Why I Upgraded to X Premium as a Content Developer, Curator, and Marketing Strategist
A Content Strategist’s Perspective on Elon Musk’s Twitter Transformation and explaining the opportunity for writers to monetize their content and reach a broad audience.
Writers/Readers of Medium can read this story for free using my friend's link
Especially after Medium recently changed its algorithm and content distribution strategy, disadvantaging influential writers who write about important societal issues, such accomplished writers with academic, scientific, professional, leadership, and entrepreneurial backgrounds approached me with how they can reach a broader audience without censorship and minimal cost.
As I pointed out before, my wise advisors suggested that I invest more time on Substack and NewsBreak and less on Medium, as the return on investment is no longer justifiable. For instance, I shared a case study where a story gaining over a million views on NewsBreak received only a handful of views on Medium.com due to recent algorithmic changes and human curation.
These changes on Medium.com no longer prioritize content that matters to society but instead focus on content that increases readership on the platform. While I understand the platform’s need to grow and become profitable to survive, this shift has led me to seek alternatives that better support meaningful content.
Recently, I reached out to a social media mentor with over 3 million followers on X, seeking advice as my 2500 stories on my special publication EUPHORIA were no longer gaining traction on Medium.com. His suggestion was straightforward: “Why not copy and paste them onto X?”
Intrigued, I inquired about how to share an article on X, and he informed me about X’s new article feature for premium members. This discovery prompted me to upgrade to premium plus for 26 AUD per month, granting me a verified Blue badge. The publishing process on X proved seamless and professional, attracting new readers who hadn’t previously encountered my content.
As a seasoned content strategist deeply invested in the evolution of online platforms, I have been keenly observing Elon Musk’s transformation of Twitter into X. While the rebranding has sparked controversy, it is undeniable that Musk’s actions have brought about significant changes, particularly in free speech and the fight against spam and scams.
This transformation offers a rich case study in digital content strategy dynamics, presenting opportunities and challenges for professionals navigating this new terrain.
From a content strategist’s viewpoint, X Premium, formerly Twitter Blue, emerges as a compelling opportunity for professionals and creators. The subscription service offers several features that can enhance the content creation and distribution experience.
As a prolific and influential writer, I can now publish full articles that are automatically boosted as an X Premium member, allowing me to reach a broad audience and monetize my content.
I have also learned that, like Substack, X does not discriminate against content as Medium, NewsBreak, and other platforms do. Thus, I will focus on platforms that amplify the voices of creators and professionals without censorship and algorithmic restrictions.
In this post, I will briefly introduce the benefits of X Premium based on my observations, recent experiences, and advice given to me by established writers, social media influencers, and my wise/seasoned content strategist mentors.
Compelling Benefits of X Premium
Initially hesitant due to Twitter’s unfair and abrupt suspension of my account in 2019, resulting in the loss of followers accumulated since 2008, I encountered numerous bot accounts that harassed me in my new account in the problematic days of Twitter.
Additionally, discussions among writers about hate speech added to my reservations. I also read a story by one of our editors, Mike Broadly, DHSc, who posted an excerpt from a Staff Picked story by David Mokotoff, MD, during which X temporarily suspended Dr Broadly’s account.
However, upon transitioning to X Premium, the environment proved significantly more tranquil compared to Medium, where the prevalence of spammers and scammers has become rampant and even caused me to enter the distribution jail.
I’d like to give you a summary of the benefits of X Premium based on my recent experience.
Prioritized Ranking in Conversations and Search
This is a game-changer for those aiming to amplify their message and reach a broader audience. Increased visibility can significantly boost engagement and drive traffic to your content, making it easier for your voice to rise above the digital noise.
Share Longer Posts and Post Longer Videos
The expanded character limit and video length allow for more in-depth and comprehensive storytelling. This is particularly beneficial for professionals sharing complex ideas or detailed analyses, enabling them to engage their audience more effectively.
Earn a Share of Ad Revenue
While the specifics of this feature are still evolving, the potential to monetize your content directly on the platform is an attractive prospect for many creators.
This could provide a new revenue stream and incentivize high-quality content creation, fostering a more sustainable digital ecosystem.
However, X Premium’s value proposition extends beyond these features. Musk’s commitment to promoting free speech and combating spam and scams has created a potentially more conducive environment for meaningful conversations and authentic engagement.
The Battle Against Spam and Scams
By tackling the pervasive issue of spam bots and fake accounts, X strives to create a platform where genuine voices can be heard.
This is crucial for professionals who rely on social media to connect with their audience, share their expertise, and build their brand.
