Chapter 1: Introduction to Earning on Medium

In this article, I will guide you on how to start earning money on Medium, and the best part? This method is entirely free. You don't need to enroll in the Medium Partner Program, nor do you require any prior writing skills. All you need to do is follow the straightforward format I'm about to present.

So, what is this method?

Drumroll, please…

The most effective way to monetize your Medium account is by crafting affiliate marketing product reviews that rank well on Google. Essentially, affiliate marketing involves writing a blog post where you recommend products that address specific issues people are actively searching to solve.

You are targeting individuals who are close to making a purchase, often with their credit cards ready. When you create a blog post on Medium that achieves a high ranking on Google, and a potential buyer discovers your post and is interested in your recommendations, you can earn a commission if they make a purchase through your affiliate link. In short, you’re compensated for promoting someone else's products.

Let me illustrate this strategy with an example of a blog post before we dive into the implementation details.

For instance, search for "best AI headshot generators" on Google. You'll notice several advertisements… Screenshot taken by author and shortly thereafter, you'll spot a blog post on Medium ranking high in the organic search results… Screenshot taken by author.

This is fantastic for the author of that post, as it garners significant visibility on Google. Whenever someone searches for AI headshot generator tools, they might come across this blog post. If they click one of the links within it or are convinced by the review and click a link at the end, the author stands to earn a commission if a purchase is made.

Now, let’s discuss the statistics related to such high-ranking blog posts. These keyword-optimized articles often achieve impressive rankings on Google, resulting in steady, passive traffic. Typically, these articles receive nearly 1,000 views per month or around 20 views daily. Occasionally, there are fluctuations, with some days seeing over 50 reads.

Interestingly, the majority of traffic to these posts doesn't originate from Medium itself; it primarily comes from Google—the leading source of traffic! Additionally, it's worth noting that these blog posts do not generate any income through Medium, as they are free or non-member stories and are not eligible for the Medium Partner Program. This means anyone can write a post like this.

The beauty of this strategy is its accessibility. Even if these posts don't generate income through the Medium Partner Program, they can yield significant revenue through your affiliate links. In fact, you may find that you can earn more through this method than through traditional Medium monetization.

The great news is that writing such blog posts typically requires only about half a day of your time.

Before I explain how to effectively implement this strategy, it’s crucial to understand one key aspect. When you publish a blog post on Medium, Google will evaluate your article without validating your identity or credentials. What matters most to Google is the quality of the content and its relevance to the reader.

In essence, Google seeks authenticity in your writing. You don't need to use overly complex language; simplicity is often preferred. The priority is to ensure that your content is valuable to those searching for the product you're discussing.

Another important consideration is formatting your blog posts well. If you're promoting a product, include images to provide a visual representation of what readers can expect. Authentic images are more effective than overly polished, unrealistic ones. Your goal should be to create content that stands out.

The most effective product reviews usually highlight the top three options in a category, making it easy for readers who want quick information to find what they need right away. Your aim is to save your audience time and money by showcasing how products work through detailed descriptions, images, benefits, and results.

Don't forget to include pros and cons and pricing information. Start with one product review and then move on to the next, offering readers a variety of choices.

This entire process doesn’t demand extraordinary creativity; it merely requires you to share your personal experiences with the product. However, take your time—don’t rush to hit publish. Ensure that every piece you write serves your audience's needs effectively.

While you could potentially use AI to draft these blog posts, I have observed that AI-generated content often struggles to rank on Google.

When Google assesses a well-written, human-authored article against AI-generated content that lacks personal insight, it will favor the human-authored piece. Therefore, I highly recommend against using AI for posts where you promote affiliate links. Instead, focus on crafting comprehensive, detailed blog posts that genuinely address readers' needs and reflect your experience with the products you're endorsing. Those are the articles that tend to perform well and generate substantial income.

In summary, follower count is irrelevant. The focus should be on producing high-quality content. Create informative, helpful blog posts based on your experiences with the products you promote.

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