Article marketing is
a wonderful tool to gain attention to your business. Article marketing has been
around ever since the printing press but it has really taken off in these days
of the internet.
The good news: article marketing is a proven tool for
growing your business through your website. The bad news: you have to write a
lot in order for it to be most effective and I do mean a lot.
How much? Some article marketing experts advise you to write
five or six articles a day to keep yourself in the publics mind. Remember,
this is electronic media: one minute youre the hottest thing out there, the
next minute, youre gone.
So, what can you write about so the well doesnt run dry?
Here are some ideas to get your creative side working for you.
What are the newest trends in your industry right now? Are
you a dermatologist who supplies Botox? Write about its benefits to your
patients. Do you have an alternative to Botox that is even better? Why is it
better? What are some factors your patients should consider before going that
route?
Is there something confusing about your industry that many
people seem to misunderstand? For example, are you an advertising copywriter
and everyone seems to think you deal with legal copyrights? Write an article
and explain the difference. Are there
some terms that make your clients eyes glaze over? Write a brief glossary that
explains the legalese in an easy-to-understand way.
What is going on in your industry in the next few months?
Many industries are cyclic, with the same events happening the same time every
year. Remember: think two or three months ahead on the calendar, at least, to
give yourself some lead time. Is it
almost tax season? If so, are there tips you can give your customers on how to
save on their taxes? Or, is it almost Christmas? Does your business offer a
unique item that would make a great gift?
Now think about your particular company. Have you received
any feedback from a client or customer about how your company helped them
through some crisis? Thats great! Write about it. However, for article
marketing, remember, it can be tricky: Free article content is not supposed to
blatantly plug your company. You will probably have to change the names and
situations just enough that the client will be unrecognizable in the article.
But you can write the article so as to say, Carol Smiths house burned down,
but thanks to new trends in insurance customer service, she was able to get
help more quickly. Your article can have links to your webpage where you can
include Mrs. Smiths testimonial, if you have her permission to do so.
One very effective way to brainstorm for article ideas is to
come up with lists. What lists are helpful to your customers? Ten things to do
before you meet your financial advisor; Five ways to tell if your dog is
healthy; Six ways to choose a dermatologist are all ideas that your potential
customers will want to read. Once they do, they will want to visit your website
or contact your company for more information.
Do and dont articles can also be entertaining and
informative. Do take your dogs leash on a trip to the vet. Dont let Spike
run wild in the office can be helpful reminders. You can even use it on your
own website, published in a checklist format that your customers can print off
and keep on their refrigerator. Of course, youd print it in such a way that
your business contact information is at the bottom of the checklist.
Fun bits of trivia and history can make for an interesting
article also. You could just list fun facts or make a short quiz. Just make
sure that the information is truly interesting to your clients.
These are just some ways to brainstorm for article ideas. If
you are truly stumped for ideas, just walk away from it for a while. Youll be
surprised at how much your brain will keep working on it without you being
aware.
While Article Marketing is an intensive way to
build public awareness in your business
, it can be very effective. Try these
ideas and soon your free articles will build interest in your company.
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