Successful article marketing is a balancing act between producing quality content and publishing quantity. You want to post a lot of content that links to your site for the simple reason that search engines look at inbound links as an indication of site quality. The more incoming links, the better. On the other hand, writing rubbish for the sole purpose of building links to your site will quickly turn off readers and destroy your credibility.
Writing articles and posting them in ezines, while also including links to your own site in your signature file, is a great way to increase inbound links to your site (and increase your rankings). Of course, you want to post on quality sites. Yes, the quality of the ezine is important. Having inbound links from authority sites like universities and medical centers tells search engines that your own material is respected.
Of course, not all ezines qualify as “authority sites.” And not all authority sites accept unsolicited material. Then, what are you going to do? Obviously, find the best ezine with the best reputation. Many internet marketers claim that Google especially likes EzineArticles. Posting there, then, can’t hurt your article marketing efforts.
That said, a single article on EzineArticles won’t drive massive amounts of traffic to your own site. That’s where the balance between content (high quality) and quantity comes into play. Write high-quality articles and publish them. The set of links will build credibility for your own site, your site will improve in rankings, and as a result, more visitors will visit your site.
Yes, that all sounds great, but how do you create quality content in sufficient quantity? Below are 10 content ideas to help you write fast, content-rich articles for your ezines, for your own sites and blogs.
1. Write real life success stories
Write about a problem that you, your company, or your product has solved. If you have a client who is able and willing to provide a quote that certifies how you helped them, please do so.
2. Think of 3 areas in which you are an expert
Let’s say, for example, you’ve written an ebook on dog training. What qualifies you to have written the book? Do you train dogs regularly? Do you have several dogs that you have trained? Do you have a pet store that offers training courses? Whatever the case, jot down ideas that make you more qualified to write an eBook (and supporting articles) on your chosen topic. Then develop content to support each of those areas.
Depending on how much content you can think of, you can combine all three areas into one article or create three separate articles from your list.
3. Follow industry magazines, newsletters, blogs, and websites
If you don’t find material, look for other publications, either online or offline. Is there a hot topic in your field? Are there any controversies you can weigh in on?
Of course, don’t take a stand just to ignite controversy. Whatever you post online will stay there for years to come, so don’t make a fool of yourself. However, if you have a strong opinion about something that is currently in general in your industry or field of interest, write it down.
Are there any hot topics in your field right now? The more controversial, the better. Don’t be afraid to offer your own opinion, your readers want to know it. After all, YOU are the expert in their eyes.
4. Write down the top 10 questions customers have asked you
In any industry, there are recurring questions. I am constantly asked if you can make a living writing eBooks (the answer is a resounding “yes”). Take a few minutes to write down the questions that you are constantly asked, as well as the answers. Depending on the length, you can develop them into one or more articles that help establish you as the expert in your field.
5. Attend seminars, webinars, conferences and industry meetings
Any time a group of people with similar interests get together, controversy is likely to arise, or at least new questions. Join the conversation in person and then write an article that summarizes the situation/question/conflict.
6. Create a list of your top 10 tips on a given topic
Writing from a list is one of the easiest (and fastest) ways to write a quality article. Your list serves as a guide and you simply fill in the information around it.
7. Interview other experts in your field
One of my favorite blogging people is an Englishman named Michael Dunlop who started making 100 out of 1000 a year as a teenager just by blogging. Michael is dyslexic and has trouble writing. He didn’t let that stop him from article marketing (or from running a series of highly successful, entertaining, and income-generating blogs). Rather, he came up with an idea that provides top-notch content for his readers, while he keeps his own writing stress to a minimum.
Michael simply creates a list of questions to ask other expert bloggers, calls them up, and records the Q&A sessions. He then has the tape transcribed and uploads it to his blog. Bright and easy.
8. Recommend the resources you use and write reviews of them
If you’re in any industry for any amount of time, you’ll quickly develop a list of reference resources that will make your job easier. These same resources can be compiled into an article to help industry newbies find what they need without doing all the necessary research. Helping others succeed may be the best possible way to grow your own business.
9. Invite readers to submit questions
I love this technique for two reasons. One, I don’t have to brainstorm ideas (readers readily provide them), and two, it allows me to stay on top of my readers’ interests. Yes, you may think you know what your readers want, but you may find that you are a long way off. You can also post a poll on your site or blog and invite readers to participate.
Be sure to ask permission to post their names, questions, etc. before doing it.
10. Invite readers to submit their own success stories
This is a great way to increase reader engagement, while creating quality content. This is a technique that the authors of Chicken Soup for the Soul made famous. They actually write very little. Instead, readers submit their own heartwarming stories, along with permission for their stories to be used in the books.