Many sources claim that articles are a surefire way to boost your business, declaring “content is king” and promising easy search engine optimization through article submission software. But what if that’s not the whole story? What if simply flooding the internet with your articles isn’t enough?
Let’s agree on some fundamentals: backlinks are beneficial, readers familiar with your articles are more likely to become customers, and articles offer relatively inexpensive advertising.
So, where does the disconnect lie? The problem begins *before* you even outline your article. It starts with defining your purpose. What do you hope to achieve by writing this article?
Possible objectives include:
1. Improving search engine rankings through backlinks.
2. Driving rapid traffic to generate immediate sales.
3. Building readership and establishing credibility.
4. Increasing website traffic.
5. Becoming recognized as an authority in your industry.
These goals can be broadly categorized into those seeking short-term gains, those focused on long-term growth, and those who desire both. While the internet offers possibilities for all, it’s crucial to recognize that there’s no single “magic bullet” strategy that caters to every article marketer’s needs.
**Fast Results: Maximum Exposure**
If your primary aim is rapid exposure, prioritize maximizing distribution speed. Consider writing multiple articles on a related theme, using relevant keywords, and anchor-linking to specific pages within your website (not just the homepage). Once your content is ready, distribute it as widely and quickly as possible.
Article submission services and software can significantly expedite this process. However, be aware that some services may involve less control over where your article appears.
Blogging, while a broader topic, also plays a crucial role. Syndicating your website’s RSS feed through services can further enhance your reach.
For quick results, prioritize maximum output across as many platforms as possible. However, this approach may not be optimal for long-term search engine ranking and traffic generation. Overly aggressive link building can potentially lead to penalties. The benefit here lies in high and rapid exposure, thus high immediate traffic.
**Long-Term Success: A Gradual Approach**
For those focused on building lasting traffic and establishing authority, a more nuanced strategy is essential. This involves a slower, more consistent approach to article distribution. The goal isn’t to generate hundreds of backlinks overnight, but rather to build a steady flow of 4-5 links per week, consistently over time.
Software submission offers greater control over distribution in this scenario. Distribute content to a select number of directories each week, introducing one new article weekly. This organic growth pattern appears more natural to search engines, leading to improved rankings and credibility. These “natural” links are more likely to endure, and well-written articles can continue to generate traffic for months.
The contrast between these strategies can be likened to mushrooms and trees after a rain shower. Mushrooms appear rapidly but are short-lived, while trees grow gradually, becoming taller and stronger over time. Both serve a purpose, just as both short-term and long-term strategies can contribute to a successful online presence.
**A Balanced Approach: The Best of Both Worlds**
A third strategy involves combining elements of both approaches, using different articles submitted to different platforms at varying rates. Software solutions are again preferable here, due to the ability to schedule the various submissions. While it requires more time, the initial effort of registering with various platforms pays off in the long run. As your efforts gain traction, consider delegating the submission tasks to focus on content creation and website development.
Ultimately, the “best” approach depends on your specific goals. However, for long-term link building, prioritize creating a natural growth pattern that will signal quality and relevance to search engines.