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How to Write Articles for Content Sites
Written by Administrator   
Monday, 09 April 2007
Articles for Content Providers
It's an Internet-specific phenomenon. People write magazine-style articles and let people use them for free. Why would anyone do that? Because you get to plug your website. It's like free advertising.

Here's how it works. Say you have a new website called ScrapbookingXXX123.com. You write an article about scrapbooking - but not for your site, for free distribution to other sites. In your article, perhaps toward the end so it doesn't look like an obvious plug, you mention your website and add a link to it. There's also a space after the article, usually called a "Resource Box" or an "About the Author" box, where you can again add a link to ScrapbookingXXX123.com.

After you've written the article, you submit it to any number of content providers. Doing this is a matter of registering with the site, and then copying and pasting your article into their online form. They will generally review it and then let you know whether or not it's been accepted. If it's declined, they will tell you why, and you have the option to revise and re-submit.

When your article is accepted, it is placed in the content site's database. Other people who need articles but don't have the time or skill to write them, will search the database, and if your article is something they want, they will publish it on their own site. But they'll keep your by-line and your links. They're not allowed to change any part of your article.

So the better your article is, the more relevant it is, the more well-written it is, the better your chances of having it snapped up and re-published. And that means more people will click the link to ScrapbookingXXX123.com.

The publisher is supposed to let you know where they are using your article, but I have found that that seldom happens. Best to keep track of your own traffic, and if you see a spike shortly after you've submitted an article to a content provider, you can trace it and see where the people are coming from.

There are some content providers who pay for articles. But the pay is usually low, and it may be more trouble than it's worth. Remember, your goal is to publicize your site, not to make money writing articles for someone else.


How to Write an Article for a Content Provider

Unlike a press release, a content article must not appear to openly plug your site. You must weave your site information into the article seamlessly, preferably toward the end. Here are examples.

  • Don't do: It's best to have a separate space in the house for your scrapbooking work. At ScrapbookingXXX123.com we show you what that space should look like.
  • Do: It's best to have a separate space in the house for your scrapbooking work. This will allow you keep your materials more organized. You can even use a corner of your dining room. Check out ScrapbookingXXX123.com for more examples.

The difference? Your article must be complete as is. Don't withhold information by telling readers they must go to your site for information. Consider your readers intelligent; know that they want usable information; they don't want a sales pitch.

An article you write for a content provider must never be a duplicate of an article you have on your site. It can be similar in its topic, but it must have a unique title and completely re-written copy.

Like a press release, though, your article must have a keyword-rich title and a 2 to 3 sentence teaser. Then the article body should start with a secondary teaser (since your first teaser is not always visible) as the first paragraph.

Articles can be anywhere from about 400 to 1200 words. Each content provider will have their own guidelines, so be sure to read those before submitting your article. They're important. For instance, one provider asks that you not use Word Smartquotes. Another asks that you refrain from using hard returns except for paragraph breaks. So take the time to read each site's editorial requirements.


Tips for Article Writing

You can find content providers by going through your search engine. Go with a content provider that carries well-written material. Also check to make sure the content provider is transparent - that is, you can find contact information, an email address should you have questions, and maybe even a contact name and physical location.

Some respected content providers include EzineArticles.com, GoArticles.com, and Freesticky.com.

And finally, as with a press release, never submit an article that hasn't gone through your spell-checker and a human proof-reader. Be impeccable with form and grammar. Be concise. After you've written your piece, read it aloud to yourself and see if it flows. Make sure the information you provide is useful.
 
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