Thomas Smith
Thomas Smith makes $5,000 a month writing articles on Medium, a website where people share and read stories. He started writing on Medium in 2019 and has published 779 articles since then. His earnings have changed over time. In his best month, he made $19,199, but this is not typical. Usually, he earns between $2,000 and $5,000 per month.
Writing on Medium has done more for Thomas than just make money. It has helped him get noticed by big newspapers. The New York Times and The Wall Street Journal have written about him. He's also been on NBC News to talk about artificial intelligence (AI).
Thomas doesn't just write on Medium. He runs an AI photography business as his main job. His writing on Medium started as a side project but has become an important part of his work.
Medium is different from other writing websites because people pay to read articles there. It costs about $5 a month to read on Medium. Some of this money goes to the writers based on how long people spend reading their articles.
In this article, we'll look at how Thomas became successful on Medium. We'll see how he writes, what kinds of articles do well, and how he makes money. We'll also learn about the different ways Medium has helped his career beyond just earning money each month.
What is Medium?
Medium is a website where people can read and write articles. It's like an online magazine, but anyone can write for it. The special thing about Medium is that readers pay to use it. It costs about $5 a month to read everything on Medium. This is different from most websites where you can read for free.
When you pay for Medium, you can read as many articles as you want. The writers on Medium get some of the money that readers pay. How much a writer earns depends on how long people spend reading their articles. If someone reads your article for a long time, you get more money.
Medium has more than a million people who pay to use it. This means there are lots of people ready to read what you write. It also means there's a good chance for writers to make money. Medium takes care of getting readers, so writers can focus on writing good articles.
Another important thing about Medium is that it doesn't have ads. This makes it different from many other websites. Because there are no ads, the articles are easy to read without distractions. It also means that Medium only makes money when people pay to subscribe, so they work hard to keep both readers and writers happy.
Thomas's background
Thomas Smith has an interesting background that helps him write well on Medium. He studied artificial intelligence (AI) and photography in college. This mix of technology and art gives him unique things to write about.
In his main job, Thomas runs a company that uses AI to help with photography. This means he knows a lot about how computers can make pictures better or do things that used to take a lot of time. His work keeps him up to date with the latest technology, which gives him plenty of ideas for articles.
Before writing on Medium, Thomas wrote for newspapers and magazines. This experience taught him how to write clearly and make his articles interesting. He also learned how to take good pictures, which can make his Medium articles more attractive.
Thomas's background in both technology and writing helps him explain complicated ideas in ways that are easy to understand. This is very useful on Medium, where many readers want to learn about new technology but might not know much about it yet.
How Thomas started on Medium
Thomas began writing on Medium in 2019. At first, it was just something he did on the side, not his main job. He liked Medium because he could publish his own articles without having to work with big newspapers or magazines.
When Thomas first started, he didn't plan to make it a big part of his work. He just wanted a place to share his ideas. He wrote about things he knew well, like AI and photography. He also wrote about his experiences and things he learned in his work.
At the beginning, Thomas didn't earn much money from Medium. In his first month, he only made $7. But he kept writing because he enjoyed it and saw that people were reading his articles.
Over time, Thomas got better at writing for Medium. He learned what kind of articles people liked to read. He also learned how to use Medium's features, like submitting to publications within Medium. These are like small magazines on the website that focus on specific topics.
As more people read his articles, Thomas started to earn more money. He also found that writing on Medium was helping his main business. People would read his articles and then want to hire him for photography or AI work.
After a few years of consistent writing, Thomas was making thousands of dollars a month from Medium. This success surprised him, but it showed that regular writing and sharing valuable information can lead to good results on the platform.
Thomas's earnings on Medium
Thomas Smith's earnings from writing on Medium have changed a lot over time. When he first started, he didn't make much money at all. But as he kept writing and got better at it, his earnings grew.
In a recent month, June, Thomas made $2,306 from Medium's partner program. This is a good amount of money, but it's not his best. The month before, in May, he earned even more - $4,350. This shows that the amount can change from month to month.
