Article Syndication: It's Just Not Clicking

17 replies
Like many, I've spent my article writing days pumping out 250 word articles to EzineArticles.com for the past while. Speed was always the goal. I am however recently converted to the idea of actually providing quality, and wanting to build my own web properties by putting these longer, well thought out and informative articles on my sites first. I am converted, despite not having really been involved in it at all. It just makes sense to me.

That being said, and like the title of this thread says, it just isn't clicking for me. For better or for worse, I think I do better when I have an actionable plan in front of me, and I don't have one because in a sense I feel like I am starting all over again. My old way of article marketing was simply 'ok'. It brought in 'some' direct traffic which led to 'some' sales, and gave me backlinks for 'some' better ranking of mediocre keywords. Backlinks were always the goal.

Now that I find myself more than willing to put some blood, sweat and tears into an article that might reach 750,1000, 1200 words+, beyond putting it on my website and making sure it's indexed there first (that much I've gathered), I just don't know what to do with it. I have received a few pieces of advice from a few here (thank you), such as a website or two that might lead me to a 'directory of ezines' where I might find websites that might be interested in my articles. I feel like there are some gaps to fill in, and that although there might be more than one way to skin a cat, a "pretty good" plan of how to attack this new beast must exist out there somewhere. I have questions like:

1. Is there a preferred length?
2. Is there a new set of websites I can submit my articles to that help with this whole syndication thing?
3. Is it all about just hitting the Google pavement and proactively finding website in your niche that you can email and offer a copy of your article to, or is there an easier way?

Ok, I look back and realize that I could have made this a bit shorter, but I hope some All-Stars might have some good ideas and that it might help others who also feel they are doing the right thing in transitioning away from churning out crap as quickly as possible for nothing more than a backlink. I'm open to any ideas, and even 'programs' or 'WSO's' that might give a fantastic plan of action on this virgin territory for me. Thanks.
#article #clicking #syndication
  • Profile picture of the author LegionNate
    Just one last try if I can... I just saw a great thread about EZA not being dead, and how the article marketing pros are still using them for syndication. Anyone have any ideas to the post above... where all you can send an article for the best chances at syndication?
    Signature

    Do you have Buyer IM leads? We have sales floors with Great DPL. PM me.


    The Warrior Forum

    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[3530781].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author steveo
    I heard lately that articles are getting punished by google search! Can anyone confirm this rumor? Webmasters are switching their focus to other media now in some cases, but article writings still big yeah?
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[3530879].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Alexa Smith
    Banned
    Originally Posted by LegionNate View Post

    1. Is there a preferred length?
    In my opinion, yes. Explained a bit more in the post linked to below.

    Originally Posted by LegionNate View Post

    2. Is there a new set of websites I can submit my articles to that help with this whole syndication thing?
    EZA has always been kindest to me for this purpose.

    Originally Posted by LegionNate View Post

    3. Is it all about just hitting the Google pavement and proactively finding website in your niche that you can email and offer a copy of your article to, or is there an easier way?
    Yes, you need to do that.

    I admit I've chosen nearly all my own niches partly according to my assessment of how easy/difficult/worthwhile it's likely for me to be able to do that, because that really is where the serious money is.

    It's easier when they find you, of course; and once they've found you (by syndicating one of your articles), you can easily build on that. For myself, I've gone from using huge numbers of directories (very briefly: this is pretty futile, and the backlinks are barely worth having at all), to using 7 or 8 (for about a year), down to using three now - and EZA is really the only one that reliably gets me where I want to be in terms of "their finding me".

    I suppose you've read this thread?

    Good luck!

    Originally Posted by LegionNate View Post

    Article Syndication: It's Just Not Clicking
    I first read it as "it's not just clicking", and was getting ready to say "No: of course it's not just clicking: traffic-seeking is just clicking".

    Originally Posted by steveo View Post

    I heard lately that articles are getting punished by google search! Can anyone confirm this rumor?
    It's being spread by people who imagine that Google's recent algorithm change, which has indeed been bad for some article directory copies of articles, is "bad for article marketing". It isn't. It's bad for one model of "article directory marketing", but it was a semi-defunct model anyway. It's not really relevant to real "article marketing" (other than perhaps being slightly beneficial to it).

    Originally Posted by steveo View Post

    Webmasters are switching their focus to other media now in some cases, but article writings still big yeah?
    Huge.

    Article directory marketing (i.e. relying on directories to produce traffic) might have taken a bit of a hit. It's too early to say. But that was never a very viable business model anyway.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[3530885].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author NicoleBeckett
    Originally Posted by LegionNate View Post

    I am however recently converted to the idea of actually providing quality, and wanting to build my own web properties by putting these longer, well thought out and informative articles on my sites first.
    Congrats! That's half the battle right there! Most of the people running around panicking that article marketing has been killed by the Panda update have not made it to the point that you have


    Originally Posted by LegionNate View Post

    1. Is there a preferred length?
    No.

    The perfect length is the number of words it takes you to make your point, educate your readers, and show them that you really know your stuff. That might sound like a *difficult* answer, but that's really how it works. Some topics lend themselves wonderfully to 750 words. Others can't go more than 400 or 500 without sounding "forced" or redundant. Some topics can be compelling and informative for 1,000+ words. It all depends on your topic and your target audience.

