12 Strategies for Monetizing Your Medium Articles: Side Hustle Tips for Writers
Looking to turn your writing passion into a profitable side gig? Medium offers a great platform to share your ideas and make some extra cash.
With millions of readers and a built-in monetization system, it’s an attractive option for writers of all levels.
You can earn money from your Medium articles through several strategies. Whether you’re a seasoned writer or just starting out, there are ways to maximize your earnings on the platform.
From joining the Partner Program to creating sponsored content, the opportunities are diverse.
Let’s explore some proven methods to help you monetize your Medium articles and boost your income.
1) Sell Exclusive Content
Want to make some extra cash with your Medium articles? Try selling exclusive content! This strategy can boost your income and give readers something special.
You can offer premium articles that aren’t available to everyone.
These pieces might be longer, more in-depth, or cover topics your regular readers really want.
Think about creating a newsletter with exclusive content.
You could send it out weekly or monthly to paying subscribers.
This keeps them coming back for more.
Another idea is to write an ebook.
Take your best Medium articles, expand on them, and package them into a downloadable book.
Your loyal readers might be happy to pay for this collection.
You could also offer personalized writing advice or feedback.
Some of your fans might pay for one-on-one sessions where you review their work.
Don’t forget about courses or workshops.
If you’re good at explaining writing techniques, people might pay to learn from you directly.
Remember, exclusive content should be high-quality and worth the extra cost.
Make sure it provides real value to your readers.
By selling exclusive content, you’re not just making money.
You’re also building a stronger connection with your most dedicated fans.
This can lead to more opportunities down the road.
2) Offer Paid Memberships
Want to boost your earnings on Medium? Try offering paid memberships to your readers.
This can be a great side hustle to complement your writing.
You can create exclusive content for your paying members.
Think about writing in-depth articles, sharing insider tips, or offering personalized advice.
Set up different membership tiers.
You might have a basic level with a few perks and a premium level with more benefits.
This gives readers options based on their budget and interests.
Don’t forget to promote your membership program.
Mention it at the end of your free articles.
You can also tease exclusive content to spark interest.
Remember to deliver value to your paying members.
Keep them happy with regular, high-quality content.
This will help you retain subscribers and attract new ones.
Consider offering a free trial period.
This lets potential members test out your content before committing.
It’s a good way to show them what they’re missing.
You can use Medium’s Partner Program as a starting point.
But don’t be afraid to explore other platforms for hosting your membership program too.
Keep your pricing fair.
Look at what other writers in your niche charge.
You want to make money, but you also need to keep your memberships accessible.
Engage with your members regularly.
Ask for feedback and adjust your offerings based on what they want.
This personal touch can help you build a loyal community.
3) Create an E-Book
Want to make money from your Medium articles? Try turning them into an e-book.
This side hustle can be a great way to reuse content you’ve already written.
Start by picking a theme for your e-book.
Look at your most popular Medium posts and see if there’s a common topic.
This can be your e-book’s focus.
Next, organize your articles into chapters.
You might need to write some new content to tie everything together.
Don’t worry, you’ve already done most of the work!
Creating an e-book can be easier than you think.
Many tools can help you format your book quickly.
You don’t need to be a design expert.
Once your e-book is ready, it’s time to sell it.
You can use platforms like Amazon or sell directly from your own website.
Remember to promote your e-book on Medium too.
Think about pricing.
You want to make money, but also attract readers.
Start with a lower price and raise it as you get more sales and reviews.
Don’t forget to update your e-book over time.
Add new content or revise old sections.
This keeps your book fresh and gives readers a reason to buy the latest version.
Creating an e-book from your Medium articles can be a fun and profitable side hustle.
Give it a try and see how it works for you!
4) Affiliate Marketing with Amazon
Want to make some extra cash with your Medium articles? Amazon’s affiliate program might be just the ticket.
It’s a great side hustle that can boost your earnings.
Embedding Amazon Affiliate links in your Medium stories is pretty simple.