The most money Thomas ever made in one month on Medium was $19,199. This happened in 2020. It's important to know that this was unusual. Most months, he doesn't make that much. But it shows what's possible if an article becomes very popular.
These days, Thomas usually makes between $2,000 and $5,000 each month from Medium. This is a significant amount of money, especially considering it's not his main job. It's extra money he earns from writing articles in his spare time.
Thomas's earnings show that it's possible to make a good income from writing on Medium. But it's also clear that the amount can change a lot. Some months are better than others. This is why Thomas keeps his main job and treats Medium as an extra source of income.
How Medium pays writers
Medium has a special way of paying writers called the Partner Program. It's different from how many other websites pay writers. Here's how it works:
First, readers pay Medium about $5 a month to read articles. This money goes into a big pot. At the end of each month, Medium shares this money with the writers. But they don't just split it equally among all writers. Instead, they look at how much time people spent reading each writer's articles.
For example, if someone spends 10 minutes reading your article, you get more money than if they only read for 1 minute. This means that writers who create interesting, long articles that keep people reading can earn more.
Another interesting thing about Medium's payment system is that it looks at each reader separately. If a reader only reads one of your articles in a whole month, you might get all of that reader's $5. But if they read articles from 100 different writers, each writer gets a small part of that $5.
Medium also has a system where readers can "clap" for articles they really like. Claps used to affect how much writers earned, but now they're just a way for readers to show they enjoyed an article.
One good thing about this system is that writers don't have to worry about advertising or selling things. They can focus on writing good articles that people want to read. The more people read and the longer they read, the more the writer can earn.
The Medium audience
The people who read articles on Medium are different from those who might read a regular blog or newspaper. Understanding these readers is important for writers who want to do well on Medium.
Many Medium readers work in technology, business, or creative fields. They're often looking for articles that can help them in their work or personal lives. They want to learn new things, get advice, or understand complicated ideas.
Medium readers are willing to pay for good content. This means they're usually serious about reading. They're not just looking for quick, fun articles. Instead, they want detailed, thoughtful pieces that give them real value.
One interesting thing about Medium readers is that they often read longer articles. On many websites, people prefer short articles. But on Medium, it's common for people to read articles that take 7 minutes or more to finish. This gives writers the chance to explore topics in depth.
Medium readers also like personal stories and unique viewpoints. They want to hear about real experiences and honest opinions. This is why articles that share personal knowledge or tell interesting stories often do well.
Another important thing to know about Medium readers is that they're often open to new ideas. They like articles that make them think differently or challenge their views. This means writers can tackle complex or controversial topics if they do it thoughtfully.
Understanding these readers helps writers like Thomas create articles that people want to read. By writing for this specific audience, he's able to attract more readers and earn more money on Medium.
Strategies for success on Medium
Thomas Smith has learned several important strategies for doing well on Medium. These strategies help him write articles that many people want to read.
First, Thomas says it's important to write about things you really know. When you write about topics you understand well, your articles are more helpful and interesting. People can tell when a writer really knows what they're talking about.
Second, Thomas believes in being personal and engaging. Medium readers like to feel a connection with the writer. This means sharing your own experiences and thoughts, not just facts. When you write in a friendly, personal way, readers are more likely to enjoy your article and keep reading.
Third, creating valuable content is key. This means writing articles that help people learn something new or solve a problem. When readers feel they've gained something useful from your article, they're more likely to look for more of your work.
Fourth, Thomas emphasizes the importance of good titles. Your title is the first thing people see, so it needs to make them want to read more. A good title tells readers what the article is about and why it's interesting, without being misleading.
Fifth, structuring your article well makes a big difference. Start with a strong introduction that makes people want to keep reading. Then, organize your thoughts clearly. Use headings and short paragraphs to make your article easy to read.
Lastly, Thomas recommends engaging with the Medium community. This means responding to comments on your articles and reading and commenting on other writers' work. Building relationships with other writers and readers can help you grow your audience over time.
Types of content that work well on Medium
Thomas has found that certain types of articles do particularly well on Medium. Understanding these can help writers create content that Medium readers enjoy.
