1.       EzineArticles.com

Ezine Articles is by far the largest and most popular article directory. Ezine Articles is one of the oldest article directories, and its age serves it well. Since its inception in 1999, millions of users have logged on to submit and download articles. There are more than 30 parent categories with dozens of sub-categories on every imaginable topic. Don't let the size scare you; this is one of the first stops when editors need content, so your chances of being picked up are high. And the sub-categories and search functions make it easy to target articles. Submission is free, although you are allowed ten article submissions to start. Further submission credits are awarded, based on quality.

2.       ArticlesBase.com

ArticlesBase.com has one of the highest site traffic rankings from among article directories, and it boasts more than two million articles. Front page listings include “Editor’s Picks," highlighting six of the most popular articles, and “Latest Free Articles,” which is updated frequently. Writers can find Article Writing Tips and an Author Spotlight which showcases the talents of various writers.  Submission is free.

3.       ArticleSnatch Article Directory

ArticleSnatch offers a huge selection of free reprint article categories including several less-common sub-categories such as Humor, Language, Philosophy, Poetry, Ethics, and so on. These well-defined sub-categories make it easier to categorize your articles according to your specific niche. Submission is free.

4.       GoArticles.com

More than 185,000 authors have submitted more than two million articles to GoArticles.com since it was founded in 1993. As part of the Jayde Online Network, GoArticles.com considers itself “The Web’s Largest Free Content Article Directory.” Whether that’s true or not, it is one of the largest and definitely a place to submit your articles for potential publication on other sites. Submission is free.

5.       ArticleAlley.com

Article Alley offers dozens of categories, including automotive, business, dating, fashion, and music. Submission is free.

6.       Article Dashboard

Article Dashboard has one of the largest category listings for free reprint articles online with thousands of available articles. What really sets this site apart, however, is their free Article Dashboard software. The software allows users to start an article directory of their own at no cost. Submission is free.

7.       IdeaMarketers

While IdeaMarketers is one of the top-ranked article directories, they are much more focused on quality than similar sites. Not only is the layout more professional than many other directories, but IdeaMarketers offers a Bid-For-Promotion System that lets writers pay for more prominent placement of their articles, which can dramatically increase the number of times an article is published. Basic submission level is free.

8.       Amazines

Amazines is one of the oldest article directory sites with hundreds of thousands of free articles in a multitude of categories. In addition, they also offer a huge free ezine directory, blog directory and article feeds that webmasters can use to add automatically updated content to their sites in minutes. Submission is free.

9.       Article Rich

Article Rich is a clean, easy-to-navigate article directory that’s been online since 2005. Boasting over 360,000 articles by more than 75,000 authors, the site includes a number of popular categories. In addition, the front page highlights 20 featured articles as well as two featured authors, adding the potential for greater exposure for you and your articles. Submision is free

10.     SearchWarp

Another long-time Internet resident, Search Warp allows a variety of topic categories. But unlike some of the other article directories, they don't accept what they consider to be “high-spam topics” or those promoting such concepts as gambling, casinos, pharmaceuticals, prescriptions drugs, lending, mortgages, credit cards, SEO, affiliate marketing, network marketing, MLM, and several other taboo subjects. Submission is free.

There are many more article directories available online, but consistently submitting your site to these top 10 article directories will ensure you a tremendous amount of exposure and help build your online reputation as you attract targeted traffic to your website or blog.

Your resource box should include enough information to pique readers’ interest, and have a strong call to action that will encourage them to click on your link for more information. No matter how good your article is, if your resource box does not compel the reader to visit your site and find out more, you have lost an opportunity to earn a customer.

