MerlesMission.com Blog: 09/01/2010

Monday, September 27, 2010

“Five Tips to Marketing Your Articles to Get Them More Exposure”

Once you've written and submitted a few articles – hopefully several – it's time to start promoting them. While it's wonderful that you've got your articles out there for people to read and publish, to make the most of them, you have to do a little promotion. There are five main steps you should take to make sure you get the most mileage from your articles:

1. Tweet about your article.

Let people know when you have a new article listed in a directory by tweeting a link to your followers. Letting them know about new information available from you is a quick and easy way to spread the word. A simple tweet should include the topic and the link. Stick to under 120 characters so people have room to retweet your message without having it get cut off.

2. Post it on your blog.

While you don't want to post the whole article, you can allude to it at the end of another post. For instance, "Want to read more about how to train your parakeet in a week or less? Check out my new article, "Tricks and Treats for Parakeets," and then link to the page.

3. Create a reprints page.

Create a list of your articles on a separate page on your blog or website. Link to it from the main page with a sentence that says, "Want more information on parakeet training, or would you like to reprint my work on your site? Click here for more information." Then include links to all your articles, as well as how interested parties can contact you for more information.

4. Link 'em up.

Tell your audience about the information you have available every chance you get. This is why it's great to have multiple articles out there – you can mention a different one in your newsletter, on your Facebook page, in your signature line on your emails, in forums, etc. If you've created targeted, useful content, people are going to want to know about it!

5. Combine them.

After you've authored 10 or 20 articles on a similar theme, combine them and edit them into an e-book, a special report, or an e-course. Add more information, create transitions, throw in a resource or two, and you've got a product to give away or sell.

Writing and publishing your first few articles is just the beginning of the marketing cycle. Think creatively about who would like the information you've written, and how you can get it to them, and you're on your way to creating a steady stream of traffic to your site.

Wednesday, September 22, 2010

“How to Write a Killer Resource Box”

Article directories clearly state that when reprinting an article, the resource box must remain intact including the link. The resource box is one of the most important pieces of your article marketing strategy. It is what will draw a person to your site, increase your traffic and ultimately your sales.

Your resource box should include enough information to pique readers’ interest, and have a strong call to action that will encourage them to click on your link for more information. No matter how good your article is, if your resource box does not compel the reader to visit your site and find out more, you have lost an opportunity to earn a customer.

Tips for writing an effective resource box:

1.Don't start your resource box off with your bio. This signals to the reader that your article is complete and that they can stop reading. It’s not all about you. Instead, begin with a question or statement that will entice them to read more. Example: "Want fourteen more ways to make money from home?"

2.Do not include a full bio. Most people are not interested in your full bio or every degree and accolade you have received. In fact, most people will skim over it and you will lose their interest before they get to your link and call to action.

3.Include at least one link, more if allowed. Look at the resource box guidelines for each directory to find out what you are allowed to include. Most allow one link, some two. Be sure to include as many links as you are allowed.

4.A strong call to action is an absolute requirement. Include a statement which informs the reader what they will receive when they click on your link and how it will benefit their lives. For instance, "Download Joe's free report today for more ways to make money in your sleep!" Offering something for free always works well.

5.Answer the burning question. When crafting your resource box, consider the question all readers ask (if only subconsciously)... “What’s In It For Me?” (WIIFM).

6.Draft a different resource box to fit every article that you create. If the article is about home improvement, then draft your resource box to tie into that with an appropriate offer and link. If the next article is specific to tool selection, steer your resource box in that direction. Start a file of resource boxes so you can add an appropriate one without recreating it each time.

The resource box is your opportunity to tell the reader what you have to offer and what they should do next. If you can show a reader what they will gain by clicking on your link, you’re almost guaranteed to build your website traffic with the articles you write.

Additional Resources:

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Here’s where you can get 75 free private label articles: http://www.mikesteup.com/x.cgi?a=r&id=1&aid=6172&p=9

I'm really excited because I have just heard about a new service that the guys at PLR Pro have just launched to help you get first page google rankings and distribute your articles to high quality sites.

Its called Article Marketing Automation and you can visit them at http://www.articlemarketingautomation.com/1000219-0-5-3.html

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Thursday, September 16, 2010

"The Motorola Droid Saga Continues: Part 2"

Motorola MILESTONE smartphone displaying Wikip...

Image via Wikipedia

So, I finally did it. I broke down and called Verizon yesterday about all of the problems I've been experiencing with my Motorola Droid since the Froyo 2.2 update. Before the update I LOVED my phone. I actually had fantasies of leaving my boyfriend for it, but then the update hit. The update that was suppose to make my life wonderful and bring a little Flash into my life.

Just for clarification purposes Motorola makes three different models of the Droid, the Original Droid, the Droid X and Droid 2. The Droid 2, which might be the way I end up going to solve my problems, comes with Froyo factory installed with a faster processor and an improved keyboard. Obviously, my thinking is it would be free from the update nightmare I'm currently experiencing with my original Droid.

Ever since Froyo it's as if my phone is possessed. It drops calls like crazy, the battery drains faster then a Greyhound racing at the track, and that's with hardly using it. Apps are locking up, and erroring out, and continually run in the background since the App Killer I was using also stopped working along with the 2.2 update. They say it's no longer needed that the new software manages apps just fine. Well, if that's true, why does it always say that apps are running in the background and even when I do a force close, they come right back? Go figure. Can you say annoying.