1. Personal essays: Articles that share personal experiences or thoughts often do well. For example, a writer might share a story about how they overcame a challenge or learned an important lesson.
2. How-to guides: Readers like articles that teach them how to do something. This could be anything from how to use a new software tool to how to cook a special dish.
3. Technology articles: Since many Medium readers work in tech fields, articles about new technologies or how to use tech tools are popular.
4. Self-improvement content: Articles that help people become better versions of themselves often do well. This might include topics like productivity, mental health, or personal finance.
5. In-depth analyses: Medium readers appreciate articles that dive deep into a topic. This could be an analysis of a current event, a new scientific discovery, or a business trend.
6. Behind-the-scenes looks: Articles that give readers a peek into an industry or process they're not familiar with can be very engaging.
7. Unique perspectives on common topics: Taking a new angle on a familiar subject can catch readers' attention and make for a popular article.
The key with all these types of content is to provide value to the reader. Whether you're sharing a personal story or explaining a complex topic, the reader should feel they've gained something by reading your article.
The importance of publications on Medium
Publications on Medium are like mini-magazines within the platform. They focus on specific topics and have their own followers. Thomas explains that getting your articles into popular publications can really help your success on Medium.
When you publish an article just on your own profile, only your followers and people who search for your topic might see it. But when you publish in a Medium publication, your article can reach all of that publication's followers too. This can be thousands or even hundreds of thousands of people.
Publications also add credibility to your writing. If a well-known publication accepts your article, it's like they're saying your work is good. This can make more people want to read your article and follow you.
To get published in a Medium publication, you usually need to submit your article to the publication's editors. They will decide if your article fits their publication. This means you need to write high-quality articles and follow the publication's guidelines.
Some publications on Medium are run by Medium itself, while others are run by independent editors or companies. Each publication has its own style and rules. Learning about different publications and what they're looking for can help you tailor your articles to fit.
Thomas advises trying to get published in several different publications. This helps you reach different audiences and find out what types of articles work best for you.
The "Boost" program
The "Boost" program is a newer feature on Medium that Thomas has found very helpful. It's a way for really good articles to get extra attention.
Here's how it works: Medium has a group of experts in different subjects. These experts, called curators, read articles in their area of expertise. If they think an article is especially good, they can recommend it for a "boost."
When an article gets boosted, Medium shows it to many more readers. This means the article can get a lot more views than it would normally. Thomas says that getting a boost can make your article earn about ten times more money than usual.
To get a boost, your article needs to be really high quality. It should be well-written, interesting, and provide value to readers. The boost curators are looking for articles that stand out as especially good.
One good thing about the boost program is that it gives new writers a chance. Even if you don't have many followers, if you write a great article, it could get boosted and seen by thousands of people.
Thomas advises writers to aim for boosts, but not to be disappointed if they don't get them. Not every good article gets boosted, and it's not the only way to succeed on Medium. However, when you do get a boost, it can really help grow your audience and earnings.
Benefits beyond direct earnings
Writing on Medium has brought Thomas more benefits than just the money he earns directly from the platform. These additional benefits have been valuable for his career and personal growth.
One major benefit has been increased visibility. Because of his writing on Medium, Thomas has been featured in big newspapers like The New York Times and The Wall Street Journal. This kind of exposure is hard to get and can be very valuable for a person's career. It means that millions of people might read about Thomas and his work.
Thomas has also been invited to appear on TV shows. He mentioned being on NBC News to talk about artificial intelligence. This gives him a chance to share his knowledge with a wide audience and establish himself as an expert in his field.
Another benefit has been new writing opportunities. Other publications have asked Thomas to write for them after seeing his work on Medium. This allows him to reach new audiences and potentially earn more money from his writing.
Thomas has also been able to grow his email list through Medium. He now has about 3,000 people subscribed to his newsletter. This is valuable because it gives him a direct way to communicate with people who are interested in his work. He can use this to share new articles, offer services, or promote products.
Perhaps most importantly for his business, Thomas has gained new clients through his Medium articles. People read his articles, see his expertise, and then want to hire him for his AI and photography services. This shows how writing on Medium can lead to real business opportunities.