Tips for writing an effective resource box:

1. Don't start your resource box off with your bio. This signals to the reader that your article is complete and that they can stop reading. Instead, begin with a question or statement that will entice them to read more. Example: "Want fourteen more ways to make money from home?"
2. Do not include a full bio. Most people are not interested in your full bio or every degree and accolade you have received. In fact, most people will skim over it and you will lose their interest before they get to your link and call to action.
3. Include at least one link, more if allowed. Look at the resource box guidelines for each directory to find out what you are allowed to include. Most allow one link, some two. Be sure to include as many links as you are allowed.
4. A strong call to action is an absolute requirement. Include a statement which informs the reader what they will receive when they click on your link and how it will benefit their lives. For instance, "Download Joe's free report today for more ways to make money in your sleep!"
5. Answer the burning question. When crafting your resource box, consider the question all readers ask (if only subconsciously)... “What’s In It For Me?” (WIIFM).
6. Draft a different resource box to fit every article that you create. If the article is about home improvement, then draft your resource box to tie into that with an appropriate offer and link. If the next article is specific to tool selection, steer your resource box in that direction. Start a file of resource boxes so you can add an appropriate one without recreating it each time.

The resource box is your opportunity to tell the reader what you have to offer and what they should do next. If you can show a reader what they will gain by clicking on your link, you’re almost guaranteed to build your website traffic with the articles you write.

If your business is selling information products to stay-at-home moms who want to start their own at-home business, then you want to write articles that demonstrate your expertise in that area and give them something of value to the reader. When those readers get to your resource box at the end of your article, they’ll click on the link expecting more of the same great content. Writing articles for dog lovers, for instance, when your target market is aspiring work-at-home moms just doesn’t make sense.

The best explanation I've ever heard of this was by Jimmy D. Brown who coined the term “useful but incomplete”.  What he meant was that your articles should be “useful” to your target audience, but “incomplete” in that they should lead the reader hungrily to seek more information from you. They'll turn to your resource box in search of more.

Quality is also a key ingredient to successful articles. While anyone can throw together a few sentences, combine a few paragraphs, paste on a resource box and call it an article, this slap-dash method is not likely to produce the results you desire. Quite simply, quality content is the key for any kind of success in article marketing.

Online article directories are filled with articles written by non-native language writers who don’t understand grammar or sentence structure, or by those who have simply copied what someone else wrote and plugged it into an article spinner without thought for the value of the finished article. Using such shoddy marketing methods will never help your article marketing efforts, and will likely brand you as unprofessional and harm your reputation as a business owner.

Most editors in search of content would rather find an expert on EzineArticles.com or LadyPens.com with 10 high-quality articles, than one with 500 junk articles. When editors and readers see junk articles, they assume that everything that person does is junk. Not a great way to build a business!

When you offer well-written, relevant content that helps your reader answer a question or gain new knowledge and understanding of a subject matter they're interested in, you'll establish yourself as an expert and advance your article marketing efforts and, ultimately, your business.

By writing articles on your areas of expertise and offering this content free of charge to online and offline publishers, you can:

-        spread the word to your target market

-        demonstrate your professional know-how & expertise, and

-        create a body of work that continues to "sell" you and your website long after the initial article creation

Other website owners, bloggers, and newsletter publishers are constantly looking for quality content to provide to their readers. You help them out by providing your well-written, targeted articles. In return they include a plug about you and your business, called the "author resource box," at the bottom of the piece. The resource box includes a link to your site. So, they get free content, and you get free publicity. It's a win-win!

You may be wondering if article marketing will work for your niche or industry. There are blogs and newsletters and ezines and websites on just about every topic under the sun, from accounting to Zoroastrianism.

Here's a short list of businesses that can benefit from article marketing:

-        Service providers.

-        Bloggers.

-        Affiliate marketers.

-        Ebook Authors.

-        Infoproduct sellers.

-        Online Store owners.

-        Coaches and consultants.

-        Realtors.

-        Podcasters.

-        Membership site owners.

-        Authors.

-        Speakers.

-        Network marketers.

In short, if you're selling something or trying to drive traffic to your website or blog, article marketing is for you. It's one of the most efficient ways to attract targeted visitors, to build trust among your readers, and to gain new customers or clients.

Here are some broad examples:

• Bloggers can use article marketing to attract readers to their blogs and increase their subscriber base.

• Webmasters can use article marketing to create valuable backlinks, and increase website traffic.

• Writers can use article marketing to exhibit their writing skills, educate readers, and attract clients.

• Hairstylists can use article marketing to share hair care tips, showcase their expertise, and attract business to their salons.

