism and prevents ridicule.
Chapter 3: Pre-Publishing Tips
To maximize your article's reach, consider these final tips:
- Optimal Posting Time: While there’s no exact formula, I published my article around midday (12 PM UTC) on a Friday. Experimenting with this timing could yield positive results.
- Writing for Popular Publications: Submitting to relevant publications can dramatically increase visibility. I contribute to Level Up Coding, which has close to 100,000 followers, allowing my work to reach a wider audience.
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