Want to get your articles published on more sites? Article marketing remains a powerful way to build authority and earn valuable backlinks. However, many submissions face rejection. Understanding why can dramatically improve your success rate. Here’s a breakdown of common pitfalls and how to avoid them:
1. **Subject Line in ALL CAPS:** Avoid writing your subject line in all capital letters. This comes across as shouting and is generally considered poor online etiquette. Capitalize only the first letter of each word.
2. **Typos and Grammatical Errors:** Proofread meticulously. Spelling and grammar mistakes signal a lack of professionalism. Use a grammar checker, and have someone else review your work before submitting.
3. **Inappropriate Article Length:** Most article directories prefer content between 500 and 700 words. Too short, and it lacks substance; too long, and you risk losing reader engagement. Stick to the sweet spot.
4. **Formatting Issues:** Word processors can introduce unexpected character encoding problems. Dashes or apostrophes might appear as question marks. Using a plain text editor can prevent these errors.
5. **Excessive Links:** While article sites typically allow links in the author’s resource box, overloading your content with them is a surefire way to get rejected. Stick to one or two.
6. **Embedded Links within the Body:** Unless specifically permitted, avoid placing links within the article’s text. Keep them confined to your author bio.
7. **Overuse of Bolding:** Strategic bolding can highlight subheadings or emphasize key points. However, avoid bolding entire sentences or, worse, your links. It looks unprofessional and spammy.
8. **Incorrect HTML:** Ensure your HTML, especially within links, is properly formatted. Common errors include using apostrophes instead of quotation marks or failing to close the link tag () correctly. Broken links reflect poorly on you.
9. **Incoherent Content:** Articles that don’t flow logically or make sense are often the result of using article spinning software to generate “unique” variations. While aiming for originality is good, prioritize clarity and readability above all else.
10. **Blatant Advertising:** Submit helpful articles, not thinly veiled advertisements. Focus on providing valuable information related to your niche, subtly referencing your product or website where appropriate.
Keep in mind that submission guidelines vary across different platforms. Always review the specific requirements of each article directory or blog before submitting. By avoiding these common mistakes, you’ll significantly increase your chances of getting your articles published and reaching a wider audience.