The
Exponential Power of Articles
Dear
Associate,
One
of the most powerful, inexpensive, yet under-utilized weapons
to include in your marketing arsenal are printed articles.
Either written by you or by a third party. But better if authored
by you.
With
articles you establish your expertise by sharing knowledge
from your particular know-how. From car maintenance tips,
to romantic how-tos, to raising healthy, happy, and loving
children — your articles can generate enough interest
to bring you a fresh throng of clients and customers.
Furthermore,
articles can spread like a virus. How? When other editors
pick up, post or print them for their publications. That multiplies
your exposure without having to pay for expensive advertising.
And
with the exponential power of the Internet, your articles
can travel light years in Cyberspace leaving your knowledge
posted on websites, electronic newsletters and even on weblogs.
What
did you say?
You
don't have any articles. You're not a writer. You couldn't
tell the difference between a verb and a verb tense
I'm
with you. But stop it. Those are merely excuses.
I
recall my lifetime grade average in English hovered around
C+. My first article took three weeks of daily editing before
I thought it was ready. And on occasion, I get stuck searching
for a better word.
But
that didn't stop me and neither should it stop you...
If
you've never had an article written about you or your topic,
I encourage you to take that next step. Even if you have trouble
with adverbs and adjectives — you can hire a freelance
writer to pen a few articles for you. It's really that simple.
Five
reasons you should publish articles now:
1)
Third-party endorsement. When prospects, consumers, or
future business partners read your article in Business Week
(or any established journal, association newsletter or industry
rag), it gives you an incredible boost of credibility. It's
almost as if Business Week is giving you their stamp of approval.
Besides creating an instant buzz, interested parties will
take further steps to find out more about you and how you
can help them reach their goals.
2)
Establish you as an expert. Your article can quickly set
you apart as the definitive expert in your field. In most
cases, it will likely distinguish you far above your peers.
People will feel they know you better after reading about
you. And an initial degree of trust is established before
you ever shake hands.
3)
Promoting you. Article reprints are a great way to market
you, your products and your programs. Sending a reprint with
your story is hands down more effective than sending a brochure.
Make sure interested parties have easy access to you by including
your contact information.
4)
Multi-purpose weapon. The content in your articles can
be repackaged into your other marketing campaigns and information
products. It can be reused in editorial ads, sales letters,
pamphlets, special reports and downloadable PDF files. Or
they can be copied and pasted together into an e-book that
you sell on your website, in joint venture e-mail blitzes,
or as a special collaboration with other authors.
5)
Instant notoriety. Whether your article appears in a national
syndication, a local business journal, or online columns —
you get to state that in your promotions. Imagine if the homepage
or media section of your website had a link that stated, "As
seen on USA Today!" Or how about, "Reprinted from
Home Depot's Helpful Hints." Wouldn't that create an
instant buzz that compels people to find out more?
Articles
pave the way for interested parties to feel you out. They
give readers an opportunity to know you. And it's undoubtedly
more effective than blurting, "Here's my business card."
Warm
regards,
Want
to include this article in your newsletter? You can if you
include this blurb:
Tommy Yan helps business owners and entrepreneurs make more
money through direct response marketing. He publishes Tommy's
Tease weekly e-zine to inspire people to succeed in business
and personal growth. Get your free subscription today at www.TommyYan.com. |
