Article marketing remains a powerful strategy for internet marketing, driving traffic, and boosting search engine optimization. However, many marketers find their article submissions frequently rejected, leading them to believe that article marketing doesn’t work. As the owner of three article directories (one general and two niche-specific), I receive hundreds of submissions daily and reject dozens. Initially, I provided detailed reasons for each rejection. But the sheer volume now demands efficiency. While I prioritize quick turnaround times, I want to share insights into why articles are often rejected, hoping to help marketers avoid common pitfalls.
Here are the primary reasons I reject articles:
1. Active Links in the Article Body: Generally, article directories only allow active links within the author resource box. Ensure your article adheres to this standard.
2. Irrelevant Content: A significant portion of rejections, particularly in niche directories, stems from irrelevant content. For example, an article about breast augmentation is unsuitable for a directory focused on internet marketing.
3. Incorrect Category Placement: While I might re-categorize articles from familiar authors or those with interesting content, submissions placed haphazardly are likely rejected. If you don’t take the time to select the right category, why should I invest my time?
4. Poor English Quality: Articles with typos, grammatical errors, or substandard English in the headline or summary create a negative impression and are likely to be rejected.
5. Subject Spamming: Submitting numerous articles on the same subject, by the same author, with similar titles and summaries raises suspicion of article spamming, leading to rejection.
6. Obscure Topics: Articles on niche topics that don’t align with the directory’s overall theme or those with unclear titles, summaries, or initial paragraphs may be rejected.
7. Blatant Advertising: Article directories are for informational content, not press releases or advertisements. Articles should offer valuable insights beyond promoting a specific business.
Ultimately, editorial judgment dictates content selection. I curate articles for my websites and blogs, prioritizing those that provide interesting or appealing information to the target audience. If an article doesn’t align with my site’s content strategy, I choose to reject it.