Article Marketing: Breaking Free

As a prolific article writer, I have been asked by some how I can generate so many quality articles in such a short period. Frankly, it isn’t always easy, but there are some things I would like to share with you so that you may, perhaps, increase your production as I have. Increased production for you means additional and regular submissions resulting in greater exposure of your name on the world wide web. All of this should translate into more money for you, which is the chief reason for article marketing.

In seven months this past year, I wrote over 400 articles submitted to various online article directories. In addition, I wrote another 1100 articles for clients that were then delivered to them to publish on their sites. These web content articles were all short, concise, and generally averaged below 250 words for each piece. Most of my regular articles are typically 500 words long, with the rare article or two approaching 1500 words. Still, this achievement was no small feat, especially when the subject brought me into unfamiliar territory.

After much trial and error, I learned that the best way to keep my production high -- while simultaneously delivering valuable and exciting content -- meant that I had to streamline my operation. The following are some “tried and true” practices that I have put to the test, and you can too.

Stick With What You Know -- I don’t mind writing on subjects I know little about, but I can get bogged down by excess research time. If I am writing for a client, I charge accordingly once they see that I am writing in an area outside of my particular areas of expertise and they are still desiring to utilize my services. Regarding submitting articles to the online directories, I keep my subject matter limited to a handful of areas where I shine.

Start, Then Stop -- There are times when I am writing an article that I find myself unable to complete my undertaking due to a lack of information. If I cannot garner what I need right away, I put the unfinished article aside until I obtain the necessary information to complete the job. Let’s say I have a regular supply of “go-to” pieces that I plan on finishing later. I don’t get hung up on any one article. Instead, I move on and focus on the next. My production level stays high as I don’t let one piece hamper my workflow.

Outlines, Everywhere -- Well, not exactly. Still, there are times when I am in between projects but still in the writing mood [which for me is almost always!] Therefore, to stay busy, I craft a list of article subjects or titles and then work on writing an outline or two or three…you get the picture! Some of these outlines have come in handy when a client requests a specific topic. I pull out the outline, expand on the points I already have listed, and flesh out my article. A draft version is ready and sent out for my client’s review quickly and almost effortlessly. I sometimes use the same technique for submitting work to the various article directories.

Be Consistent -- If you aren’t writing regularly, getting started again can become much harder to do than if you were to write consistently. In the days before electronic fuel injection was standard equipment [guess which topic I write on chiefly?], a cold car could take a long time to warm up. Much like those particular automobiles of yesteryear, you need a constant stream of fuel [articles] going to stay warm. The hotter you are, the more you will produce.

In all, article writing is enjoyable for some while it is laborious for others. As you write, do not overly concern yourself with style, grammar, punctuation, and vocabulary; these are things you can massage once your draft is done. Break free of the article writing rut and get yourself into a working rhythm today. If you do, you will become a recognized and respected author in no time.