You just need to sign up for the Amazon Associates program first.
Once you’re in, you can start adding product links to your articles.
Pick items that fit naturally with your content.
Don’t force it – your readers will notice!
Remember to disclose that you’re using affiliate links.
It’s not just good ethics, it’s required by Amazon and Medium.
You can use text links or product images in your articles.
Some folks even use banner ads from Amazon in their stories.
Don’t go overboard with links.
Too many can make your article look spammy.
A few well-placed ones work best.
Focus on writing great content first.
The affiliate links should be a bonus, not the main attraction.
Keep an eye on which products are selling well.
You might spot trends that can inspire future articles.
With some effort, you could earn over $1000 from a single article with the right affiliate link.
It’s not guaranteed, but it’s possible!
5) Sponsored Posts
Want to turn your Medium articles into a money-making side hustle? Sponsored posts might be your ticket.
These are articles where you write about a product or service for a company that pays you.
To get started, build up your follower count and engagement on Medium.
Companies want to reach an audience, so the bigger yours is, the better.
Next, create a media kit.
This should show your stats, topics you cover, and audience demographics.
It’s like a resume for your Medium profile.
Reach out to sponsors that fit your niche.
Look for brands whose products or services you actually like.
Your readers can tell when you’re not being genuine.
When writing sponsored posts, keep your voice authentic.
Don’t just copy and paste what the company gives you.
Add your own thoughts and experiences.
Be transparent with your readers.
Always disclose when a post is sponsored.
It’s not just ethical – it’s often required by law.
Remember to follow Medium’s rules about sponsored content.
They have guidelines to keep things fair for everyone.
Lastly, don’t overdo it.
Too many sponsored posts can turn off your readers. Mix them in with your regular content for a good balance.
With some effort and creativity, sponsored posts can be a great way to monetize your Medium writing.
6) Set Up a Patreon
Want to make some extra cash from your Medium articles? Patreon can help you monetize your content.
It’s a great way to turn your writing hobby into a side hustle.
First, create a Patreon account.
It’s free and only takes a few minutes.
Once you’re set up, you can start offering exclusive content to your supporters.
Think about what you can offer your patrons.
Maybe it’s early access to your articles, behind-the-scenes looks at your writing process, or bonus content that doesn’t make it to Medium.
Set different reward tiers for your patrons.
You could offer a low-cost tier for basic perks and higher tiers for more exclusive stuff.
This gives your readers options based on how much they want to support you.
Don’t forget to promote your Patreon page.
Mention it in your Medium articles and on your social media.
Let your readers know what cool perks they’ll get by becoming a patron.
Keep your patrons happy by delivering on your promises.
Regular updates and consistent content will help you retain supporters and grow your side income.
Remember, building a successful Patreon takes time.
Be patient and keep creating great content.
With dedication, you can turn your Medium writing into a nice little side gig.
7) Sell Ad Space
Want to boost your Medium earnings? Try selling ad space in your articles.
It’s a great way to make extra cash from your writing.
You can sell ad space directly to businesses or use an ad network.
Direct sales let you keep more of the profits, but they take more work.
To start, think about where ads could fit in your articles.
Maybe you could add a banner at the top or small ads between paragraphs.
Next, figure out how much to charge.
Look at your article views and follower count.
More popular writers can ask for higher prices.
When picking advertisers, choose ones that fit your content.
Your readers will appreciate ads that are actually useful to them.
Remember to follow Medium’s rules about sponsored content.
Always let readers know when something is an ad.
Selling ad space can be a fun side hustle.
It lets you earn money from your writing skills in a new way.
Don’t worry if it seems tricky at first.
Start small and learn as you go.
You might be surprised how much extra cash you can make!
8) Host Webinars
Want to boost your Medium earnings? Try hosting webinars! It’s a fun way to share your know-how and make some extra cash on the side.
Pick a topic you’re good at and that your readers love.
Maybe it’s writing tips, social media tricks, or personal finance hacks.