    The key is to not focus on a *perfect* length. If you do, you will either wind up with articles that are too short, or articles that seem to ramble on and on.

    However, it's a pretty safe bet that you can't provide answers or solutions on ANY topic in 250 words... that's why the article directories have minimum word counts that are higher than that.

    Originally Posted by LegionNate View Post

    2. Is there a new set of websites I can submit my articles to that help with this whole syndication thing?
    Take a look at this list. It is a list of the top 50 article directories, as sorted by page rank and traffic. Pick a few that look good, and go from there. As you'll see, there is a big, wide world outside of EZA

    Originally Posted by LegionNate View Post

    I'm open to any ideas, and even 'programs' or 'WSO's' that might give a fantastic plan of action on this virgin territory for me. Thanks.
    Getting your articles syndicated really isn't that difficult. As long as you're providing solid information and compelling content (that's properly optimized and promoted, of course, so that it's easier for people to find), people WILL start to syndicate your content.

    And, the chances of people regularly syndicating your stuff are high, too. In fact, I've seen several sites that syndicate my articles on a regular basis.

    Good luck!
    Signature
    Sick of blending in with the crowd? Ready to stand ahead of the pack? The right content writing services can get you there...
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[3530958].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author myob
      Most of my articles are in the range of 800-1200 words, which seem optimum for most ezine publishers and high authority websites. It does make a huge difference when articles are researched and well-written, which frequently means it may take my writers several days for one article. These are some of the hotest and most competitive niches, so they've just gotta be the best possible.

      And since I already have an extensive syndication network in place, I can fairly accurately project the monthly revenue for each article distributed within this network. The ROI is well worth the investment in quality.

      While submitting to EZA and other directories for syndication does work, it is a comparatively passive method and IMO rather slow slogging. What I do is continually work on expanding my syndication networks by directly marketing articles to targeted ezine publishers and high authority sites within my niches.
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[3531080].message }}
      • Profile picture of the author zena lour
        Originally Posted by myob View Post


        While submitting to EZA and other directories for syndication does work, it is a comparatively passive method and IMO rather slow slogging. What I do is continually work on expanding my syndication networks by directly marketing articles to targeted ezine publishers and high authority sites within my niches.


        alright... im trying to figure this out

        what are high authority sites?
        sorry for the newbie questions
        i just dont know what those sites are and how to find them in any niche
        {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[3532773].message }}
        • Profile picture of the author zena lour
          does anyone know the answers from my questions above




          zena
          {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[3534940].message }}
        • Profile picture of the author myob
          Originally Posted by zena lour View Post

          alright... im trying to figure this out

          what are high authority sites?
          sorry for the newbie questions
          i just dont know what those sites are and how to find them in any niche
          High authority websites are often where information is regarded as more reliable than found through the search engines. For example, associations and print magazines (with their online components) may be considered "authoritative" in their field.

          As Dr Mani suggests, go offline to find syndication sources in niche magazines and newspapers, because they more often than not also have an online presence. And as I have previously alluded, also try Writers Market (writersmarket.com), newspapers.com, trade journals (search by niche) and associations for excellent sources of high authority websites.

          The high authority websites are not necessarily the top ranking ones, so it is up to you to decide if you want backlinks from high PR sites, or the affiliation and tighter traffic from authoritative information sources. I choose the later.
          {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[3535305].message }}
          • Profile picture of the author zena lour
            Originally Posted by myob View Post

            High authority websites are often where information is regarded as more reliable than found through the search engines. For example, associations and print magazines (with their online components) may be considered "authoritative" in their field.

            As Dr Mani suggests, go offline to find syndication sources in niche magazines and newspapers, because they more often than not also have an online presence. And as I have previously alluded, also try Writers Market (writersmarket.com), newspapers.com, trade journals (search by niche) and associations for excellent sources of high authority websites.

            The high authority websites are not necessarily the top ranking ones, so it is up to you to decide if you want backlinks from high PR sites, or the affiliation and tighter traffic from authoritative information sources. I choose the later.

            thanks myob
            its clearer now.

            thanks for the help
            zena
            {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[3535676].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author LegionNate
    Thanks everybody for the great replies, Alexa as always, Nicole and myob as well. Myob: I know you like the Directory of Ezines. Do you use that resource exclusively to find these syndication possibilities, or do you know of any other resources that are a 'must' for this whole idea?
    Signature

    Do you have Buyer IM leads? We have sales floors with Great DPL. PM me.


    The Warrior Forum

    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[3531287].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author myob
      @LegionNate

      The DOE is not at all my only source for syndication possibilities, nor is it even my favorite, although I still do use it almost daily. But for anyone just trying to get syndicated quickly, I highly recommend it because of its ease of use and other benefits of membership.

      The other major sources I use are the Writers Market (writersmarket.com), newspapers.com, and trade journals (searched by industry). The humble yellow pages is also quite suprisingly an excellent resource for looking up national associations for their newsletters.

