Chapter 1: Understanding Viral Articles

You may have noticed that only a small fraction of stories on Medium receive over 1000 claps. Having authored various articles that garnered thousands of claps and reads, I want to share how to transform your average piece into a viral sensation.

A viral article often stems from more than just luck and timing; in fact, many viral pieces may not be particularly informative or valuable.

The Importance of an Eye-Catching Title

The saying "first impressions matter" holds true, particularly in writing. The initial step towards crafting a viral article is selecting a compelling title.

Aim for a title that piques readers' curiosity. An unremarkable title can overshadow even the most valuable content.

Examples of Effective Titles:

• How I Achieved…
• 5 Ways to…
• 7 Common Mistakes…

These formats have proven to be effective in capturing attention.

Using Hook Lines to Engage Readers

To captivate your audience, incorporating hook lines is essential. I strive to structure my articles in a reader-friendly manner by employing straightforward techniques.

Hook lines involve presenting thought-provoking statements and targeted phrases. Always commence with a problem, then provide a solution. For instance, I opened this discussion with a fact regarding Medium claps.

Make your writing relatable by sharing personal experiences, insights, and recommendations. Avoid getting straight to the point too quickly, as this may hinder engagement.

Leveraging Various Tools

I utilize numerous elements to enhance the readability of my articles:

• Headings
• Subheadings
• Quotes
• Italics

These components not only make the article more genuine but also increase the likelihood of it going viral.

Crafting a Compelling Meta Description

Following the title, a well-written meta description is crucial for a viral article. Summarize your lengthy piece in just two lines. Tools like ChatGPT can assist in generating effective descriptions.

The Value of Quality Content

Ultimately, the cornerstone of a successful viral article on Medium is the quality of your content. If your writing adds value to readers’ lives, they are more likely to follow you and trust your insights, which is vital for writing success.

Your Turn to Write a Viral Article

Now it’s your opportunity to create a viral piece by applying these strategies.

Chapter 2: Strategies for Going Viral

In this video, you’ll discover how to achieve significant readership on Medium without any marketing expenditure.

The second video title is How I Write a Viral LinkedIn Article - YouTube, which provides insights into writing engaging content on LinkedIn.

This video explores effective techniques for crafting articles that can gain traction on LinkedIn.