I started out way back in 2015 with extremely limited resources and zero clue of where I was headed. If you are one of them, like me, who is just starting out as a content writer, then one of the first questions you will ask yourself is, “Where should I publish my work?
It’s a valid concern because, honestly, the platform you choose can make or break your early writing journey. But, let me tell you honestly, there is no perfect answer to this question. What I have learned over the years is that something that works for me might not work for you. So, let’s figure it out together.
Why New Writers Need a Platform
A platform is essentially the launchpad for you and your words. That’s where you get your thoughts read; if you play your cards right, it’s where you start building your name.
And the thing is, people get all the platforms and spread themselves too thin at the start. Trust me, I did it too. So as a beginner, when you want to explore every platform, you get exhausted. The reason behind it is that you lose focus. Things don’t work in the beginning, and when you are tapping everywhere and getting no results, you end up quitting.
My advice? Pick one platform at a time, focus on it, and see where it takes you. It’s all about strategy, not speed.
How to Choose the Best Platform
When picking a platform, ask yourself:
- Who’s my audience? Where do they hang out online?
- What’s my style? Do I prefer long-form blogs, quick updates, or visual storytelling?
- What’s doable? Start with something simple so you can focus on writing and not learning complex tools.
Okay, enough of that. Now, let’s talk about some of the top options and what they bring to the table.
1. Medium
Medium is a great starting point for most writers. Why? It is built for writers. You don’t have to worry about creating a website or finding an audience—Medium does all of that for you.
What I like about Medium:
- It’s beginner-friendly.
- Your work gets exposure through tags and Medium’s algorithm.
- It’s perfect for experimenting with different topics.
What to watch out for: Don’t rely solely on Medium for income right away. Use it as a portfolio to showcase your skills. wait, before you move ahead, let me tell you that, you can find me on Medium.
2. LinkedIn
If your writing is more towards professional or thought-leadership topics, LinkedIn is a good option. It is a professional hangout where people are actually interested in meaningful content.
Why LinkedIn works:
- High-quality audience-think decision-makers and professionals.
- Perfect for networking and personal branding.
- You can post short updates or full-length articles.
Pro tip: Engage with other posts too. Building relationships here is as important as posting your content. Let’s connect on LinkedIn
3. X (formerly Twitter)
Short and snappy? That’s X for you. It’s perfect for sharing quick tips, starting threads, or driving traffic to your longer content.
Why writers love X:
- You can connect with other writers and industry experts.
- Hashtags and trends help boost visibility.
- It’s great for practising concise writing.
The only challenge? It moves fast. You’ll need to post regularly to stay visible. Hey, I am on X as well, Follow me at AhtishamDogar
4. Substack
If you’re into newsletters and want to build a direct relationship with readers, Substack is a fantastic option.
What makes Substack special:
- You own your audience (emails > algorithms).
- It’s simple to use; no fancy tech skills are needed.
- You can monetize your writing through subscriptions.
But let’s be real—it’s not easy to grow an audience here from scratch. You’ll need patience and a solid niche. Don’t forget to subscribe to my newsletter on Substack. it’s AhtishamDogar
5. Quora
Quora? Yep, you heard that right. It’s an underrated gem for writers. Answering questions in your niche not only establishes your authority but also drives traffic to your other platforms.
Why try Quora?
- You can show off your expertise.
- Answers stay live for years, bringing consistent traffic.
- It’s great for finding out what people want to read about.
Just don’t turn every answer into a self-promo fest—provide real value first. Ask me your questions on Quora at AhtishamDogar
My Honest Opinion
Here’s the truth: as a beginner, you should try out multiple platforms to see what clicks. But don’t make the mistake of trying to master them all at once. Focus on one platform at a time. Build your community. Learn what works. Then, slowly branch out.
And remember, it takes time to establish yourself as a writer. There’s no shortcut, no magic formula. Be consistent, keep improving, and trust the process.
Also, it’s part of your journey to promote your work on social media; it’s the ultimate powerful thing you can utilize to establish your digital footprint. I have explained in detail How to Promote Your Blog on Social Media
So which is the best platform for new content writers? The one you will commit to. Medium, LinkedIn, X, or Substack—the point is to show up, write regularly, and connect with your readers.
Stop worrying about much. Create from where you feel most comfortable and let things take their natural course. You are good to go.
