Chapter 1: A New Writer's Journey

When I embarked on my writing journey on Medium, I was unaware of the dedication required to truly connect with an audience. Observing other authors with vast followings left me bewildered; how could one individual garner such immense support?

In my eagerness, I hoped for a sudden surge in followers and devoured articles promising quick strategies for building an audience. One particular piece of advice caught my attention, suggesting that engaging with others through claps, highlights, comments, and follows would lead to reciprocal support.

For about two days, I attempted this approach, but fatigue quickly set in. I felt disingenuous fishing for followers without authentic engagement. Despite my efforts, my stories lacked visibility, primarily because I was reaching random users rather than my intended audience.

Eventually, I abandoned that misguided advice and focused on writing. I had a plethora of ideas waiting to be expressed but had previously held back while engaging superficially with random posts. Once I allowed my thoughts to flow freely onto the page, I began to see real progress.

My new strategy became simple: write about topics that ignite my passion and joy. Gradually, I attracted readers who resonated with my interests—exactly the audience I had been seeking.

Consistency proved vital, and I found no shortage of things to say. While I recognize that building an audience takes time, I now believe it is entirely achievable. I once thought that commenting and highlighting would lead me to 1,000 followers, but I realize now that genuine connection is far more rewarding.

If you find yourself receiving poor advice like I did, disregard it. As a newcomer, it's tempting to seek shortcuts or easy paths to success, but true progress requires hard work and patience. The most successful individuals on Medium didn't climb to the top by taking shortcuts.

Trust the process—your success will come! Success can take on various definitions and meanings. For me, reaching my first 100 followers is a significant milestone, and I am grateful for the support as I navigate my early writing journey.

If you have thoughts, advice, or experiences to share, I would love to hear from you! Thank you for taking the time to read my reflections.

In this video, learn effective strategies for growing your follower count on platforms like Medium.

Chapter 2: Embracing Authenticity

Discover the importance of genuine engagement and how it can help you connect with your audience more effectively.