      Most of these resources require making phone calls, mailing, faxing, etc to get published. As you might imagine, my articles are quite aggressively marketed. This may be considered "article marketing" on steroids, or taken to a much higher level on the path to syndication.

      Syndication should indeed be your goal, and it is worth every step towards that achievement. The possibilities are unlimited. Keep learning and keep trying. It may take a bit of time for everything to click, but with your perseverence and growth, the clicks will come!
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[3531669].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author drmani
    Originally Posted by LegionNate View Post

    2. Is there a new set of websites I can submit my articles to that help with this whole syndication thing?
    3. Is it all about just hitting the Google pavement and proactively finding website in your niche that you can email and offer a copy of your article to, or is there an easier way?
    I'm better at giving suggestions and advise than taking it myself, and I sure hope
    writing this post gives ME the jolt I need to act on it - because in a corner of my
    bookshelf, I have 24 magazines that I purchased over a year ago specifically to
    implement the idea being shared here now...

    Go Offline With Your Syndication

    Many niche magazines and newsletters (print) accept guest contributions, and better still, will take you on as a syndicated columnist - if you deliver value that is targeted to their audience.

    How to find them?

    Pick up a recent issue of the magazines from your news stand, go through them to get an idea of the kind of writing, topics, audience interest etc. You'll also find contact details of the editors to write to with an offer.

    When you consider that each of these publications reaches thousands (often hundreds of thousands) of readers, the R.O.I. becomes attractive.

    There! Now I've just got to go out and do it (like you!)

    All success
    Dr.Mani
    Signature
    The Heart Bookstore | Buy a Book, Help a Child Live!
    Email Marketing Tips | How To Focus Better | Time Management
    GET YOUR FREE GUIDE: The 33:33 System
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[3531822].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author LegionNate
    Myob and drmani, those are some phenomenal pieces of advice! Wow, I've learned a ton from this thread alone on the idea of syndication. Sheesh, I'm honored to see the names of some of those who have come to post on a thread by little ol' me. I'm going to implement all of these things, and hope others will as well.
    Signature

    Do you have Buyer IM leads? We have sales floors with Great DPL. PM me.


    The Warrior Forum

    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[3532308].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author alco
      Syndication seems hard work.
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[3532352].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author tpw
    Originally Posted by LegionNate View Post

    1. Is there a preferred length?
    2. Is there a new set of websites I can submit my articles to that help with this whole syndication thing?
    3. Is it all about just hitting the Google pavement and proactively finding website in your niche that you can email and offer a copy of your article to, or is there an easier way?

    1. My sweet spot is between 700 and 1200 words. This is even the optimum length for most newsletters, which is key in my mind to successful syndication.

    Authority websites can offer a lot of traffic and a high-value link, but publication in a major newsletter can offer tens or hundreds of thousands of eyeballs in a day.

    2. EzineArticles will still work, but realize you are writing as much for publishers as you are for readers. Publishers are the gate keepers who hold the keys to the authority website and newsletter kingdom.

    IdeaMarketers is decent also. As well, ArticlesBase will continue to be good.


    The game plan in my mind is:
    • Putting articles into these channels that publishers are already using to find articles to reprint.
    • Keeping an eye for the publishers who choose to publish your articles.
    • When you find a publisher, who gives you the audience you want, publishes your article, contact the publisher.
    • When you contact the publishers, you want to thank them for publishing your article, and you want to ask them if they mind if you send them articles directly in the future. Be sure to let them know that you only want to send them the most appropriate content for their publication, and ask them if they can give you an idea what they consider to be the most appropriate content for their publication.
    • By contacting the publisher and establishing a one-on-one relationship with those publishers, you are laying the groundwork to be able to go directly to them to offer your content in the future.

    With article syndication, your first channel of production is to offer your content to the general public.

    Your second and more productive channel of syndication is to offer your content directly to the people who are most likely to publish it. These are actually the people who have already shown an interest in publishing what you have written.

    You must win the favor of the gate keeper in order to reach the gate keeper's audience.

    And on reaching that audience, you can deliver higher volumes of pre-qualified prospects to your website, to consider your offer.
    Signature
    Bill Platt, Oklahoma USA, PlattPublishing.com
    Publish Coloring Books for Profit (WSOTD 7-30-2015)
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[3532388].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author LegionNate
    Bill, thanks so much for the that! I was hoping someone would have a good game plan, and that seems like a great one! I hope others are reading, I consider this a super valuable thread thanks to those of you that have contributed.
    Signature

    Do you have Buyer IM leads? We have sales floors with Great DPL. PM me.


    The Warrior Forum

    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[3532525].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author zena lour
      Originally Posted by LegionNate
      2. Is there a new set of websites I can submit my articles to that help with this whole syndication thing?
      EZA has always been kindest to me for this purpose.





      what does it mean when you said there is a whole set of websites that you can submit to?
      do you mean article directories or blogs?

      i just dont get what you meant on that part

      thanks

      zena
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[3532761].message }}

Trending Topics