Why You Should Not Grow Your Medium With “Follow for Follow”

Introduction.

Growing a presence on Medium can be a fulfilling effort, offering an opportunity to share your ideas with a wider audience and potentially earn from your writing.

However, many writers looking to boost their follower count on the platform might be tempted to engage in the “follow for follow” strategy.

This approach, while seemingly straightforward, involves following other users with the hope that they will reciprocate by following you back.

But before you dive into this tactic, it’s crucial to understand why it might not be the best strategy for building a meaningful and engaged audience on Medium.

Why Should I Not Grow Your Medium With “Follow for Follow”?

Here is why you should not grow your Medium With “Follow for Follow”;

1. Superficial Growth Doesn’t Lead to Engagement.

One of the key issues with “follow for follow” is that it often results in superficial growth.

While you might see a spike in your follower numbers, these followers are often not genuinely interested in your content.

According to Medium’s statistics, engagement — measured by claps, comments, and reads — is far more crucial to your success than simply having a high follower count.

A study by HubSpot revealed that content from engaged audiences generates 2.3 times more revenue than content from less engaged audiences.

This means that a large number of inactive or indifferent followers won’t contribute to your overall success on Medium.

2. Quality Over Quantity.

Medium’s algorithm prioritizes quality content and user engagement. Building a following based on mutual exchanges often means that you’re attracting people who aren’t truly interested in what you have to say.

This can lead to lower-quality interactions and less meaningful engagement with your posts.

For instance, if you focus on creating high-quality, valuable content that resonates with your target audience, you’re more likely to attract genuine followers who are interested in your work.

This approach aligns better with Medium’s algorithm, which favours posts that drive genuine engagement.

3. Missed Opportunities for Genuine Connections.

Medium is a platform built around thoughtful, insightful writing and meaningful discussions.

When you use “follow for follow,” you might miss out on opportunities to connect with readers who genuinely appreciate your work.

Instead of building a network of real connections, you’re focusing on quantity rather than quality.

By engaging with readers and fellow writers who share your interests and values, you’re more likely to build a community that supports and amplifies your work.

Genuine connections can lead to collaborations, guest posts, and a more fulfilling presence on the platform.

4. Potential for Spammy Behavior.

Using “follow for follow” can sometimes be perceived as spammy behaviour. It might annoy users and lead to negative perceptions of your account.

Medium’s community values authentic interactions, and engaging in tactics that come across as disingenuous can damage your reputation.

Maintaining a professional and respectful approach to growing your audience will help you build a positive reputation on Medium.

This, in turn, can foster trust and credibility, making readers more likely to engage with and share your content.

5. Impact on Long-Term Success.

While “follow for follow” might provide a quick boost, it doesn’t contribute to long-term success.

The real value comes from consistently producing high-quality content that engages and resonates with readers.

According to a study by the Content Marketing Institute, companies that prioritize quality content see a 7.8 times higher average annual growth in unique website traffic compared to those that don’t.

Investing in creating compelling and valuable content is a sustainable way to build a loyal audience over time. It may take longer, but the results are more rewarding and enduring.

Conclusion.

Building a sustainable and impactful presence on Medium requires genuine engagement, quality content, and a genuine connection with your audience.

While it’s easy to get caught up in the numbers game, remember that a small, engaged readership is far more valuable than a large, indifferent following.

By focusing on creating content that resonates with your target audience, actively participating in the Medium community, and building authentic relationships, you’re laying the groundwork for long-term success. It might take time, but the rewards are immeasurable.

So, I encourage you to prioritize quality over quantity. Are you ready to invest in building a genuine following on Medium?