It's not enough to pen great articles today, freelance writers also need to know how to promote their work. When articles are published online, there are several options to get the word out and make sure an article gets the proper attention. Here are just a few.
Internet Marketing Promotion Websites
Many websites are devoted to promotion and sharing of articles. Writers should sign up for these services and become a part of their online community. The best way to promote an article is by genuine interaction and not by flooding the site with links. (Doing so will actually hurt a writer's online reputation.)
Article promotion sites provide a way for the popular news of the web to be read, discussed, and voted on. The popular articles stay on the home page of the site longer, while the ones that lack votes may fade from view. These types of sites are a great way for writers to find new readers. Sites that allow writers to log on and post a link include:
- Reddit.com
- Propeller.com
- Instablogs.com
- Digg.com
- Del.icio.us
- Shetoldme.com
- Redgage.com
Search Engine Marketing
The best way for writers to get their articles picked up by search engines is to write keyword-rich content. Sites like the Google keyword tool can help ensure that writers are including the terms their readers most search for. Writers can also submit their website to search engines in an effort to get articles picked up quicker. Some sites to include are Google, Ask Jeeves, or Yahoo.
A writer may also choose to "ping" his or her website using services like Pingomatic.com or PingGoat.com. These types of sites will alert search engines that writers have uploaded new content to their blog or website.
Social Networking
Social networking sites like Facebook, Twitter, MySpace, and Ning can help writers connect with readers interested in their work. Again, this works best if the writers are genuinely interacting with people and trying to spam people with endless links. The key is conversation. Writers should spend some time on these sites interacting with people they feel might benefit from their articles. If it makes sense, writers can then provide a link and promote their work.
Online Forums
The cyber world is a great place to find like-minded individuals. Writers who specialize in a certain area of expertise may find it helpful to visit forums related to their topic of choice. Writers should get to know the forum's culture, how to ask questions, how to talk about news or provide links to their work if appropriate.
Writers should never, however, join a forum simply for the goal to list their work. It's only through sincere interaction that a writer will win over readers. Still, forums are a great place to find the people that may be interested in a certain subject area.
The key with any of these ideas is interaction, not spam. Also, writing great content is the very first step. No amount of promotion will make a poorly written article successful.
Cherie Burbach - Cherie Burbach writes about dating, relationships, health, sports, and lifestyle. She's the author of eleven books and ebooks.
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