Whether you are just starting out with a brand new website or are on your way to becoming an experienced internet marketer, the value of online article submissions can’t be overemphasized. Internet articles can be a significant tool in improving your rankings within the major search engines. They can also work to increase traffic to your website from people within your industry as well as from potential clients and customers numbers.

Quality Copywriting and Search Engine Optimization are important components for the success of any online company. When you write an article with your URL included and submit it to an e-zine site, it automatically creates an incoming link to your URL. One of the ways the major search engines such as Google, Yahoo and MSN rank a website is based upon how many links point to it, so the more articles you submit, the more quality incoming links you show.

Including a link to your site within your article will also generate traffic from searches about your topic, industry, or product. By submitting a well written, informative article to online publication sites, you are promoting your business in the worldwide marketplace, and create a permanent advertisement for your business – for free!

There are hundreds of online article sites to choose from! Before you submit, check the site for credibility. Does it have a healthy page rank? Does is appear to be a legitimate site, or is it covered in spammy-looking text or ads that urge you to click on them? Scan the articles submitted by the authors in your topic range and review the quality of what you see. Most good online article sites have a specific set of guidelines to prevent the site from becoming too commercial, often limiting links within the article to one or two.
The last word….

It’s always a good idea to add a copyright and a reprint rights statement to your article. The internet is a big place, and there are always people who don’t mind “borrowing” (aka pirating) good writing! If you want it to be shared, but still keep your credits intact, adding a statement similar to this to the bottom of your article can help:

© 2008, John Doe. This article may be freely published on any website, as long as the author, copyright, website address and link, and this notice are left intact.

Visitors  on the internet often come looking for something specific. Well written articles with a strong and compelling title, keywords and interesting and relevant content can become highly popular in their own right. Give it a try!

Blogging has always been around, but why the sudden push to “get it going”?

Just like journaling or passing notes in class, blogs are personal sentiments that have many benefits. Share your thoughts, post some questions, and get your audience involved in what’s going on in your world. That’s what blogging is all about. Social communities, networking and blogs are what’s in. Perfectionism in blogs is what’s out. Scary thought for all you A-typers out there!

Cut the drafts…just write. Blogging allows you to create a conversational feel between you and the other interested eyes. If a comfortable setting is created, more people will ‘befriend’ you, ‘link’ to you or just plain read (and quite possibly agree with) what you are putting out there for the world to see.

Afraid of meeting in person? No problem! Blogging makes it easy to state an opinion or debate a hot topic without that, my stomach is in knots because I don’t know what is going to be asked next feeling. Be All That You Can Be…behind your computer screen.

For those who are market savvy: Blogs are perfect for search engine optimization. Check out this post on SEOmoz.org – straightforward tactics and tips for blog writing. Like minded bloggers know the importance of links and want to link to you if you are credible in your industry. By posting frequent blog entries, you create a sense of authority and relevance. For the latest products, news or events – people will remember you and also refer to you for the most up to date information. Adding keywords and anchor text in your blog will enhance keyword relevancy, thus enhancing your site credibility. Blogs provide a plethora of fresh content – search engines relish this.

Not to be the bearer of bad news, but blogging also has it’s challenges. To make it work to your advantage, you must be committed. That daunting ‘c’ word. If creating a blog for SEO purposes, refrain from the Used Car Salesman approach. Instead, create a sense of fun and lightness on your blog. Keep it factual, updated and personal. No sweat, right?