• Dog trainers can use article marketing to share dog training lessons, and inform the public about the needs at a local shelter.

Whatever your passion, article marketing can benefit you and your business. When used correctly, it can successfully attract targeted traffic to your website or blog, grow your mailing list, help you become an expert in your field, build trust with your readers, make your website more popular, spread your name and website across the Web, add backlinks to your site, allow you to "advertise" free, brand yourself and your business, and generate sales.

As you can see, the benefits of article marketing are numerous.

And, it starts with just one article.

1. Personal Connection – Especially for internet based businesses, the personal connection with your potential market is a huge selling factor. With video, your audience can truly get to know you, eye-to-eye. They get to see that you are indeed a real, live person. They start building a deeper relationship with you and feel as if they actually have met you.
2. Social proof – There's an old proverb: “Believe nothing of what you hear, and only half of what you see.” On the internet it's so easy to be a fake and a fraud. People are skeptical about claims they read online, and rightfully so. But video puts a face to your words and makes you more believable and trustworthy.
3. Traffic – People are watching 2 BILLION videos per day on YouTube alone! That's a whole lot of traffic you're missing if you're not marketing yourself with video. It's free and easy to add your video to a large number of the video sites available online.
4. Emotional Influence – The classic horror movie is a great example of how the audio has an emotional effect on us. The creepy music comes in, immediately cluing you in that something bad is about to happen. Now, imagine combining that audio with powerful video cues to influence the emotions of the listener and create a much more compelling message than with just text alone.
5. Portability – Maybe even more so then articles and ebooks, video is portable. iPhones, Smartphones, iPads and all kinds of other devices allow video to be seen on the go. You can also allow people to download video easily so they can view it over and over again.
6. Demonstrations – Reviews, case studies and examples are great ways to sell products and services. It's the reason why infomercials make millions of dollars. Now there's no need for you to be as annoying as the Sham-Wow guy to make money with video; you just need to create videos that show and tell your potential customers why your product will be helpful for them.
7. Engagement – There are many reports available online to show that video boosts response and conversion rates. When someone is watching a video, you have their full attention – eyes and ears. Unlike with the written word, they're not likely skip ahead or gloss over important information. Most people will watch a video from beginning to end, allowing you to clearly create a message and call to action that engages your audience.

Overall, video is an effective marketing strategy that is only growing in popularity. Since video is here to stay, it's time to check out the options and see how quick and easy video marketing can be.

Tip #1  Make sure you’re actually tagging your keywords.

Do you spend a lot of time optimizing your content and then neglect to tag them on your webpage?  Tags are where search engines look and if there are no tags they’ll pass right by your web pages.  Here’s a quick brief on tags.

There are a number of tag types including,

* Title tags.  Title tags are quite possibly the most important place to situate your keywords.  Here’s what they look like - <title>Primary keyword phrase here. </title>

Your title tag is where you place your primary keyword or keyword phrase.  The sentence will describe your business in less than 90 characters.

* Header Tags.  Header tags are next in order of importance to search engines.  They’re ranked in order of importance and look like this - <h1>Primary and/or Secondary keywords here</h1>

The “1” designates this header as the most important header on the page.

* Meta Tags. Meta tags provide the small descriptive text found underneath the title tag on the search engine results page.  Like title tags these should be kept brief, informative and up to date.

* Alt Tags.  Alt tags are used to provide a text description of a graphic.  Each graphic on your site should have a description and an alt tag.

Tip #2 Add content to your site regularly

Content is essential for traffic and a top search engine ranking.  Content is what search engine spiders look for and index - without it there’s nothing to index or rank.  Give visitors and search engines a reason to visit and index your site. Make a commitment to provide regular, optimized content and your traffic will soar.

Tip #3 Procure valuable and relevant incoming links

The more websites which link to your webpages the more valuable search engines perceive you to be, though not all links are created equal.  Search engines give more leverage to links from sites which are popular and credible and from sites which are relevant to your website topic.

There are different types of links.

- A direct link looks like a basic website address, for example, www.yourwebsite.com

- A text link occurs when the webpage address is embedded in the text.  Readers simply click on the link and are redirected to a new website page.