Anyway, I digress. Being not the complaining type (I listen to enough of that myself) rather choosing to solve my own problems, if possible, I finally made the call. Doing it only after spending hours online doing research, only to find hundreds of other people posting about the same crazy problems on various boards and forums. Apparently I wasn't alone in my new found misery. There were enough people saying the exact same things I was. This at least it verified my sanity. Well, maybe that's a stretch. There were others who had also fallen out of love with their Droid shortly after the Froyo update. Coincidence? I think not!

Upon calling Verizon (great customer service people by the way) they first suggested I update my roaming service which the nice lady said should stop my dropped call problems. My hopes aren't too high that this will remedy my phone dropping every single person I speak with, but hey I'm game for anything at this point. Then she transferred me to their tech department for all of my other "demonic possession" problems.

Upon explaining my problems and all of the research I had done online about others having the same issues she put me on hold to check. When she came back she stated there were no known issues at this time, but I could do a factory warranty swap out of the phone if I wanted to since it was only 6 months old. I declined her kindoffer and told her I'd wait it out for the "fix" that I'm sure they would come up with soon. Others online have said doing a factory reset fixes all,but when I asked her she didn't have much to say. But since she wasn't acknowledging there was a "real problem" what could she say. She did say she would put in a ticket so they would investigate further. I thanked her for her time and said goodbye.

A friend of mine (yes, I have a few) also has the same phone and we have been comparing notes. She's about ready to throw hers out the window. Rather then calling she stopped into a Verizon store to discuss her problems. Her experience was much different. The salesman told her that they know all about these issues and are working on a software fix.

Two different experiences on the exact same problems. Does that mean I was lied to on the phone? Or is it possible that the corporate office is so far removed from the actual customers they really don't know there's a problem? Again, this is all my opinion and my theory. But how could two people get two completely different answers?

For now I'm going to sit tight and wait it out. I want to fall in love with my Droid again and get that warm fuzzy feeling when I put it in my pocket.Our relationship needs some repair work and I'm crossing my fingers that Verizon will be supplying a remedy soon. All relationships need work, so why should my love/hate with a Droid be any different? They say "opposites attract".

Wednesday, September 08, 2010

“Offline Article Marketing Secrets”

While most people associate article marketing strictly with online promotion, you can get even more bang for your article buck by promoting your articles – and your business! – offline. Here's how you can turn your online articles into offline marketing engines:

1. Submit articles to local papers and newsletters.

Many local newspapers, neighborhood associations or local organization newsletters will accept contributed articles. By submitting your articles on a hot and timely topic, you can increase your exposure and potentially gain new subscribers or customers.

To find local sources for your articles, you can do a simple Google search. Enter “CITY newspaper” or “CITY shopper” (quotes included) with CITY being your location, or nearest major metropolitan city, in the Google search bar. For instance, “Tallahassee newspaper” or “Seattle shopper”.

You are highly likely to find multiple small publications in your area. Don't overlook neighborhood associations, as well as schools, daycares, gyms, community centers, churches, and clubs and organizations that create newsletters for their members. If their readership matches your target market, getting featured in these is free and can help you to grow your online business.

Make a list of publication names and contact information, and then either email them a link to your articles, or print out a copy and send it to their mailing address.

2. Share your content with associates and potential clients.

Print one of your favorite articles and mail it to prospective clients, business associates and others who might find the content useful. Include a sticky note that says “Thought you might find this helpful,” and sign your name. Be sure your website address or contact information and a business card are included as well. Then hand-address the envelope, include your name and return address, and drop it in the mail. If you make it a practice to send out a few every week, it can pay off in added readers, website visitors and customers.

3. Turn an article into a press release.

Newspapers are always looking for interesting news and stories they can use for their broadcast or print media. If your article has a strong news hook related to a recent event or season, you may be able to pitch a story as a press release. First, do some research to find out who your best contact at the newspaper is. For instance, if you're a landscaping company, identify who covers home and garden, then read several of their past articles to observe what topics they cover. Next, email or call them. Introduce yourself and ask what type of stories and news releases they want to receive and how (via email, fax, phone or mail).

Once you know what the reporters are looking for, you can direct appropriate stories their way. If your article topic fits, format your article as a press release and send it to them as they requested. Keep in mind that reporters and newspapers receive hundreds of releases, many of which were written and sent by people who haven’t taken any time to get to know the reporters or what they are looking for. By doing your homework and developing a relationship with them, you stand a much higher chance of getting your information published.

4. Create print booklets of your articles.

Take a few of your favorite articles and compile them into a booklet.

Here's how:

1.Lay out the articles in a word processing program (OpenOffice.org is free) or desktop publishing software.
2.Add an “About Us” page and contact information.
3.Include a free offer inside the book, if the reader joins your email list.
4.Print one sample booklet.
5.Copy the booklets at home or at your local print shop.

Then, it's time to distribute the booklets.

Mail them to prospective clients.
Include them with all physical purchases.
Offer them as a free gift to subscribers.
Bring them to networking events and leave at information tables or booths.

There are many ways to use offline article marketing strategies to enhance your results. Be creative and search for new places to display articles and locate readers and subscribers. By offering them your well-written articles, you can establish yourself as a local expert and go-to person when they need your services or products.

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