How to Make Money Online with Medium

Introduction.

Making money online has become a realistic goal for many people, thanks to platforms like Medium. Medium isn’t just a place to share your ideas—it’s a platform where writers can turn their words into income.

Let’s dive into the steps and strategies that can help you make money on Medium.

Why Medium Is a Great Platform for Writers

Medium stands out from other platforms because it rewards quality over quantity. Instead of relying on ads or needing a huge audience, Medium’s Partner Program allows writers to earn money based on how much time readers spend engaging with their articles.

If your content connects with readers, you can start earning, even if you’re just starting.

It’s also a friendly space for all kinds of writers. You don’t need to be a professional journalist or have a blog with thousands of followers. Anyone with good ideas and the ability to write clearly can succeed.

How Do I Make Money Online With Medium?

1. Join Medium’s Partner Program

To earn money on Medium, you need to join the Partner Program. It’s free to sign up, but there’s one requirement: you need at least 100 followers.

Don’t let that number intimidate you—consistently publishing quality content and sharing it with your network can help you reach this goal quickly.

Once you’re in the program, you’ll earn money based on member reading time. The more people read and engage with your stories, the more you’ll earn.

2. Write Content That Readers Love

Medium covers almost every topic imaginable. However, some niches perform better than others. Popular topics include:

Personal development
Productivity and self-improvement
Tech and startups
Writing tips
Health and wellness

Pick topics you’re passionate about and know well. Readers can sense authenticity, and genuine writing always stands out.

Focus on creating high-quality, engaging articles. A catchy title, a strong introduction, and well-organized content can make a big difference. Use subheadings, bullet points, and clear language to keep readers engaged.

3. Publish Regularly

Consistency is key. Medium rewards writers who publish often. Aim for one or two posts a week if possible. This keeps your content fresh and increases your chances of being discovered by new readers.

4. Promote Your Work

While Medium has built-in tools to recommend your stories to readers, it helps to share your articles outside the platform.

Use social media, email newsletters, or other communities you’re part of to drive traffic to your work. Every new reader boosts your potential earnings.

5. Network with Other Writers

Medium has a supportive community of writers. Engage with other authors by clapping, commenting, and sharing their work.

Building relationships can lead to collaborations or having your articles shared with a wider audience.

6. Understand How Earnings Work

Medium’s payment model is straightforward. Your earnings depend on how much time Medium members spend reading your stories.

The platform also pays a bonus for referring new members, which can be an additional source of income.

According to Medium, top writers can earn thousands of dollars a month. Even if you’re just starting, earning $100-$500 monthly is realistic with consistent effort and quality content.

7. Leverage Affiliate Marketing

Affiliate marketing is a fantastic way to earn additional income on Medium. Here’s how it works:

Choose Relevant Products: Promote products or services that align with your content and resonate with your readers. For example, if you write about productivity, recommend tools like Notion or Grammarly.
Include Affiliate Links: Add affiliate links to your articles strategically. Medium allows these links as long as they provide value and are disclosed to readers. Be transparent—mention that you may earn a commission if they purchase through your link.
Focus on Reviews and Tutorials: Write in-depth reviews or step-by-step guides featuring the products you’re promoting. These types of articles tend to rank well on Medium and attract readers searching for recommendations.

Pro Tip: Platforms like Amazon Associates, ShareASale, or specific brand affiliate programs are great places to start.

8. Sell Digital Products

Medium can also be a marketplace for your digital products. Whether you’ve created an eBook, course, template, or even exclusive content, Medium is an excellent place to attract buyers. Here’s how:

Write Articles That Align with Your Product: If you sell an eBook about writing tips, publish articles about improving writing skills to attract the right audience.
Include a Call to Action (CTA): At the end of your article, direct readers to your product with a clear link or a landing page.
Use Medium as a Funnel: Medium articles can serve as part of your sales funnel, driving traffic to your website or digital storefront.

Example Ideas for Digital Products:

An eBook about building a morning routine
A video course on starting a blog
Downloadable templates for productivity or budgeting

9. Combine Medium with Email Marketing

Medium is a great way to build an email list. Here’s how it works:

Create a Lead Magnet: Offer something valuable for free, like a checklist or a mini eBook, in exchange for email signups.
Promote Your Lead Magnet: Use Medium articles to introduce readers to your lead magnet. Add a CTA encouraging them to sign up for your email list.
Monetize Your List: Once you’ve built your email list, you can promote affiliate products, digital products, or exclusive offers directly to your audience.

10. Maximize Your Reach

Medium’s algorithm recommends articles to readers based on engagement. To improve your chances of being discovered:

Write Often: Aim to publish at least once a week.
Engage with the Community: Comment on other articles, respond to comments on your work, and build connections.
Use Medium Publications: Submitting your articles to popular Medium publications can increase their visibility.

Examples of Success on Medium

Partner Program Success: Top writers like Anthony Moore and Niklas Göke have reported earning thousands of dollars monthly by consistently publishing engaging content.
Affiliate Marketing Wins: Writers promoting tools like Grammarly or web hosting services often earn significant affiliate commissions.
Digital Product Sales: Creators selling eBooks or online courses have used Medium to grow their audience and drive sales effectively.

Tips for Success on Medium

Focus on Headlines: Your headline is the first thing readers see. A compelling title can dramatically increase clicks.
Include a Call to Action (CTA): Encourage readers to follow you, leave comments, or check out your other articles.
Analyze What Works: Medium provides stats on your articles’ performance. Pay attention to what’s working and double down on similar topics or styles.
Experiment: Don’t be afraid to try different writing styles, formats, or topics until you find what resonates with your audience.

FAQs

1. Do I need a paid Medium membership to join the Partner Program?

No, you don’t need to pay for a Medium membership to join the Partner Program or start earning. However, having a membership allows you to read unlimited articles on the platform, which can be helpful for research and inspiration.

2. How long does it take to start earning money?

It varies. Some writers start earning within a few weeks, while others take a few months to build an audience. The key is consistency and quality.

3. What’s the average income for a beginner on Medium?

For beginners, earnings might range from $10 to $100 per month. As you gain more followers and write more articles, your income can grow significantly.

4. Can I republish content from my blog or other platforms?

Yes, Medium allows republishing as long as you own the rights to the content. Use Medium’s import tool to avoid duplicate content issues.

5. What are the best tools to use for Medium success?

Grammarly for editing, Canva for creating visuals, and Medium’s built-in stats dashboard to track performance are great starting tools.

Final Thoughts

Medium is more than a writing platform; it’s a space where your ideas can earn you money. While success won’t happen overnight, consistent effort, engaging content, and a bit of promotion can make Medium a rewarding source of income.

So, what’s stopping you from sharing your first story on Medium? What topic are you excited to write about? Let me know—I’d love to hear your thoughts!