When I first thought about writing on Medium, I almost gave up before even starting. English wasn’t my first language, and every sentence felt like a battle. I kept thinking: “Who would read my messy words when so many great writers are out there?”
But then I discovered something important—on Medium, readers don’t care about perfect English. They care about stories, experiences, and clarity. And that changed everything.
Over time, I created a simple writing system that helped me publish consistently, connect with readers, and even start earning—even as a non-native beginner. You don’t need fancy grammar or complicated strategies. Just a clear process you can follow every time you write.
In this guide, I’ll share that exact system with you.
Step 1: Pick a Topic You Know
When you’re just starting out on Medium, the biggest mistake many writers make is choosing topics they think are popular but they don’t truly understand. This leads to generic, shallow articles that don’t connect with readers.
Instead, the fastest way to stand out—and to write consistently—is to focus on topics you already know from your own life.
Why?
- Easier to write – You don’t have to spend hours researching or worrying about “sounding smart.”
- More authentic – Readers can tell when you’re writing from personal experience versus repeating what others have said.
- Relatable – Your real struggles and solutions are what connect with people.
3 Reliable Sources of Topics You Already Know
1. Personal Struggles & Lessons
Think about problems you’ve faced and how you solved them.
- Example: “How I Managed Stress While Learning English as a Non-Native Speaker”
- Example: “The Simple Morning Routine That Helped Me Stay Focused as a Freelancer”
👉 People love stories about overcoming difficulties—it makes your writing inspiring and useful.
2. Skills & Experiences You Already Have
Even if you don’t see yourself as an “expert,” you probably know something others don’t.
- Example: If you’re a student → “How I Study Smarter Using the Pomodoro Technique”
- Example: If you work in a job → “What My First Year as a Customer Support Agent Taught Me About Patience”
- Example: If you’re learning English → “5 Mistakes I Made Writing in English (and How I Fixed Them)”
👉 Medium readers don’t expect perfection—they want real voices and practical tips.
3. Everyday Life & Small Observations
You don’t need big, dramatic stories. Even small daily experiences can become powerful articles.
- Example: “What My Grandmother Taught Me About Gratitude in 5 Minutes”
- Example: “The Lesson I Learned After Missing My Morning Bus”
👉 Small, simple stories can carry big universal messages.
Pro Tip: Use the “Experience → Lesson → Value” Formula
Every topic you choose can be shaped like this:
- Experience – Something you went through (big or small).
- Lesson – What you realized, learned, or changed.
- Value – How this helps the reader (advice, steps, or encouragement).
Example:
- Experience: “I was afraid to publish my first article because of my broken English.”
- Lesson: “I realized readers care more about ideas than grammar.”
- Value: “Here are 3 ways you can publish confidently even if your English isn’t perfect.”
✅ By sticking to topics you know, you’ll never run out of ideas, your writing will sound natural, and you’ll attract readers who trust your perspective.
Step 2: Use the 4-Part Structure (The Skeleton)
Most new writers struggle not with ideas, but with structure. They write long introductions, mix up the main points, and end weakly. The result? Readers lose interest and stop halfway.
That’s why you need a simple, repeatable skeleton for every article. This makes your writing flow naturally—even if English isn’t perfect.
Here’s the 4-part structure:
- Hook (Introduction)
- Struggle (Why It Matters)
- Solution (Main Content)
- Takeaway (Conclusion)
1. Hook (Introduction)
The job of the first 2–3 sentences is simple: grab attention. If you fail here, readers won’t read the rest.
Ways to Write a Hook:
- Start with a story:
“When I first tried writing in English, I deleted my article five times before hitting publish.” - Ask a question:
“Do you ever feel scared to publish because your English isn’t perfect?” - Paint a relatable problem:
“Many writers give up on Medium because they don’t know what to write about or how to start.”
👉 Keep it short, personal, and easy to understand.
2. Struggle (Why It Matters)
Now that you’ve hooked the reader, show them why this topic is important. This is where you connect to their emotions.
Examples:
- “For non-native writers like us, publishing online feels like exposing our mistakes to the whole world.”
- “Most beginners quit writing not because of lack of ideas, but because their articles don’t have a clear structure.”
👉 This section builds trust by showing you understand the reader’s problem.
3. Solution (Main Content)
Here you deliver the value—your steps, lessons, or advice. This is the biggest part of your article.