- If the link is to an internal web page, for example an article published on a website, rather than the home page, it is called a “deep link.”

You can encourage linking to your website by:

* Adding content to your site.
* Submitting to article directories.
* Publishing press releases.
* Blogging and participating in social networking forums, chat rooms and social networking sites.

Tip #4 Be Social!

Now more than ever before, internet marketing is about building a community.  Whether you offer a forum on your website or you participate in social networking sites, social networking is a valuable traffic generating tactic.  Sites like Facebook and Twitter can be powerful tools for generating links and traffic to your site – create a profile and then post comments, links to your site and ideas which generate conversation.

Get involved - many groups and forums are industry specific, find those which cater to your industry, and begin participating.  Speak to and connect with a highly targeted audience.

Tip #5 Advertise for more exposure and traffic

Advertising, when handled strategically, can be used to promote your content and products or services.  PPC advertising is often the tool of choice because you control the advertising budget on a daily basis and have the tools to test and track your advertising efforts.  Once you’ve honed your PPC ads the return on investment can be phenomenal in terms of traffic and purchases.

For maximum results, create a traffic and SEO strategy.  Outline your plan and your goals and then take the necessary action.  Take advantage of these five traffic and search engine tips to boost your business.

You need to build a media list and it will likely take some time to get a really good list going. If you’ve just begun building your media list, start locally and small. And start online so you can build traffic to your website.

Local and/or small media are most likely to be interested in your story and it's the perfect way to hone your press release writing skills. Besides, a lot of the larger media outlets scan the smaller outlets to find stories to pick up. Also, as you gain experience and build-up your portfolio, you can work your way up to bigger media outlets.

Try newspapers, trade journals, topic specific magazines, websites, radio shows, television show ~ whoever would be interested in your topic.

Always remember to get specific contact information for your press release when possible. A release addressed to a particular person will receive a lot more attention than a general release sent to the media outlet. You’ll also want to update your list frequently as staff may often change.

Familiarize yourself with the editor or reporter's work. Find out the method she prefers to receive press releases in. Don't automatically send them by email – some will prefer mail or fax. Find out their deadlines.

If you are sending your release by email, never send an attachment. Copy and paste your release into the body of the email. Never send a bulk email. Address emails individually.

How to Build Your Distribution List:

1. For your local media, check the publication or their website for information on how to submit a release. Find out the precise editor or reporter you should be addressing your release to. You may have to pick up your phone to get this information or hire an assistant to do the calling and information gathering for you.
2. Do a search on your favorite search engine for websites in your industry that might just be interested in running your story.
3. Here's a few websites to help you build your list:

• Media Post http://www.mediapost.com - extensive directory for US media

• NewsLink.org http://www.newslink.org - directory for a number of countries

• ABYZ News Links http://www.abyznewslinks.com - directory for a number of countries

Please note: If you choose a free resource to build your list, realize that the information may not always be completely up-to-date. A paid resource will often provide more current information and if they don’t, ask them for a refund!

4. Submit your site to a few online newswires and news websites. A number of them require payment, but here are some, both free and paid.

• PR Web http://www.prweb.com - They do a great job, but no longer offer a free service.

• PressMethod.com http://www.pressmethod.com - free press release distribution center.

• PRFree.com http://www.prfree.com - free press release distribution

• 24-7PressRelease.com http://www.24-7pressrelease.com - free service. You can also contribute funds to receive better placement for your release.   

Please note: Don’t spend a lot of time submitting to a bunch of free online places. The exposure will be limited, so it’s not something you should focus solely on.

Extra Exposure from Google & About.com with Your Press Releases

Google.com often takes press releases from PRWeb.com. You may be buried in their news section, BUT if someone searches for keywords on Google related to your press release topic…your release may be featured at the top of the results.

About.com also scours press releases to add to its various sections and you might just find yourself listed without submitting to them. If you're not familiar with About.com, they are a huge website with information on just about every topic there could possibly be. If you think your press release should be listed, contact the editor of the appropriate section and suggest your press release for inclusion...or you can even just ask them to list your website as a resource.

