Article writing is one of the most effective ways to generate traffic to your site or blog. It really isn't that difficult once you learn the basics and the results will certainly pay off. You don't have to be an expert reporter or Ernest Hemingway either to compose an effective article that gets read and creates traffic. The first thing to consider when writing an article is to pick a specific topic. Compose your article beforehand, then just copy and paste it to the article sites and make quick tweaks once logged in to that article site.
The best method by far is to use a conversational approach as if your talking to your best friend. This immediately eases any pressure you have in composing the piece, as well as ending up with a more effective final product once it does reach your audience. Don't "pitch" your opportunity in the article directories. In fact you don't have to mention your opportunity at all.
Write about an area of expertise you know about, then compose four or five short paragraphs about this. Most article sites have a resource box that you can give a short pitch, introduction, or bio that can contain a link or two to your opportunity. The article directories are funny about obvious pitches and I've had a few denied because of even mention the benefits of a program, but there are ways around this. Like I mentioned write about a related skill and do your "pitching" in the resource box. Or write an "unbiased review" of the opportunity you want to promote.
Some basic topics that almost anybody can write a quick article about are, "How Online Marketing is a Great Way to Earn Extra Money","Top Seven Reasons to Start a Home Based Business", "Why Stay-at-Home Moms Are Turning to Home Based Businesses", How to Use YouTube to Market","Recession Proof Business-Online Income".
The first paragraph should be an introduction and present a problem. The second paragraph will offer a solution to this problem. For example, the economy is tough, what is a way to make an extra income? An online business. Or, what are the five most common Craigslists mistakes? Then go on to explain the solution. Offer an example or two and a testimonial about how it worked for you or someone you know.
Then simply conclude your article by reinforcing your main points. So you want to be conversational, include examples and ways to overcome obstacles, and increase your credibility with endorsements. These are the basics and will work as a basic guide until you become more and more comfortable and develop your own style.
Finally an important but overlooked element of all is the call to action. This applies to the spoken word as well. A call to action is simply directing or asking the reader what action to take. Whether subtle or direct, do not omit this step. Whether it is to buy, sign up or support something be sure to include instructions as to what you want them to do in the first place. On article sites be subtle and save this for the resource box.
If all of these bases are covered than your article will do the job. Why does this work and How does this help you? Article sites have subscribers, so when you submit and get an article accepted it automatically gets read by that subscriber base in the related subject.
This increases your web presence and credibility. Also, your article will get picked up by other sites who use these sites for fresh content on their own sites with your links in tact. Lastly, and best of all, the search engines can pick up the content within your article and give you free and organic page ranking. So give article writing a try and watch your web traffic increase.
James Broadfoot is an entrepreneur, writer, and internet marketer. He shares tips and insight about online business ventures. Visit his blog - Rank High Media - to see what he's up to.
