My biggest suggestion is:
Don’t ask for follows, when you’re starting on Medium.

Here’s what to do:
1. Genuinely read an article
2. Highlight at least one line that you specifically liked
3. Leave an engaging comment that shows you read the article—why it’s meaningful or not
4. Follow-if you think that author’s writing resonates with you

If you do this with most writers who are starting with you and many who have been here awhile, they will reciprocate.

When you ask, it leaves a little bit of a sour taste.

Look, you don’t want people feeling like they “owe” it to you and you don’t want people to read you for the sake of reading.

Medium now pays specifically for that engagement: claps, highlights and comments—you’re not going to get all three metrics asking.

Focus on your writing. Don’t let it sound like AI. Most writers here are able to distinguish instantly and in my opinion, that’s not going to help you gain traction.

Find what you’re an expert in—and write about it with passion, or research it and then teach or if you enjoy humor, entertain.

Best wishes!!