Chapter 1: A Writer's Return

After taking a two-week hiatus, I’ve returned to writing with renewed determination. Recently, I adopted several strategies that successfully increased my follower count by 27, allowing me to reach the coveted three-digit milestone. To clarify, I began with zero followers at the start of June, just as I had in May, before implementing these effective methods.

It’s important to note that follower notifications on Medium can be inconsistent. For sustained readership, consider asking for an email subscription in addition to gaining followers.

Let’s dive into the strategies that helped me expand my audience:

1. Publish Your First Article

   This may seem like an obvious step, but many aspiring writers get caught up in the idea of building an audience before they’ve even created any content. If you want to attract followers, you need to have something for them to engage with. An empty profile won’t entice anyone to stick around. Start by writing about topics that interest you, and then you can focus on audience growth.

2. Maintain Consistency in Content Creation

   It’s essential to stay disciplined in producing content after your initial publication. If you become inactive, you risk losing your audience's interest. People crave regular updates, and if they can't rely on you for content, they might drift away. I personally don’t stick to a strict posting schedule, as that approach can hinder my creativity. Instead, I allow inspiration to guide me while ensuring I publish several times a week. Find a rhythm that works for you through self-awareness.

3. Engage in Comment Sections

   Seek out articles that pique your interest and contribute to the discussions in the comments. If something resonates with you, don’t hesitate to express your thoughts. This is an excellent way to network with other writers and readers. If people aren’t aware of you, they won’t follow you. Make your presence felt by valuing others' contributions.

4. Offer Value Without Expectation

   When starting out, keep your expectations in check. Engaging in discussions doesn’t guarantee immediate returns. For instance, after commenting on an article by someone named Bob, I would explore his page, read his work, and leave thoughtful feedback. This not only helps him but also raises your visibility. Remember to mention others and link to their articles where appropriate, as this fosters community and support.

5. Avoid Spammy Self-Promotion

   No one appreciates constant requests for follows or likes. While it’s natural to want to grow, resorting to tactics like “follow for follow” often leads to superficial connections. This approach attracts followers who may not genuinely care about your content. Focus on cultivating an authentic audience who values your work.

The first video titled "If I Had 100 Followers, Here's What I Would Do to Grow..." offers insight into strategies for expanding your presence on social media. It outlines practical steps and insights for those starting on their journey to grow their audience effectively.

The second video, "How I Gained 50,000 Followers in 1 Month (9 Easy Steps)," shares actionable tips that can help you significantly increase your follower count in a short time frame.

Chapter 2: Building Your Authentic Audience