Tips for Writing the Solution:
- Use bullet points or numbered lists (readers on Medium love skimmable content).
- Write in short, simple sentences.
- Give examples from your own life so it feels real, not just theoretical.
👉 Example structure:
- Step 1 → Explain briefly.
- Step 2 → Add a quick example or story.
- Step 3 → Give one tip the reader can apply today.
4. Takeaway
Don’t end weakly with “That’s all” or “Thanks for reading.” Instead, leave the reader with something memorable.
Options for a strong conclusion:
- Encourage: “If you’re afraid of mistakes, publish anyway—your words might help someone today.”
- Summarize: “Remember: Hook, Struggle, Solution, Takeaway. Use this skeleton, and your writing will feel clear every time.”
- Call to action: “What’s one story from your life you could turn into an article this week?”
👉 A good ending makes your article shareable and inspiring.
Why This 4-Part Skeleton Works
✅ Easy to follow (even with limited English)
✅ Works for any topic (personal story, guide, opinion)
✅ Keeps readers engaged until the end
✅ Builds confidence—you always know what comes next
💡 Example in Action
Topic: “How I Stopped Overthinking Before Publishing on Medium”
- Hook: “I stared at my first draft for three days before I dared to hit publish.”
- Struggle: “Many beginners delay publishing because they think their writing isn’t good enough.”
- Solution: “Here are 3 tricks I use to publish confidently, even when my English isn’t perfect.”
- Takeaway: “Don’t wait for perfect—your article might inspire someone today.”
Step 3: Write in Short, Clear Sentences
One of the main reasons new writers struggle on Medium is because they try too hard to “sound professional.” They end up writing long, complicated sentences filled with big words.
The problem? Readers on Medium (and the internet in general) don’t want complex. They want clarity.
If your sentences are simple, people keep reading. If your sentences are heavy, people leave.
Why Short Sentences Work
- Easy to Understand – Even readers with limited English can follow your writing.
- Fast to Read – Most people skim articles. Short sentences help them stay engaged.
- More Impactful – A single short sentence can carry more weight than a long paragraph.
👉 Think of writing for Medium as talking to a friend—not giving a lecture.
How to Write Short, Clear Sentences
1. Keep One Idea Per Sentence
❌ Bad: “When I first joined Medium, I thought I had to write like a professional author, so I tried using big words and long sentences, which actually made my writing boring and confusing for readers.”
✅ Good: “When I first joined Medium, I thought I had to write like a professional. So I used big words and long sentences. But that only made my writing boring and confusing.”
2. Break Down Long Paragraphs
- Aim for 2–3 sentences per paragraph.
- Leave white space—this makes your article look friendly and readable.
👉 Example:
“I was afraid to publish my first story. I thought my English wasn’t good enough. But readers don’t care about perfect grammar. They care about honesty.”
3. Use Simple Words Instead of Fancy Ones
- Instead of utilize → say use
- Instead of commence → say start
- Instead of endeavor → say try
👉 Readers prefer easy language over “smart” words.
4. Write Like You Speak
Imagine you’re explaining your idea to a close friend. If you wouldn’t say it in real life, don’t write it.
Example:
❌ Bad: “The implementation of productivity frameworks can significantly enhance efficiency.”
✅ Good: “Using simple productivity tricks can help you get more done.”
5. Use Rhythm: Mix Short + Medium Sentences
Too many short sentences in a row can feel robotic. Mix them with medium-length ones for a natural flow.
Example:
“Writing in English was scary. But I didn’t quit. Every day, I wrote a little more. Slowly, my confidence grew—and so did my audience.”
Why This Matters for Medium
Medium is not an academic journal. It’s a storytelling platform. Your writing should feel personal, clear, and human.
- Short sentences = more readers finish your article.
- Clear writing = more readers clap, comment, and follow you.
- Simple language = more people around the world understand you.
And remember: the goal is not to impress. The goal is to connect.
💡 Quick Exercise You Can Try
Take one of your old drafts and do this:
- Cut every sentence into the shortest possible version.
- Replace big words with simple ones.
- Add line breaks after every 2–3 sentences.
You’ll see instantly how much easier—and more powerful—your writing feels.
✅ Writing in short, clear sentences is the secret weapon of non-native writers. You don’t need perfect grammar or advanced vocabulary. You just need clarity.
