What to do When You’re New to Article Marketing

Article marketing is a highly effective strategy for businesses and individuals looking to build credibility, drive traffic, and connect with their audience. If you’re new to article marketing, it might seem overwhelming at first, but with the right approach, it can become a powerful tool in your content marketing toolkit. In this article, we’ll explore what article marketing is, how it works, where to submit your articles, and how to capitalize on your audience.

What Is Article Marketing?

Article marketing involves writing and distributing articles relevant to your industry or niche. These articles are designed to provide value to readers, establish your authority, and ultimately drive traffic back to your website or business. By sharing your expertise and insights, you build trust with your audience, which can lead to increased brand awareness, customer loyalty, and conversions.

At its core, article marketing is about sharing knowledge. It’s not an overt sales pitch, but rather a subtle way to promote your business by offering helpful information. Whether you’re a small business owner, a solopreneur, or part of a larger marketing team, article marketing allows you to demonstrate your expertise and engage with potential customers.

How Does Article Marketing Work?

Article marketing works by positioning you as an expert in your field. When you write articles that provide valuable information or solve problems for your target audience, you attract readers who are genuinely interested in what you have to offer. These readers may eventually turn into customers or clients.

Here’s how it typically works:

1. Identify Your Target Audience: Before you start writing, it’s crucial to know who you’re writing for. What are their pain points? What questions do they need answered? Tailor your articles to address the needs and interests of your audience.
2. Create High-Quality Content: Your articles should be informative, engaging, and well-written. Avoid being overly promotional. Instead, focus on providing value. The better the content, the more likely it is to be shared and read by others.
3. Include a Call to Action: While the primary focus of article marketing is to educate, you should still include a call to action (CTA). Whether it’s directing readers to your website, encouraging them to sign up for your newsletter, or offering a free resource, a strong CTA ensures your readers know what to do next.
4. Submit Your Articles: Once your articles are written, you’ll want to submit them to platforms that align with your goals. These platforms can vary depending on your industry and target audience.

Where to Submit Your Articles

Submitting your articles to the right platforms is essential for gaining visibility and building an audience. Here are some popular options:

1. Your Own Blog: One of the best places to publish your articles is on your own blog or website. This ensures you retain ownership of your content and can drive traffic directly to your site.
2. Guest Posting: Reach out to industry-relevant websites and blogs that accept guest posts. Many publications are eager for fresh content, and guest posting allows you to tap into their established audience while showcasing your expertise.
3. Article Directories: Sites like EzineArticles, ArticleCity, and HubPages allow you to submit articles that others can syndicate and share. These directories can help boost your SEO and drive traffic back to your site, though it’s important to choose high-quality directories to avoid being associated with spammy content.
4. Social Media Platforms: Sites like LinkedIn and Medium are excellent for publishing long-form content. These platforms allow you to reach a professional audience and engage with your network.
5. Industry-Specific Websites: Many industries have niche websites or forums where professionals share knowledge. Submitting your articles to these platforms ensures you’re reaching a targeted audience interested in your content.

How to Capitalize on Your Audience

After publishing your articles, the next step is to engage and nurture your audience. Here’s how you can maximize the impact of your article marketing efforts:

1. Promote Your Articles: Share your articles across all your social media channels, email newsletters, and any other platform where your audience is active. The more exposure your articles get, the greater your chances of building a loyal following.
2. Engage with Readers: When readers comment on your articles or reach out with questions, engage with them. Responding to comments shows that you value your audience’s input and helps build stronger relationships.
3. Repurpose Content: Don’t let your article’s value end with one post. Repurpose your articles into other formats like videos, podcasts, or infographics. This expands your reach and keeps your content fresh.
4. Track Performance: Use analytics tools to track which articles are performing well. This can help you understand what topics resonate most with your audience and allow you to refine your content strategy accordingly.

Starting with article marketing can be intimidating, but by following these steps, you’ll be on your way to creating compelling content that resonates with your audience. Remember to write with your readers in mind, submit to the right platforms, and engage with your audience to get the most out of your efforts. As you continue to produce high-quality articles, you’ll see the benefits of increased traffic, stronger authority, and a more engaged audience.