Without a doubt, articles are one of the best ways to promote what you do because they can be used in so many ways; are a credible method of marketing; build your profile as an expert; and are free or low cost to distribute.
Some of the places your articles can be used and why:
•In the local newspaper to inform potential new clients in your geographic area
•In your client newsletter to educate and entertain, and potentially attract referrals
•On article websites to stimulate traffic to your website
•In trade publications or specialist websites to increase your profile as an expert in your field
•On your website to help people find your site easily when they search using keywords included in your article (higher rank on google)
•On your blog to build your profile as an authority where people can comment and interact with you
•On other people blogs where your knowledge can be leveraged
•As a Facebook note so that your 'friends' get a better understanding of what it is you actually do!
Quite frankly the opportunities are endless!
Tips for Making Article Writing Easier
•Write about topics you know about
•Write like you speak
•Record your voice then transcribe it
•Study other articles where you would like to be published to get a better understanding of how to approach it
•Get help from those 'in the know', such as 'The Article Guy' Jeff Herring who offers free article writing templates when you sign up for his newsletter. Visit www.jeffherring.com •Get someone to write them for you! For as little as $5 you could have an article written on any topic you choose. Try these sites for a freelance writer: www.odesk.com, www.elance.com or www.rentacoder.com Here you post an 'ad' for what you want done, and service providers bid for the job.
•Come to a workshop on how to write articles. The next one is on the Sunshine Coast, November 28 where you will actually get to draft one!
A few tips on writing an article
• Start with a compelling headline. Many people scan headlines before choosing to read an article, so be sure your headline will capture the attention of your target market.
•Open with a statement or question. Your opening line needs to be interesting so that your reader wants to continue. You may make a statement of a current trend or observation, or a question regarding a common problem.
•Present your information clearly and concisely following a logical progression - one main idea per article.
•Include a quote to add credibility to your article. This could be from an expert in the field (including yourself) that you are writing about, from a client, or from a scientific journal that backs up your point of view.
•Include a footnote that makes it easy for the reader to contact you. Some publications may accept a brief biography here.
•Have a few people proof read your article and provide an honest critique so that adjustments can be made prior to submission.
There are lots of ways to approach articles. In November I am holding an article writing workshop where you can choose from a few different formats (Sunshine Coast). You will actually leave with an article draft ready for your blog, newsletter or to submit online or to your local paper.
Happy writing!
Krishna
No comments:
Post a Comment