Validate First, Expand Later: The Smart Way to Build an Audience

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When you’re starting from scratch on Medium or returning after a long break, it’s easy to think you need to write some massive, detailed guide to stand out.

You don’t.

In fact, starting with short posts is often the smarter move.

I’m talking about two, maybe three-minute reads.

Not throwaway content, but tightly focused articles that deliver one useful idea. No fluff. No backstory. Just value.

Because most long articles don’t fail because they’re too long.

They fail because they’re too early.

Start with Validation, Not Volume

Think of short articles as tiny experiments.

Each one gives you feedback:

• Did anyone click?
• Did they read to the end?
• Did it get claps, comments, or highlights?
• Did it lead to signups or product sales?

This feedback is your early warning system.

It helps you spot what’s working before you invest more time going deeper.