Medium SEO
Medium SEO is the practice of publishing and optimizing Medium posts so they can be discovered in Medium search and rank in Google for relevant queries.
Key takeaways
- Medium SEO leverages Medium’s domain authority to rank in Google for informational queries.
- Customize the SEO title and description in Medium’s story settings for better click-through.
- Target keywords where Medium already appears in search results for faster wins.
- Publish consistently and refresh posts to keep them relevant.
- Avoid keyword stuffing; focus on helpful, original content.
This guide walks through a concrete example, quick-start steps, prerequisites, and common mistakes.
Example: Optimizing a Post for “Content Marketing Tips”
- Goal: Rank for the query “content marketing tips” on Google.
- Check SERP: Search “content marketing tips” — see if Medium already ranks (often does).
- Title: “10 Content Marketing Tips for Beginners (2025 Guide)” — includes target phrase naturally.
- SEO title (custom): “Content Marketing Tips: 10 Actionable Strategies for 2025” — optimized for click-through.
- SEO description: “Discover 10 content marketing tips to boost your strategy. Learn how to create, distribute, and measure content effectively.”
- First 150 characters: “Content marketing is essential for modern businesses. In this guide, we share 10 proven tips to help you get started.” — includes target phrase.
- Tags: “Content Marketing”, “SEO”, “Digital Marketing”, “Marketing Tips” — relevant and specific.
- Outbound links: Link to authoritative sources like Google Search Central or a reputable study.
- Engagement: Encourage comments by asking a question at the end (e.g., “Which tip will you try first?”).
Quick-Start: 5 Steps to Optimize a Medium Post
- Research the query: Use Google Search or a tool like Ahrefs to check if Medium already ranks for your target keyword.
- Write a compelling title: Include the target phrase naturally, e.g., “How to [Keyword] in 2025.”
- Set custom SEO title and description: In Medium’s story settings, click “More options” and fill in the SEO title (up to 70 chars) and SEO description (up to 160 chars).
- Optimize the first 150 characters: Place the target phrase early in the post’s body.
- Add relevant tags: Choose 3–5 tags that match the topic and search intent.
- Publish and promote: Share on social media, embed in your own site, and engage with comments.
Prerequisites: What You Need Before Starting
- A Medium account (free or partner program).
- A target keyword or topic where Medium already appears in search results (check SERP).
- Basic understanding of search intent (informational vs. transactional).
- Access to a keyword research tool (e.g., Google Trends, Semrush, or Ubersuggest).
- Willingness to write original, valuable content (not thin or duplicate).
Common Medium SEO Mistakes to Avoid
- Targeting keywords without checking if Medium ranks: Always verify the SERP first.
- Overusing exact-match keywords: Write naturally; keyword stuffing hurts readability and may be penalized.
- Publishing thin or repetitive content: Each post should add unique value, not rehash existing content.
- Ignoring post-refresh: Update successful posts with new data, screenshots, and dates to maintain relevance.
- Neglecting engagement: Respond to comments and encourage sharing to boost signals.
Next step
FAQ
Does Medium SEO help rank in Google?
Yes, Medium pages can rank in Google due to Medium’s strong domain authority, especially for informational queries.
What are the most important SEO settings on Medium?
The custom SEO title and SEO description in the story settings, plus the first 150 characters of the post.
How often should I publish on Medium for SEO?
Consistency matters more than frequency; regular publishing with quality content is recommended.
Related topics
Sources
- Google Search Central — Best source for Google’s guidance on creating helpful, search-friendly content and avoiding manipulative optimization.
- Medium Help Center — Authoritative source for Medium’s own publishing features, including story settings and distribution options.
- Google Search Central: SEO starter guide — Useful for baseline on-page SEO principles that also apply to Medium posts.
- Google Search Central: Creating helpful, reliable, people-first content — Explains the content quality standards that matter more than mechanical keyword placement.
Reviewed by Lucía Marín, Founding editor.