Finding Your Ideal Subscriber: A Guide to Engagement
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Chapter 1: Understanding the Perfect Subscriber
What qualities define an ideal subscriber on Medium? You might be seeking individuals who engage deeply with your content without inundating you with responses.
Image by James Bellerjeau
When considering a fruitful relationship on Medium, what sort of audience do you wish to cultivate? Are you drawn to those who:
- Craft exceptional narratives
- Produce a high volume of content
- Offer consistent support
- Provide extensive commentary
- Explore a variety of subjects
You might be thinking, “I appreciate all these qualities, James.” I once held the same belief, but my perspective has shifted.
The most critical trait to seek in a subscriber is someone who meticulously engages with everything you publish. The other characteristics can often become distractions. Consider this:
- A person who excels in writing or produces numerous pieces might divert your focus from your own important writing endeavors.
- A reader with a broad scope spends time consuming other authors’ work, which does not contribute to your own growth.
Initially, I believed my favorite authors were those who wrote captivatingly and frequently, whose humor captivated me, and whose pieces I found impossible to resist.
How mistaken I was.
We often discover numerous remarkable writers, only to find our inboxes overflowing with their brilliant content.
In my experience, subscribing to prolific authors significantly reduced my own productive hours. This is largely because I tend to be an avid reader who engages extensively.
To clarify, anyone who chooses to subscribe to my work is indeed a perfect subscriber. (Should you require a note to validate this for your boss, partner, or pet, just let me know.)
Let’s be clear: I harbor no resentment towards your interest in other writers, as long as you also dedicate time to my work.
If you find that you prefer reading over writing, that is completely acceptable! I have traversed the path to burnout multiple times, so I can assure you of this.
Publishing just one story a week is more than commendable. Wouldn't you agree?
Take care!
This reflection was sparked by a conversation with the ideal reader, Lindsay Duncan, in R C Hammond’s insightful piece, "Looking for Readers?"
Section 1.1: Prioritizing Your Productivity
As you navigate your writing journey, it’s essential to safeguard your productivity. Be cautious about immersing yourself in the works of prolific writers like Smillew Rahcuef and his expanding circle of acquaintances.
Chapter 2: Leveraging YouTube for Growth
The first video, "Learn How To Get Subscribers and Views On YouTube," offers valuable insights on how to increase your audience and enhance engagement on your channel.
The second video, "Top 15 Tips to Get More Subscribers on YouTube!", provides practical strategies to boost your subscriber count effectively.