How to Get Boosted on Medium (with Insider Interview)
Finally get seen, read and rewarded!
Unless you've been living under a rock for the past few months, you know that Medium's biggest and most influential Boost is here.
CEO Tony Stubblebine shared that there are Medium writers experiencing up to 100,000 views.
“How big is the Boost? (…) we’ve seen Boosts between 500 views and 100,000 views. Our goal is that every Boosted story should get at least 500 extra views within the first week.”
WOW-worthy example with 19,000 views
Here’s a WOW-worthy example from fellow writer
. Jan M. Flynn was so kind to share this Boosted story with me via email:
19,000 views and $700+ for one single story.
How amazing is that?
And there’s more.
Boost with a big B — Bigger rewards and bigger hits
See it for yourself:
Jan got 10,000 claps and 200 comments and finally the exposure she deserves.
I know that there are so many excellent writers on Medium who are not getting the exposure they should.
Maybe you’re one of them and wondering what it really takes to write a Boost-eligible story on Medium… then this story is for YOU!
It will give you clarity, guidance, and confidence to finally be seen, read, and heard.
Insider Interview with Ariel Meadow Stallings
So, let’s jump right in and talk about how to get Boosted on Medium based on an interview with Medium insider
.
Ariel is Medium’s new Director of Publication Relations and a depth of wisdom when it comes to the Boost Beta Program.
Medium updated its Distribution Playbook
The first thing you need to know is that Medium updated its Distribution Guidelines on February 21, 2023.
These standards are the playbook, every writer needs to know about.
Ariel’s tip:
“Reading those Distribution Standards several times is probably a great place to start!”
Why?
They provide guidance and direction and also list the 5 criteria to get Boosted.
The 5 Criteria to Get Boosted
Medium is listing 5 criteria in form of questions to get the Boost.
Ask yourself…
1— Is my story constructive?
✔️You helped your reader to level up in some way.
✔️There’s a takeaway message.
✔️Your story makes your reader’s life, job, and relationship better.
✔️Your story “elicit(s) a real laugh or emotion.”
2— Is it original?
✔️Your story sheds light on something unknown.
✔️Your story explores a topic that’s not frequently examined.
✔️Your story “re-examines something we think we know a lot about to shed new light, voice, or perspective on the topic.”
3— Is there relevant experience?
✔️You’re a subject matter expert (e.g. financial advisor, sailor, artist) or have relevant and lived experience (e.g. are divorced, gave birth, are retired).
✔️You have done “thorough research” and share links to your sources.
✔️You have first-hand experience that is credible, for instance, you’re a photographer and you’re sharing tips to buy a new digital camera.
✔️You have in-depth knowledge and (insider) insights about certain topics so that you can communicate them effectively.
4— Is it well-crafted?
✔️Your story is high quality, well-written, clear, and compelling.
✔️Your story is formatted properly, “free of errors, appropriate sources, and narratively strong” (e.g. you use Grammarly (as a non-native) to check your grammar).
✔️Your story has an image that provides value and your title and subtitle are interesting and properly formatted (e.g. Medium prefers title case for the headline and no clickbait).
5— Is it memorable?
Medium states:
“The best stories are the ones you’re still thinking about days later.”
✔️“Are you compelled to share this with your network?”
✔️“Did this story get you thinking?”
✔️“Did this story “move you”?”
✔️“Did this story (m)ake you feel good about the value of your Medium subscription?”
Maybe you’re nodding your head right now but are thinking:
“Kristina I already tend to follow those rules without even knowing they existed. Apparently, I’m doing something right instinctively. 😃 But… none of my stories have been Boosted yet…”
Well, if you make sure all boxes above are checked, you definitely increase the chances that your article will get Boosted.
But your work isn’t ready for publishing YET.
Human Touch - Maybe the Most Important Ingredient
During the interview Ariel explained:
(…) Boost Beta is to try and bring more of that human touch into the process of helping really remarkable stories get seen across the platform.
(…) Yes, there's algorithms and machine learnings and computers involved. But ultimately writing, curating and publishing are all very human art forms.
Luck Is What Happens When Preparation Meets Opportunity - Seneca
I love this quote by Seneca.
Essentially, with this story I want you be seen and your stories heard.
The moment you become visible and seen on Medium, you can make a bigger impact.
But without knowing about the Boost process and criteria, no results are coming out.
You have to put yourself into where the magic happens.
Want to learn more about the Boost and how to get Boosted?
Sure thing!
Today’s empowering video with Ariel, Medium’s Director of Publication Relations and a depth of wisdom when it comes to the Boost Program, is power- and value-packed and FUN!
What's Boosting?
The Boost Process
The 5 Criteria to Get Boosted
The Power of Human Touch in Stories
The New Boost System vs. the Old Distribution Model
Topics Covered in the Boost Beta Program
WOW-worthy Boosted stories from
Anne Bonfert, Melissa Marietta….
How amazing is that?
It’s just too good an opportunity to pass up!
Click here to watch my new video!
Know that I’m cheering you on every step of the way! 🌟
To your success,
Kristina
🥳Surprise! Watch the video and get access to my new FREE ebook *Get Boosted on Medium*🥳
P.S. “I love Kristina’s Newsletter” <– If that sounds like you, please consider sharing this post. This helps me support more people — just like you.
👍 Trending On Medium:
5 Medium Publications That Can Nominate Your Stories for A Boost
This Substack Writer Accidentally Enabled The Paid Button — This Is What Happened
**Become a Medium Member, earn money writing online, and join me on Medium! (referral link)**
🔥 Hot and New
In this week’s Substack Chat, you can AMA about the Boost & how to be seen and read on Medium.
How to get BOOSTED on Medium 🚀- new YouTube video
🙌 What Do You Think Of Today’s Email?
If you enjoyed this write-up and would like to recommend my Substack, I would certainly welcome it!
So if I understood this right Medium are once again looking for personal stories or to be boosted as a true crime writer I need to have committed the crime so I have the right level of expertise.
Finally! Some clear, authentic info about one of the most impactful changes to Medium that's come along in the last couple years — huge thanks, Kristina, and I so appreciate the shout-out!