Research

The first step is keyword research. It is vital to inundate your article with keywords that you want to rank well for in the search engines. For example, assume I sell used DVDs online. I would research what keywords people are searching for relative to the term DVD (i.e. rent DVD, DVD rentals, DVD, or buy DVD). I would then make a list of approximately 10 or so of these keywords that I would want to sprinkle throughout my article. This step is relatively simple and only takes about 30 or so minutes; unless of course you are still on dial up.

Writing the article

You cannot just put together a glob of information and call it an article. If you have this skill, you can write the article yourself or hire someone to do it for you. The goal here is to write an objective article related to DVDs; and naturally placing the keywords within the content of the article. In fact, most article directories will not even accept articles written with a “sales type” approach. The article should be written with the intention to educate consumers about some aspect of DVDs. It’s always helpful to have a catchy title for your article.

In addition to keyword rich article, a second critical component of this strategy must include the distribution of a website’s URL, commonly referred to as back link. Most,  if not all, article directories allow for an author resource box where links can be easily placed. Publishing a website’s address at the end of articles will allow interested readers to conveniently visit the site by clicking on that link.

Distribution

This is the component of article marketing that takes some time. There are approximately 200 or so directories online that allow marketers to post articles. It is good practice to manually submit these articles to each directory; as most directories have banned article distribution via automated software. Besides, by using automated software, there is less control of the article and the article resource box.

Article Marketing Does More Than You Think

Article marketing does more than simply reinforce your internet visibility. Unlike direct advertising, it actually presents an opportunity to educate your target consumer group in an effort to build long term, profitable relationships with them. Paid advertisements usually lose potency and relevance over time. But a well written article will continue to be republished on various newsletters, websites, forums and blogs; and trigger a viral marketing effect that will last for months at a time.

SEO Benefits of Article Marketing

Most of the article directories allow for the author to select the anchor text of the link in the author’s resource box. This is the primary value of the links from the article directories. For example, if you are trying to rank for the key term “internet marketing”, the anchor text would display “internet marketing” but it would link to your website.

Additionally, article marketing is a perfect vehicle for building relevant one-way links. Say goodbye to reciprocal linking. It’s ineffective and doesn’t work anymore. Additionally, most of the directories use the article title as the webpage title; and rest assured that the title of the webpage with your link has your target keyword.

Brand Awareness/Viral Marketing Benefits

Building brand awareness is all about impressions. The more that your message is seen, the more you begin to build your brand. A consumer that has read an article about your products and services; and clicked through to the website is a highly qualified visitor and interested in your value proposition.

Finally, the Conclusion

With the recent buzz about article marketing, there should be no questions as to why it is regarded as one of the most potent marketing strategies today. However, the fact of the matter is that article marketing is only one component of a successful marketing plan. You cannot expect to invest a few dollars here and there and wake up in the morning with profitable business. For more details from the author of this post  visit to www.perfect-ghostwriter.com or www.ezines-success.com

Custom Articles

Although Web 2.0 design is different from its predecessors, practically the same programs are still used in creating them. Newer versions of course have different features, but these programs remain essentially the same. If you would like to create your own website designs, here are some tools that you will need.

1. Photoshop – is probably the most ubiquitous graphics-editing software on the entire planet. It is used by amateurs, web designers and professional photographers alike. Since it was created in 1987 by Thomas Knoll, it has since become the market leader in the web design world.

2. GIMP – is short for GNU Image Manipulation Program. It is a program used for graphics editing just like Photoshop. Although it is not considered as a clone of Photoshop, there has been a lot of comparison between the two. GIMP supports a lot of Photoshop’s files and performs a lot of tasks that Photoshop can also do. But their great difference? GIMP is for free and Photoshop is not.

3. Illustrator – is a vector graphics editor than can be used in creating logos, typography and other images. Just like other programs of its kind, it allows images to be resized without degradation.

4. CorelDraw – is another vector graphics editor that is widely used by graphic designers. It has been used by professionals since its release in 1989.

5. Flash – is also a vector graphics editor but is more geared towards creating animated graphics. It can also be used in creating games and even entire websites.