Step 4: Add a Human Touch
You can follow a structure. You can write in short, clear sentences. But if your writing feels cold or robotic, readers won’t connect with it.
The secret to building trust and earning on Medium is to add a human touch—to write in a way that makes readers feel like they’re listening to a real person.
Why Adding a Human Touch Matters
- Readers remember stories, not facts. People forget information, but they remember emotions and experiences.
- It makes you unique. Thousands of writers can share “10 tips,” but only you can share your story.
- Readers trust you. When you share honestly, readers feel you’re one of them—not just teaching, but walking the same path.
👉 On Medium, your voice matters more than perfect grammar.
How to Add a Human Touch
1. Share Your Personal Stories
Don’t just give advice. Show how you lived through it.
- ❌ Generic: “Writers should publish often.”
- ✅ Human: “I published my first article after weeks of hesitation. The moment I clicked ‘publish,’ I felt a mix of fear and relief. But that small act gave me the courage to write more often.”
👉 Stories make advice real.
2. Be Honest About Struggles
Readers don’t want a perfect hero—they want a relatable guide.
- “I used to delete my drafts because I thought my English wasn’t good enough.”
- “I was proud of finishing my article, but it got zero views. I almost quit.”
👉 Sharing struggles makes readers think: “This person is just like me.”
3. Use a Friendly, Conversational Tone
Write like you’re talking to one person—not to a crowd.
- Use words like “you” and “I.”
- Ask questions: “Have you ever felt stuck before publishing?”
- Keep it warm and simple.
👉 The reader should feel you’re sitting beside them, having coffee and chatting.
4. Show Emotion Through Simple Details
Add small, real-life moments that make your story vivid.
- Instead of “I was nervous,” say:
“My hands were shaking as I hovered over the publish button.” - Instead of “I felt happy,” say:
“I smiled so wide my cheeks hurt when I saw the first clap.”
👉 Details make emotions come alive.
5. Be Vulnerable, But End With Hope
It’s okay to share fears and failures—but don’t leave readers in sadness. Show growth or a lesson.
- “I was embarrassed about my broken English. But the more I published, the more I realized readers cared about my ideas, not my grammar.”
👉 Vulnerability builds connection, and hope builds inspiration.
Why Readers Love Human Writing on Medium
- It feels authentic in a world full of AI-written or generic content.
- It turns your writing from “just another article” into a story worth remembering.
- It makes readers follow you—because they don’t just want information, they want your perspective.
💡 Quick Exercise You Can Try
When you finish a draft, ask yourself:
- Did I share at least one personal story?
- Did I write as if talking to a friend?
- Did I show my emotions, not just my ideas?
If yes, you’ve added the human touch.
✅ Adding a human touch is the easiest way for non-native writers to stand out on Medium. Even if your English isn’t perfect, your authentic voice will make people read, connect, and come back for more.
Step 5: Publish Consistently
Many new writers make the same mistake: they publish one or two articles, wait for magic to happen, and then disappear when they don’t see instant results.
The truth is: success on Medium comes from consistency, not perfection.
Think of Medium like planting seeds. One article is a seed. If you plant just one, maybe nothing happens. But if you keep planting—day after day—eventually you’ll grow a garden of readers, followers, and earnings.
Why Consistency Matters
- Readers trust you. If you show up regularly, readers know you’re serious.
- You improve faster. Each article is practice. The more you write, the better you get—without even trying.
- The algorithm rewards you. Medium promotes writers who publish often because it means you’re active.
- More chances to earn. Every new article is another opportunity to get views, claps, and payments.
👉 Writing consistently matters more than writing perfectly.
How to Build a Consistent Publishing Habit
1. Start Small and Simple
Don’t aim for 1,500-word essays every day. Instead:
- 2–3 short articles per week (500–800 words each) is enough.
- Focus on clarity and stories, not “big fancy content.”
👉 Example: “What I Learned from Writing Just 15 Minutes a Day” can be a great, short article.
2. Create a Writing Schedule
Pick a routine you can stick with.
- Daily writing: 15–30 minutes each morning or evening.
- Weekly publishing: Choose specific days (like Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday).
- Use a timer (Pomodoro technique works well).
👉 Treat it like brushing your teeth—small, regular effort adds up.
3. Build a Content Bank (Idea Storage)
Don’t wait until the day of writing to think of ideas. Keep a simple system:
- Use a notebook, Google Docs, or Notion.