All these benefits show that the value of writing on Medium goes far beyond just the monthly earnings. It can open doors to new opportunities, help build a personal brand, and create connections with people in various industries.
Ways to monetize on Medium
Thomas has found several ways to make money through his work on Medium. He explains that it's not just about the direct earnings from the Partner Program, but also about using Medium as a platform to create other income streams.
1. Partner program: This is the most direct way to earn money on Medium. Writers get paid based on how much time members spend reading their articles. Thomas earns a significant amount this way, often between $2,000 and $5,000 per month.
2. Affiliate marketing: Medium allows writers to include affiliate links in their articles. This means if you write about a product and someone buys it through your link, you earn a commission. Thomas says it's important to disclose when you're using affiliate links to maintain trust with your readers.
3. Thought leadership: By consistently writing high-quality articles, you can establish yourself as an expert in your field. This can lead to speaking engagements, consulting work, or other professional opportunities. Thomas has experienced this through features in major publications and TV appearances.
4. Building a newsletter: Medium allows writers to add a call-to-action at the end of their articles to encourage readers to sign up for a newsletter. Thomas has built a mailing list of 3,000 subscribers this way. A large mailing list can be monetized through sponsored content or by promoting your own products and services.
5. Lead generation: Thomas says this is perhaps the most powerful way to monetize Medium for many businesses. By sharing your expertise in articles, you can attract potential clients who may want to hire you for your services. Thomas got his best client this way - someone read his Medium article and reached out to hire him.
Thomas emphasizes that these methods can be used together. For example, you might earn money directly through the Partner Program, include an affiliate link in your article, and also use it to attract potential clients. This multi-faceted approach can maximize the financial benefits of writing on Medium.
Comparing Medium to other platforms
Thomas explains how Medium is different from other writing platforms, which helps understand its unique advantages and challenges.
Unlike a personal blog, Medium provides a built-in audience. When you publish on your own blog, you have to work hard to get people to visit your site. On Medium, there are already millions of readers looking for interesting articles. This means you can focus more on writing and less on promoting your work.
Compared to social media platforms like Facebook or Twitter, Medium allows for longer, more in-depth content. While social media often favors short, snappy posts, Medium readers are willing to engage with longer articles. This gives writers the space to explore topics more thoroughly.
Medium is also different from subscription newsletter platforms like Substack. On Substack, readers typically subscribe to one writer at a time. On Medium, one subscription gives access to all writers on the platform. This can make it easier to gain readers on Medium, as people don't have to commit to following just you.
Another key difference is the payment model. Many platforms pay based on views or clicks. Medium pays based on reading time. This encourages writers to create engaging content that keeps readers interested, rather than just attracting clicks with catchy headlines.
Unlike many online publishing platforms, Medium doesn't rely on advertising. This means the reading experience is cleaner, without ads breaking up the text. It also means Medium's incentives are aligned with keeping both readers and writers happy, rather than pleasing advertisers.
Finally, Medium offers features like publications and the Boost program that aren't common on other platforms. These can help writers reach larger audiences and potentially earn more from their work.
Tips for new Medium writers
Thomas offers several pieces of advice for people just starting to write on Medium:
1. Start with what you know: Write about topics you're knowledgeable and passionate about. Your expertise and enthusiasm will show in your writing.
2. Be consistent: Try to publish regularly, even if it's just once a week. Consistent posting helps build an audience over time.
3. Engage with the community: Read other writers' work, leave thoughtful comments, and respond to comments on your own articles. This helps build connections and can lead to more people discovering your work.
4. Use clear, conversational language: Medium readers appreciate articles that are easy to understand. Avoid jargon and overly complex language unless you're writing for a very specific, technical audience.
5. Pay attention to your titles and introductions: These are crucial for grabbing readers' attention. Spend time crafting compelling titles and opening paragraphs.
6. Try different types of articles: Experiment with various formats like how-to guides, personal essays, or analysis pieces. See what resonates with your audience.
7. Submit to publications: This can help your articles reach a larger audience. Look for publications that fit your writing style and topics.
8. Don't get discouraged by initial low earnings: It takes time to build an audience and start earning significant money. Focus on improving your writing and connecting with readers.