More Potential Resources to Get Media Outlet Ideas

Magazines, Newspapers & Radio Programs: You can also search places like magazines.com and newspapers.com for ideas on target publications. The focus of these websites is not to build a media list, so you'll have to do some digging for the appropriate contact information. Still, you might find publications you won't find in the other resources.

http://www.magazines.com

http://www.newspaper.com

http://www.radio-locator.com (radio stations with websites)

http://www.npr.org/stations (radio stations in the U.S.)

Internet Radio: Although, the distribution is probably not as great as with mainstream radio, you may want to search targeted programs on Internet radio. Here are a few places to look:

http://www.live365.com

http://www.penguinradio.com

http://www.worldtalkradio.com

http://www.wsradio.com

Websites: Do a Google search for websites listed for your target keywords. Find websites that tend to be informational and like to deliver content to their visitors. You can also search directories like:

http://dir.yahoo.com

http://www.dmoz.org

Next week find out what to do when a reporter calls!

A press release is a concise, informative announcement distributed to the press. Getting mentioned in the press is often seen as one of the most valuable forms of attention and a great marketing strategy if you can manage it.

A press release is how we try to make the journalist’s job easier by giving them a ready-made story. If they can pick it up and run with it without too much difficulty and produce an interesting, informative story, then they just might do that. Note: This is in no way a guarantee of free press.

Proper Press Release Format
Your press release should follow a specific format and include a few key components. We’ll post a few sample press releases and a template at the end of this series. Reporters and editors receive many releases each and every day. You only have a few seconds to grab their attention, so write a succinct and interesting story. The headline and first paragraph are often your only chance to get attention before your press release ends up in the shredder.

And Never Forget! This story is for your readers (the editor/reporter and ultimately, their audience) ~ tell them why it would interest them. You are not important.

Here’s what your press release should include:

• Date Instructions

"For Immediate Release";

"For Release Before [date]" or

"For Release After [date]"

Use one of the latter two if your press release is of a time sensitive nature. For example, if you are holding a public speaking event, you will want to use the "For Release Before [date]" and make sure you input the final date for registrations. If you are using the "For Release Before [date]" ensure you are sensitive to media deadlines. Send your release out well in advance.

• Headline

Use an attention-grabbing headline. There’s a fine line between a promotional headline and a headline that gets attention, but don’t be too mundane and factual in your headline. That’s boring. Here are a few headline ideas:

A Headline for a Nutritionist:

76% of People Surveyed Eat at Fast Food Restaurants More Than 3 Times Per Week, Contributing to a Growing Obesity Program in US

A Headline for a Night Club:

Single Richmond Residents are Invited to Find Their Soul Mate at Valentine’s Day Dating Game Fundraiser

A Headline for a Florist:

Local Residents to Be Awarded in an Upcoming Rose-Growing Challenge

• Contact Information

Include as much information as possible here. Make it easy for the media to contact you. Include your phone number, address, company name, fax number, email and URL. Include the hours you are available at the listed phone number and add an after hours phone number, if applicable.

• Summary

Before you get into the body of the release, write a sentence or two to summarize your press release. Make it interesting, you want the recipient to keep reading. Also, include the area to which this release is relevant.

• Content

This is the meat of your press release. Again, write a benefits-oriented story. Think of the target audience as you are writing and ask yourself if you came across this story in the paper would you be compelled to keep reading? Your target audience is partly the editor or reporter who will be reading the release. Ultimately, however, your target audience is that editor or reporter's readers or audience. You need to write a story that will be of interest to them.

The first paragraph should answer all the important questions - Who, What, Where, When, Why & How? You only have a few seconds to keep an editor's or reporter's interest. Here's your chance.

• Signify the End of Your Press Release

The end of your press release is shown by a few simple characters. Place ### at the end of your release.