- Write down ideas from daily life, struggles, or lessons.
- Aim to collect at least 20 ideas—you’ll never run out.
👉 Example entry: “What I Learned from Failing My Job Interview” → turns into an article.
4. Focus on Progress, Not Perfection
Perfection kills consistency.
- Publish even if your article feels “too simple.”
- Don’t over-edit—fix the basics and hit publish.
- Remember: you learn more by publishing 10 imperfect articles than by holding onto 1 “perfect” draft.
5. Track Your Wins, Not Just Views
In the beginning, your views and earnings may be small. That’s normal. Instead, measure progress by:
- Number of articles published this week
- Writing streak (e.g., 10 days in a row)
- Growth in followers or claps, even if small
👉 These small wins keep you motivated while your bigger audience grows.
Why Consistency Pays Off
- Readers start recognizing your name.
- You build a portfolio of articles (20–50 pieces = more trust + more traffic).
- Over time, one article may go viral—but only if you’ve given yourself enough chances by publishing consistently.
💡 Quick Exercise You Can Try
- Pick your publishing frequency (example: 3 times per week).
- Block time on your calendar.
- Write down your first 10 article ideas in a notebook.
Then stick with it for 30 days. After a month, you’ll have a small library of articles—and readers will start noticing you.
✅ Consistency is the bridge between “just writing” and “actually earning.” You don’t need perfect English or big ideas—you just need to show up, publish, and keep going.
✨ Quick Example of a Simple Article Idea
Sometimes, the hardest part of writing is not the grammar, not the structure—it’s simply knowing how to turn an idea into a full article.
Let’s walk through a practical example together.
Example Topic: “How I Improved My English Writing with Just 15 Minutes a Day”
This is a simple idea, personal, and relatable—perfect for Medium. Here’s how to shape it using the 5-step system:
1. Hook (Introduction)
Grab attention with your struggle.
- “When I first tried writing in English, I felt embarrassed. Every sentence had mistakes, and I wanted to give up.”
👉 A short, emotional start makes the reader say: “Yes, that’s me too.”
2. Struggle (Why It Matters)
Show the problem in a relatable way.
- “As a non-native writer, I believed I needed hours of study to improve. The result? I wrote less and less. My confidence dropped, and my English stayed the same.”
👉 Readers should feel the pain of the problem.
3. Solution (Main Content)
Now share your method. Keep it simple and practical.
- “One day, I decided to try something different: instead of waiting for the ‘perfect’ time, I wrote for just 15 minutes a day. That tiny habit changed everything.”
Then explain how:
- Choose a simple topic each day (your day, a memory, a lesson).
- Set a timer for 15 minutes.
- Write without worrying about mistakes.
- Review quickly, then move on.
👉 Use bullet points and clear steps so readers can apply it immediately.
4. Takeaway (Conclusion)
Leave readers with hope and encouragement.
- “You don’t need hours of study to improve your English writing. Start with just 15 minutes a day. It may feel small, but those small steps build real progress.”
Add a question or call-to-action:
- “What’s one small daily habit you could start today to grow your skills?”
Why This Works
✅ The story is personal (human touch).
✅ The lesson is practical (clear steps).
✅ The structure is simple (easy to follow).
✅ The conclusion is inspiring (motivates action).
This is how one small idea—“15 minutes a day”—turns into a full article that connects with readers and earns on Medium.
💡 Your Turn
Take one of your own experiences—maybe a routine, a small failure, or a tiny win—and run it through this system. By the end, you’ll have a publish-ready article that feels personal, structured, and valuable.
Final Thoughts
You don’t need perfect English to write on Medium. You don’t need to be an “expert.” What you need is a system that helps you show up consistently, connect with readers, and share your real voice.
Here’s the 5-step system again:
- Pick a Topic You Know
- Use the 4-Part Structure
- Write in Short, Clear Sentences
- Add a Human Touch
- Publish Consistently
Follow this, and you’ll not only improve your writing—you’ll also start building an audience and earning along the way.
So here’s my challenge for you:
👉 Pick one topic from your own life and use this system to write an article this week.
You’ll be surprised at how much your words can inspire someone—even with “imperfect” English.
⚡ Quick note: On your website, you can also add an email sign-up box at the end (like “Want more writing tips? Join my newsletter”) so readers from Medium can follow you outside the platform too.