Whatever floats your boat!
Set up your webinar using tools like Zoom or Google Meet.
They’re easy to use and won’t break the bank.
Once you’re ready, promote your webinar on Medium and other social media platforms.
Charge a small fee for your webinar.
Don’t go overboard – start low and raise prices as you build a rep.
You can also offer early bird discounts to get more sign-ups.
During the webinar, share valuable info and engage with your audience.
Answer questions, tell stories, and make it interactive.
People love feeling connected!
After the webinar, send a follow-up email with a recap and any extra resources you promised.
This keeps folks happy and more likely to join your next event.
Don’t forget to record your webinar.
You can sell the recordings later or use them as bonuses for future webinars.
It’s like getting paid twice for the same work!
Hosting webinars takes some effort, but it’s a great way to grow your audience and pad your wallet.
Give it a shot and see how it works for you!
9) Create Online Courses
Want to make some extra cash from your Medium articles? Try creating an online course! It’s a great way to share your knowledge and earn money on the side.
Think about the topics you write about most.
What are you really good at? That could be the perfect subject for your course.
Start small.
You don’t need to make a huge, complicated course right away.
A mini-course on a specific skill can be just as valuable to your readers.
Write articles that relate to your course topic.
This helps build interest and shows you know your stuff.
Make your course easy to follow.
Break it down into short lessons.
Use videos, text, and quizzes to keep things interesting.
Price it right.
Look at similar courses to get an idea of what to charge.
Remember, you’re offering value to your students.
Promote your course in your Medium articles.
Give a sneak peek of what people will learn.
This can get your readers excited to sign up.
Don’t forget to ask for feedback from your first students.
Use their comments to make your course even better.
With some effort, your online course can become a steady source of income.
Plus, it’s a great way to build your reputation as an expert in your field.
10) Offer Consulting Services
Got some expertise to share? Why not turn it into a side hustle by offering consulting services to Medium readers? It’s a great way to make some extra cash while helping others.
Start by picking a topic you know inside and out.
Maybe it’s writing, marketing, or tech stuff.
Whatever floats your boat and matches your skills.
Create a Medium article showcasing your knowledge.
Give readers a taste of what you can offer.
Include a call-to-action at the end, inviting them to book a consultation with you.
Set up a simple booking system.
You can use free tools like Calendly to make it easy for clients to schedule time with you.
Decide on your rates.
Don’t sell yourself short, but don’t go overboard either.
Research what others in your field charge to get a ballpark figure.
During consultations, give solid advice and actionable tips.
Your goal is to help clients solve their problems.
The better you do, the more likely they’ll come back or recommend you to others.
Remember to follow up after each session.
A quick email asking how things are going can go a long way.
It shows you care and might lead to more work.
As you build your reputation, you can start charging more.
You might even get speaking gigs or other cool opportunities.
Who knows where this side hustle could take you?
11) Sell Photography
Got a knack for taking awesome pics? You can turn that skill into cash on Medium.
Many writers are on the hunt for eye-catching images to spice up their articles.
Start by building a portfolio of your best shots.
Focus on topics that Medium writers often cover, like nature, tech, or lifestyle scenes.
You can sell your photos online through stock photo sites or directly to other Medium authors.
Reach out to writers whose articles could benefit from your images.
Don’t forget to watermark your samples to protect your work.
When you make a sale, provide high-quality, unwatermarked versions to the buyer.
Consider offering package deals for writers who need multiple images.
This can lead to repeat customers and a steady income stream.
You can also create photo collections around specific themes.
These could be perfect for writers working on in-depth series or publications looking for consistent visuals.
Remember to price your photos fairly.
Research what similar images go for and set competitive rates.
As you build a reputation, you can gradually increase your prices.
By selling your photography, you’re not just making money.
You’re also helping other Medium writers create more visually appealing content.
It’s a win-win situation that can boost your side hustle and enhance the platform’s overall quality.
