Publicity?you're business can survive without it, but it certainly won't thrive without it. Maybe you've seen your competition at it - their website was featured on a major newspaper or television show. Or perhaps you heard them mentioned on your favorite morning radio show on the way to the office. The point is, when it comes to publicity, some businesses are getting it. And here comes the real shocker - some of them are getting it for free! Yep, there really is such a thing as free publicity, and we're going to show you a very simple way that you can start getting it.
But first, let's take a moment to discuss what publicity is. According to www.dictionary.com, publicity is "Information that concerns a person, group, event, or product and that is disseminated through various media to attract public notice." Did you see what I just did? Through this article, www.dictionary.com just got free publicity (they'll need it, so you can look up "disseminated"). Articles are just one of many ways that you can spread the word about your business, but it's the one of the easiest to use.
Free Online Articles
The number one way to get free publicity (and to establish yourself as an expert in your field) is through writing and submitting free online articles that relate in some way to your business. Now before you throw your hands up in disgust, saying something like "I'm not a writer, I'm a business owner!" just wait a minute. The chances are, your business's new or existing product, service or upcoming event is something that the rest of the world cares about (otherwise, you wouldn't BE in business). As obscure as it may be, you'd be amazed at the number of people out there who are yearning to learn more about something that your business makes you an expert about.
If you don't believe me, narrow your business down to a list of ten keywords that come to mind when you describe your profession. Now, do a Google search on each of those ten keywords (see, I slipped in yet another instance of free publicity, and through your articles, you can do the same!) The top ten or twenty results are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to sites that could be featuring your articles.
You may be asking yourself "Sure, the readers get something out of these free articles, but what about me?" Well, despite the fact that no one is paying you to publish your articles, free articles come with an incredibly valuable thing?it's known as the resource box.
The resource box is where you get to promote yourself and your business! You can include a brief biography about yourself or business along with a link to your website or affiliate program, your address, phone number, email address,? whatever! The point is, when your readers get done with your article and they want to know more, the first place they'll go to is your resource box! The next place they go is?well, where ever you want them to!
What Do You Write About?
Well, just about anything. The first place you should go for inspiration is your Frequently Asked Questions. If you don't have a FAQ section of your website, check out your competitor's sites (really, it's okay, as long as you don't copy it down word for word?) If your FAQ's are truly that, and not just a list of questions that you hope and pray that people would ask but they never do, then you'll have plenty of possibilities.
Whatever you write about, make sure it's something that people are genuinely interested in. Because if it's something people are interested in, then it's something that the websites that cater to those people will be interested in. And don't worry, there's no need to write a novel, nearly all web content articles are within a 300-1000 word range.
Also, make sure to follow the basic rules of grammar and spelling. Even if your article is worthy of a Pulitzer, it'll never earn one if it's full of careless mistakes and spelling errors.
Once you've checked your spelling and grammar make sure to read the article aloud. This will give you a chance to make sure that the article flows smoothly and logically.
Getting Your Article Published
Once you've written and edited your article, the next step is to get the word out. And unlike articles that are written for pay, it's really not that hard to find webmasters and ezine editors willing to publish your piece. Since they don't have to pay you for the content, they're more than happy to provide you with free publicity.
If you have a lot of professional and Internet connections in your industry, don't be afraid to take advantage of them at this point. Not only will it give you more exposure, you'll be doing your friends a favor! Once you've contacted them, you're next stop will be to submit your article to free online article databases. Here are a few to help you get started:
? www.articlecity.com
? www.ezinearticles.com (requires free membership)
? www.thewhir.com/find/articlecentral/
? www.businessknowhow.com/newsletter/articleguidelines.htm
? www.expertarticles.com (requires free membership)
? Or, just go here www.bellaonline.com/articles/art12838.asp for an extensive list of places willing to publish your work on their site or publication!
Now, you're armed with all you need to know to start getting the free publicity that you've been dreaming of. Better yet, no one will be able to pinch and wake you up!
About the Author:
If your website could use some fresh, custom content but you don't have the extra money in your budget, there's no need to worry. Jennifer Gibbs (http://www.jennifergibbs.com), a 5 star freelance professional from South Georgia is more than happy to provide your site with original, tailored and EXCLUSIVE content in exchange for free products, services and/or membership access. For more information, send your request (along with your website URL) to: http://www.jennifergibbs.com.
Chances are good that the next article or book you... Read More
All of us, the authors, know that to enhance our... Read More
Knowing exactly what an editor wants.Unfortunately, many new writers struggle... Read More
A true test for many writers that will require your... Read More
It doesn't really matter who you are; you definitely know... Read More
Who remembers the 1979 movie, The Jerk with Steve Martin?... Read More
Sometimes when I am communicating with other webmasters and I... Read More
You submit it, that's what you do! And submit it... Read More
Don't let overwhelm hold you back- follow this expert advice... Read More
Two important factors that play a part in the rankings... Read More
We all know that article writing is a great way... Read More
Writing articles for online newsletters and websites can be a... Read More
You, too, can become a recognized expert in your specialized... Read More
This may come as a surprise... to you, but writing... Read More
1. What is the single most compelling subject from your... Read More
How would you like to have your name and web... Read More
One of the best ways to promote your website is... Read More
Writing an article is not an easy task. You have... Read More
Writing and leveraging articles is my most successful strategy for... Read More
These 7 Important Elements are your Blueprint to Article Writing... Read More
Jim was working hard to grow his business. Long hours... Read More
If you write web content, it may be a mystery... Read More
Do you have problems finding ideas for articles and speeches?I... Read More
Frequently when I am communicating with other webmasters and I... Read More
Article marketing is becoming more and more popular, especially as... Read More
green cleaning service Deerfield ..This article is dedicated to those who are afraid to... Read More
Start by Being QuotableIt's tough to stand out online. With... Read More
Don't let overwhelm hold you back- follow this expert advice... Read More
Have ever wished that there were a formula for crafting... Read More
Articles are a fantastic source of links and additional traffic... Read More
If you have submitted your articles to EzineArticles.com you have... Read More
Writing articles is one of the best ways to get... Read More
Here's a really simple way... to promote your online business... Read More
Don't let overwhelm hold you back- follow this expert advice... Read More
What is Anchor Text Optimization?Anchor text optimization consists of the... Read More
Writing a letter to your newspaper's editor is a privilege... Read More
Selling books online means that you need to get interested... Read More
Why do so many internet marketers waste their time on... Read More
Last month, I began promoting Jason Potash's "Article Announcer." I... Read More
Abandon your frustrations and get a fresh start by trying... Read More
Understanding the rules of correct formatting for online articles will... Read More
Anyone who's been in the business for 2 or 3... Read More
Have you been writing and submitting your free reprint articles... Read More
You, too, can become a recognized expert in your specialized... Read More
How many times have you read the following? If you... Read More
Need traffic? Write an article.Need sales? Write an article.Need Your... Read More
Publishers and webmasters can spend massive amounts of time just... Read More
Writing articles for your site and for the use of... Read More
If you're writer, I am sure sometimes you may have... Read More
It's not enough to scatter your articles across the internet... Read More
Article Writing |