Article marketing does not only generate targeted traffic but it also helps build credibility for you as an author and online entrepreneur. Developing trust and loyalty online is difficult due to the very nature of the 'faceless' environment associated with the internet. Writing articles give the author a chance to address a target market and share with them thoughts and other information on a particular subject.
In turn the reader is able to gain more insight into an author by reading their articles. Their perspectives, tones, opinions and even style in which the article is written enable a reader to become more familiar with a given author. This familiarity leads to trust and loyalty which results in the credibility that makes article marketing so effective.
So as an author what is the best way to structure and present your articles to build both your credibility and your online business?
Let's review below 5 crucial areas you don't want to overlook when you write an article so that you may build a credible relationship with your reader:
Supply Good Content Not Sales Pitches
Your only intention when you write an article is to supply usable and informative content for your intended readers. By 'launching' into any type of self promotion insures that you'll likely repel most if not all readers and quickly. By supply good content you'll more quickly gain the respect and trust of readers. This trust will make your future marketing efforts more effective with the reader.
Effectively Utilize Your Resource Box
As we discussed there should be no sales promotions within the body of your article. The resource box is where you may put your online advertising for anything you may be promoting. A brief 'teaser' about your business or product followed by a link to your site is acceptable.
Another important key to your resource box is your bio. Here's is where you can supply a little bit about your background, qualifications, and/or experience. By doing so you're helping the reader to become better 'acquainted' with you the author.
Forget the Search Engines When Writing Articles
When writing articles it is common that many will be concerned with optimizing their articles in order to rank well with the search engines. This is fine however you don't want to ignore the fact that your article writing is intended for HUMANS. Too much focus on keyword utilization and placement can easily make your article harder to read and understand. The need to maintain a 'natural' easy to read flow of useful content is important in order for your article to be read, liked, and ultimately more effective for you.
Combine Quality with Quantity
As we've mentioned quality content is the basis for a good article. Many people who embark upon an article marketing campaign develop the mindset of keeping their articles short in length.
The thought here is twofold: 1) many readers appreciate these shorter lengths since they can read them quicker and 2) this allows the author to write 'more' articles.
The opinion here is if you've got something to share with your readers (like useful information) don't be overly concerned with your article length. If your quality is good enough readers will read it. How many top selling novels have you read that are less than 350 or 400 words?
Submit Articles Consistently
In order to generate and maintain a steady flow of targeted traffic to your website you'll need to submit articles on a consistent basis. Article marketing as mentioned earlier is very effective although the flow of traffic does not occur overnight. Once you get the first 'trickle' is when you need to capitalize and build upon this momentum. Once you stop writing articles you can expect a decrease in the flow of traffic your articles have attracted. In time this traffic will completely die out.
Of all the different methods of traffic generation you can use to grow your online business article writing continues to remain one of the most effective. The ability to develop credibility while also generating traffic is a potent combination for any online entrepreneur. By focusing on the 5 aforementioned areas we discussed above you'll be submitting articles that will have the greatest positive effect on your business and your reputation