12) Promote Your Merchandise
Got some cool merch to sell? Medium can be a great place to show it off! Think about creating shirts, mugs, or stickers that relate to your writing niche.
Add links to your merch store in your Medium profile.
This makes it easy for fans to find and buy your stuff.
You can also mention your products in your articles when it fits naturally.
Consider writing articles about the process of creating your merch.
Readers love behind-the-scenes content.
It can make them feel more connected to you and your brand.
Use eye-catching images of your products in your Medium posts.
Visual content grabs attention and can spark interest in your merchandise.
Don’t forget to promote your merch on social media too.
Share photos of happy customers using your products.
This can create buzz and drive more sales.
Offer special deals to your Medium followers.
Everyone loves a good discount! It can encourage readers to check out your store and make a purchase.
Remember, selling merch can be a fun way to monetize your Medium articles.
It’s a chance to get creative and give your readers something tangible to enjoy.
Understanding Medium’s Partner Program
The Medium Partner Program lets you make money from your writing on the platform.
It’s a great way to turn your articles into a side hustle.
Let’s look at how it works and who can join.
How the Program Works
The Medium Partner Program pays you based on how much people engage with your articles.
When Medium members read your stories, you get a cut of their subscription fee.
The more time readers spend on your work, the more you earn.
This means longer, in-depth articles often do better.
You can also make money from non-members who read your stories through Medium’s free article limit.
To join, you’ll need to put your stories behind Medium’s paywall.
Don’t worry – you can still share them with friends using friend links.
Eligibility Criteria
To join the Partner Program, you need to meet a few rules:
- Be at least 18 years old
- Have a Medium account
- Live in a country where the program is available
- Have published at least one story on Medium
- Have at least 100 followers
You’ll also need a Stripe account to get paid.
Medium pays writers every month, as long as you’ve earned at least $10.
Remember, quality matters more than quantity.
Focus on writing great content that people want to read.
This will help you grow your audience and earn more over time.
Crafting Engaging Content
Creating content that grabs readers’ attention is key to making money on Medium.
Focus on your strengths and write articles people want to read.
Identifying Your Niche
Find a topic you’re passionate about and know well.
This makes writing easier and more fun.
Look at what’s popular on Medium in your area of expertise.
Choose popular topics that match your skills.
Some ideas:
• Tech trends
• Personal finance
• Health and wellness
• Self-improvement
• Writing tips
Pick a niche with enough interest but not too much competition.
This helps you stand out and build a following.
Writing High-Quality Articles
Quality writing is crucial for success on Medium.
Use these tips:
• Write catchy headlines that make people want to click
• Start with a strong intro to hook readers
• Break up text with subheadings and short paragraphs
• Include relevant images or charts
• End with a clear takeaway or call-to-action
Proofread carefully before publishing.
Typos and errors can turn readers off.
Ask for feedback from other writers.
Join Medium writing groups to get tips and support.
Promoting Your Articles
Getting your Medium articles in front of more readers is key to boosting your earnings.
Here are some effective ways to spread the word and grow your audience.
Leveraging Social Media
Social media is a great way to promote your Medium articles.
Share your posts on platforms like Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn.
Use eye-catching images and write catchy captions to grab attention.
Don’t just drop links and run.
Engage with your followers by asking questions or sharing interesting snippets from your articles.
This can spark discussions and encourage clicks.
Try joining Medium-focused Facebook groups or subreddits.
These communities often welcome writers sharing their work.
Just be sure to follow the group rules and contribute value beyond self-promotion.
Building an Email Newsletter
Starting an email newsletter can help you build a loyal readership for your Medium articles.
Collect email addresses through a sign-up form on your Medium profile or personal website.
Send regular updates featuring your latest articles, writing tips, or behind-the-scenes peeks at your creative process.
This personal touch can make readers feel more connected to you and your work.
Keep your emails short, sweet, and valuable.
Include clear calls-to-action that encourage subscribers to read and share your Medium posts.
Remember, quality trumps quantity – focus on sending meaningful content rather than bombarding inboxes.