Having a great article marketing strategy has to rank as one of the most powerful and effective methods of generating traffic and creating links for websites. If I were to define "article marketing" I would say it is the practice of writing content rich articles for use on a website, or for use on multiple other sites to drive traffic and backlinks to a main site. The most surprising thing about this strategy is that it is often overlooked due to its simplicity.
If you follow through these 5 steps I have to agree that an article marketing strategy is simple. Check it out:
1) Decide on your topic and keyword. You need to select the keyword that you are using to optimize your website. With the keyword in mind you need to select your article topic remembering to include the keyword in your topic. Make an effort to select a topic that will capture the interest of your readers while at the same time remaining relevant to your keyword and your website where the traffic will be driven.
2) Write at least a 400 word article. Capture the attention of your readers by remaining clear, concise, and to the point. Be sure to provide your readers with answers to the specific issues that you develop in your article. In most cases you should provide the solution to the issue highlighted in the article's title. You need to end with a strong call to action. Nothing needs to be left to your reader's imagination. Tell your reader exactly what you would like them to do.
3) Create the resource box. The resource box is the place where you can take credit for the article you have written. You can briefly tell your reader who you are and make your final plug for your call to action described previously. Be sure to include your anchor text or backlinks to your main site.
4) Submit to article directories. It is my belief that there is a quality over quantity issue that needs to be considered at this point. Some people make an effort to submit their articles to all the directories that they can submit to. Instead of that tactic I try to submit to a competent of the more popular directories, eliminating popularity as the amount of traffic that their site commands. By submitting to these high traffic sites I have found that my effort vs opportunity tend to be very desirable.
5) Submit article links to social news and social bookmarking sites. Since the development of social sites their importance has continuously been reinforced by the search engines favor. In many ways social sites are the pulse of the Internet and the search engines have appropriately given weight to them as being relevant and important. So do not overlook them.
I know it looks simple and there are many that have overlooked an article marketing strategy for that reason. But I am here to tell you that this strategy works, and what works should not be overlooked. So if you are considering an article marketing strategy I believe you should give it a try, and if you are one of those people who have previously overlooked the strategy I think you need to give it a second look.