Other Important Formatting Tips

1. Keep your release to about 1 page (or 2 pages maximum).
2. Number your pages 1 of 2, 2 of 2, etc. Remember, it’s all about making it EASY to chose, verify and print your story.
3. Avoid the hype. Don't use big words and adjectives. Stick to the facts in plain English, ma’am.
4. Focus on benefits: What problems do you solve for your customers or website visitors?
5. Use bold headlines to get attention.
6. Break up your paragraphs for easy reading.
7. Tweak your release when sending to different media outlets. If you are sending it to the local paper, your content may be slightly different than if you are sending it to a trade journal.
8. If you are sending your release by mail, use 8 1/2" x 11" letterhead. Use only one side of the paper. If your release is more than one page long, write "more" at the bottom.
9. If you are sending your release by email, never send an attachment. Copy and paste your release into the body of the email.
10. Back up your claims with facts and statistics. Often the media will publish your press release without interviewing you or making substantial changes. They may not even have time to check your facts, so if they are dubious, then they may just toss out your release.
11. Send samples. If it’s cost effective, send out a few samples with your release. If you are an author, send a copy of your book. Just remember, if you send these things unsolicited, the goodies may be appreciated, but your press release may get tossed. Carefully evaluate your expenses and the results of sending freebies.
12. If you’re snail mailing your press release, don’t send it in a white or manila envelope with typed labels. This is a great tip from Alex Carroll of RadioPublicity.com. They don’t stand out and look like all the other mail editors receive every day. Use a brightly colored envelope, handwrite the address and add a unique marker like a sticker or rubber stamp. Make your envelope get attention and beg for attention.
13. Consider sending out a Press Release Kit, instead of just a simple press release.  Here's what you can include:

- Cover Letter

- Press Release(s)

- Business Fact Sheet

- Your Biography

- Samples, Photos, etc.

- Company Literature

- Your Business Card

You need to evaluate the cost of sending a full press release kit. You may want to indicate that you will send samples upon request as an alternative.

However you decide to send your release, you need to stand out from the crowd. You need to create a press release that would interest the editor and her target audience.

Next week, learn How Your Website Comes into Your PR Marketing Plan

PageRank: This is Google’s link analysis algorithm that measures the importance, relevance and value of a web page based on the quality of the pages linking to it.

Basically, PageRank will tell you, on a scale of 0 to 10, how important your site is in the overall scheme of the Internet. It will not tell you how well your page will rank for the keyword phrases your customers are going to use to find your page.

What does this mean?

In a nutshell, this means that you’re wasting your time if you spend more than two minutes on your page’s meta tags or looking at your PageRank.

Meta tags are not going to ensure that your page ranks in the top 10 for your keyword phrases. And PageRank is not an accurate measure of where your page appears in the SERPs for your keyword phrases.

You’re better off spending your time writing quality content, developing relationships with the owners of high ranking sites in your industry or relevant industries and making sure your site is search engine friendly.

Even better, spend time getting to know your customers or site visitors and find out what terms they use to search, what they are looking for when they arrive at your site and what they think you can do to improve their experiences while browsing your site.

This information will be more valuable to you than your PageRank and the content you put on your site in response to your customers experiences will go much further in advancing the goals of your website than a meta tag or twenty hastily tossed on your pages.

Even so, you’ll still find a few web designers, programmers and unscrupulous SEO “professionals” who’ll insist that, in order to optimize your site for the search engines, all you need to do is fill your keyword and description meta tags with all your relevant keywords (and then some) – and keep an eye on your PageRank.

If you’re new to this search engine optimization business, you probably have no idea what a meta tag or PageRank is. Here are a couple of definitions, just for you:

Meta Tag: These are tags placed in the head of your HTML pages that give the visitor’s browser, or the search engine spider, information about the page. Two mid-90s search engines, Infoseek (now defunct) and AltaVista (now owned by Yahoo!), first popularized the keywords tag, which they used to determine what each page on a website was about.

However, by 1997, search engines realized that spammers were misusing the tag to make pages rank for terms that were completely irrelevant to the page’s content. Search engines completely stopped giving so much weight to the keyword meta tag information by 2002.

That said, the description tag is still important. It does not affect how your page is ranked, or what keyword phrases your page will appear in the search engine results pages (SERPs) for, but the meta description tag is displayed under your page’s title in some of the SERPs.

We'll cover page rank in the next article. In the meantime, stop on by the new Volition website and get a jump with your own personalized site review.