9. Use Medium's features: Take advantage of things like the Boost program or the ability to add a newsletter sign-up to your articles.
10. Be patient and persistent: Success on Medium usually doesn't happen overnight. Keep writing, keep learning, and keep improving.
Thomas emphasizes that while these tips can help, the most important thing is to write authentic, valuable content. Focus on creating articles that genuinely help or interest readers, and the rest will follow.
Tools and resources
Thomas uses several tools to help him with his Medium writing and to manage his online presence. These tools make his work easier and more efficient.
The first tool Thomas mentions is Canva. Canva is a website that helps people create images and designs. Thomas uses it to make pictures for his Medium articles. Good images can make articles more attractive and interesting to readers. With Canva, Thomas can create professional-looking images even though he's not a professional graphic designer.
Another important tool for Thomas is MailChimp. MailChimp is a service that helps people manage email lists and send newsletters. Thomas uses it to keep in touch with the people who have signed up to receive emails from him. He can send them updates about new articles he's written or share other information. This helps him build a relationship with his readers outside of Medium.
Thomas also mentions using Facebook, but not in the way most people use it. He uses Facebook groups to connect with other Medium writers and with his readers. These groups are like online clubs where people can share advice, ask questions, and discuss writing on Medium. Being part of these groups helps Thomas stay up to date with changes on Medium and get ideas for new articles.
While not a tool in the traditional sense, Thomas also talks about the importance of Medium's own features. For example, he uses Medium's built-in stats to see how his articles are performing. This helps him understand what types of articles his readers like best. He also uses Medium's publications feature to reach more readers.
Thomas emphasizes that while these tools are helpful, the most important resource is your own knowledge and experience. The best articles come from writing about things you know well and care about. So while tools can help you create and share your work, the real resource is your own expertise.
Challenges and learning experiences
Writing on Medium has not always been easy for Thomas. He has faced several challenges and learned many lessons along the way.
One of the biggest challenges Thomas faced was learning to write in a style that works well on Medium. He was used to writing in a more formal way for traditional publications. On Medium, he had to learn to write in a more personal and engaging style. This meant sharing more of his own experiences and opinions, which felt uncomfortable at first.
Another challenge was figuring out what to write about. At first, Thomas tried writing about many different topics. He soon learned that focusing on areas where he had deep knowledge, like technology and photography, worked best. His articles about these topics got more attention and earned more money.
Thomas also had to learn how to use Medium's features effectively. For example, he had to figure out how to submit articles to publications and how to use tags to help people find his articles. This took time and involved some trial and error.
One surprising challenge was dealing with success. When some of Thomas's articles did very well, he felt pressure to repeat that success. He had to learn not to compare every article to his most successful ones and to focus on consistently producing good content instead.
Managing time was another challenge. As Thomas's Medium writing became more successful, he had to balance it with his main job and other responsibilities. He learned to set aside specific times for writing and to be more efficient in his writing process.
Thomas also faced the challenge of building and maintaining relationships with readers. He learned the importance of responding to comments and engaging with his audience. This took extra time but helped him build a loyal readership.
Through these challenges, Thomas learned valuable lessons. He learned the importance of being authentic in his writing, of focusing on topics he knew well, and of consistently producing content even when he didn't feel inspired. He also learned to be patient, understanding that success on Medium often takes time.
Perhaps most importantly, Thomas learned to see setbacks as learning opportunities. When an article didn't do well, instead of getting discouraged, he tried to understand why and use that knowledge to improve his future articles.
Conclusion
While Medium offers a unique way to earn money from writing, it's not a guaranteed path to success. It requires consistent effort, adaptability, and a willingness to learn from both successes and failures. For those considering writing on Medium, Thomas's story provides a realistic look at what's possible and what it takes to achieve it. By focusing on topics he knows well, engaging with readers, and using Medium's features effectively, Thomas has built a good side income and opened up new opportunities for his career. Now you can see that whether used as a side hustle or a tool for business growth, Medium presents opportunities for writers willing to invest time and effort into creating great content for its readers.