The emphasis on authenticity can lead to a more trustworthy and reliable digital space.
Encouraging Diverse Perspectives
Moreover, Musk’s emphasis on free speech, while not without its controversies, can potentially encourage diverse perspectives and open dialogue.
This can lead to richer discussions and a more vibrant exchange of ideas, ultimately benefiting content creators and consumers.
A platform that embraces diverse viewpoints can encourage innovation and deeper understanding across different fields and industries.
Adapting to Change
Of course, challenges remain. The evolving nature of X’s algorithms and policies means content strategists must adapt their approaches accordingly. This dynamic environment requires a proactive stance, staying informed about platform updates, and adjusting strategies to maintain effectiveness.
Key Takeaways for Content Strategists
Optimize for Visibility: With X Premium’s priority ranking, focus on creating high-quality content that resonates with your target audience and encourages engagement.
Leverage Long-Form Content: Take advantage of the expanded character limit and video length to share in-depth stories, analyses, and insights. This can differentiate your content in a crowded digital landscape.
Explore Monetization Opportunities: Stay informed about X’s ad revenue-sharing program and experiment with different content formats to maximize your earning potential. Diversifying income streams can provide financial stability and growth.
Engage Authentically: Participate in conversations, share your expertise, and connect with other professionals in your field. Authentic engagement builds trust and loyalty among your audience. Remember to link your Medium account to X.
Adapt and Evolve: Stay abreast of X’s evolving features and policies to ensure your content strategy remains effective. Flexibility and adaptability are key to thriving in the fast-paced world of digital content.
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Conclusions
Mr Elon Musk’s transformation of Twitter into X represents a groundbreaking shift in the landscape of digital content strategy. While X is still evolving, it promises to become a powerful tool for content strategists.
By welcoming its new features, adapting to the dynamic platform, and focusing on creating high-quality, engaging content, professionals can leverage X Premium to amplify their messages, reach broader audiences, and establish thriving online presences.
X's potential lies in its commitment to nurturing free speech and combating spam/scams, creating an environment conducive to authentic engagement and meaningful conversations.
This aligns with the needs of content creators and strategists seeking to connect genuinely with their audiences without the constraints of censorship and algorithmic restrictions.
X Premium offers significant advantages to content developers, marketers, and strategists, including enhanced visibility through prioritized ranking, long-form content capabilities for comprehensive storytelling, and monetization opportunities via ad revenue sharing.
To maximize these benefits, content strategists and practitioners can create high-quality, engaging content, leverage the platform’s long-form capabilities, explore monetization options, engage authentically with their audience, and adapt to X’s evolving features and policies.
The future of X offers a fascinating glimpse into the possibilities of digital content strategy, where innovation and adaptation pave the way for success. I am now able to publish full stories on the X platform as I do on Medium, Substack, or NewsBreak.
By experimenting with diligence, an open mind, and optimism, I aim to build a community on X where authentic voices can be heard and creators can earn income from their efforts.
This journey promises to be an exciting venture into the future of content creation and digital engagement. You are welcome to join my initiative on the X platform as you do on Medium and Substack. I will amplify your content with my new premium account on X.
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Thank you for reading my perspectives. I wish you a healthy and happy life. Thank you for joining the ILLUMINATION Community on Medium and Substack.
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I wrote numerous stories about writing and content strategy to guide new writers. You may find some relevant ones from the attached list. I will distill all these stories in my Content Strategy, Development, & Marketing Insights soon.
Writing, Content Development & Marketing Strategy Guides
To inform my new readers, I wrote numerous articles that might inform and inspire you. Some of my topics include brain, mental health, cognitive function, significant health conditions, longevity, nutrition/food, valuable nutrients, ketogenic lifestyle, self-healing, weight management, writing/reading, including 100+ Insightful Life Lessons from My Circles for the Last 50+ Years.
I publish my health and wellness stories on EUPHORIA and share distilled versions on SUBSTACK. My posts do not include professional or health advice. I only document my reviews, observations, experiences, and perspectives to provide information and create awareness.
If you are a writer, you are welcome to join my publications by sending a request via this link. I support 30K writers who contribute to my publications on this platform. I also have another profile to write and curate tech stories. Friend Links to My Sample Boosted Stories for Non-Members of Medium. This story was also shared on Substack.
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Thanks for joining the ILLUMINATION Community on Medium & Substack.
This is an inspiring and educational piece for content writers. Thank you for sharing it for free. You are very generous, Dr Yildiz.
Thank you Dr Yildiz, I will now look at X Premium in depth.