Writing Articles + Article Directories = Smart Marketing

In preparation for our Blogging and Beyond radio show Thursday, March 1, when The Blog Squad is interviewing Christopher Knight of EzineArticles.com, I'm reviewing key points about using articles to market your business.

Smart Marketing with Articles
©2007 Patsi Krakoff, Psy.D. & Denise Wakeman, The Blog Squadtm

You’ve probably heard about article marketing and how important it is for getting exposure for your ideas and expertise on the Web.

In the consulting work we do with professionals who want to get known and get found on the Web, we recommend writing articles and submitting them to directories as a key strategy.

Submitting short articles to directories that demonstrate your knowledge helps in a number of ways:

1. Drives targeted traffic to your blog or website.
2. Builds your credibility with prospects looking for the type of services you provide.

3. Helps set you apart from your competition.
4. Highlights your expertise and personality.

Submitting your articles to top directories such as www.EzineArticles.com helps people who are searching for your area of expertise, find the information they want., By allowing people to use your articles (with your resource box intact) on their website or in their ezine, you reach a wider audience and get more links back to your site.

The key is writing short relevant articles (250-450 words) that demonstrate your expertise. Here are a few ways to find content ideas:

1. What problem/pain point are you solving for a client this week?
2. Write out 5-7 reasons your product or service is valuable.
3. What three tips would help your clients’ save time, money or energy?
4. What are you blogging about this week?
5. Who have you interviewed recently?
6. What frequently asked questions do you typically get?
7. What articles do you already have in your library, which can be expanded?
8. Is there a holiday, current event or celebrity news item you can hook into your expertise?
9. Have you read a good book lately? Comment on a key idea that can make your readers’ lives better.
10. What mistake have you made that others can relate to? (Besides ending a sentence with a dangling participle!)

A few more tips: let go of perfection when it comes to writing. Most people read at far less than a college level (8th or 10th grade); you’ll do just fine if you give plenty of value. This usually means writing with both your head and your heart.

Keep your articles short, personable, and to the point. This article is about 400 words, is written at the 8th grade level, and delivers several key points about marketing your business with articles.

P.S. If I were submitting this article to an article directory, I would include the following resource box which includes 3 links back to our sites and/or products and newsletters:

Resource Box:

For more leading edge Internet Marketing tips go to www.biztipsblog.com. Subscribe to The Blog Squad's ezine Savvy eBiz Tips at www.savvyebiztips.com. To learn about using Internet Marketing tools like blogs, go to www.buildabetterblog.com.  Denise Wakeman & Patsi Krakoff are known as The Blog Squad.

Comments

[Stephanie]

I think one of the big mistakes people make in article marketing is just being sloppy. Use that spell check, then walk away from the article and read it again the next day. I know I can catch mistakes pretty easily that way.

[Patsi Krakoff]

I agree, Stephanie. Typos, bad spelling and obvious grammar mistakes are a turn off. It's hard to have confidence in someone who doesn't take time and care with their writing. Another turn off is overtly marketing one's services inside an article. Writers should leave the self-references for the resource box with limited use of the pronoun "I" inside the article. Just my opinion, of course! Besides re-reading one's own writing, it helps to get a friend or colleague to review for errors. Thanks for your comments, Stephanie.

[Jay]

I would like to share my research & analysis on Best 100+ Articles Directory
URL - http://www.brainbubbles.biz/Best-Articles-Directory_Writing_content_26.aspx