Article Marketing...Threading the Needle

by art72

Posted: 13 years ago 22 replies

INTERNET MARKETING

While I am almost embarrassed to admit that I still have yet to submit a single article to Ezine Articles, something's been pressing on my mind lately.

Having found several Warrior's who have provided some immeasurable value (for FREE) throughout WF and (via; ebooks/emails/links) concerning success with EZA, and proven article marketing techniques...

Last night, I was up until almost 4am scratching out a plan to implement all that's been given to me.

Basically, I began structuring a in-depth writing plan for my site content, EZA aticle submissions, and of course email follow-ups, all while trying to find a 'recipe' congruent with the affiliate products I feel are worthy to promote. (*BTW, this is something I have never really been disciplined in doing prior!)

Anyway, in trying not to obsess too much about my first 10 articles making the grade (20 really

) at EZA- I started off with a broad keyword; "... Online Business". (<--for example)

What transpired next was almost mind numbing. At first, it was my intention to write my first 10 articles around the 'targeted keyword(s)' -[online business] whereby, I would use LSI variations as sub-chapters, and to add valuable SEO (LSI keywords) into my articles.

However, I decided to start with a fresh domain, thus, I have absolutely NO content populated on the site, as of yet. I have been splitting my time designing the site (header, plugins, confirm, Thank-You O.T.O, download pages, video squeeze, pop-ups, etc...) and of course 'outlining' my writing to determine;

-How much 'meaty info' should be shared in the article(s) submitted for syndication? (*Obviously...these will be somewhat evergreen)
-How much to hold back, and use as content 'exclusively' on my site?
-Finally, What key components can I hold back to 'thread the needle' and tie into follow-up emails to compel action to the offer(s)?

Naturally, I will be testing links, banners, and other methods, not just emails, but those I feel must be a top priority!

Again, bare with with me here, as simplicity is often absent when my creative juice gets to flowing...

At the core, it seems crucial that a balance be found in this formula, in order to see long-term results, and respectively, there's a 'hunger in my head' painting this portrait of a success, that I personally haven't even had the privilege to taste! <--little poetic flare...sorry!

First and foremost, I 'intend' to deliver value while being accountable for the subject matter, and in absolution back it with a sense of credibility.

Here in lies the problem!

CREDIBILITY... to what credit have I, when all the knowledge gained is merely a recipe for success (or a theory of mine) that I personally cannot attest to having stood accountable for yet?

So many experienced marketer's often fault the newcomer (almost into submission) to the fact, they should NEVER sell something they themselves have yet to see results from :confused:

Sure I buy the products I recommend, I see the value it/they can deliver...but where does one truly weigh the value it can bring to another, when she/he has yet to prosper aside from the knowledge gained within?

It often seems people only weigh on the surface, the financial results...

For those who have amassed success through article syndication, and reached expansive markets through EZA, obtained followers, and loyal subscribers, they who've found the 'treasures' in their efforts; is to me where the real value, accountability, and credibility resides! -*Not how much money you make!

-Neither the Money, nor flashy "CB" screenshots is what drives my passion!

FREEDOM to be me, and explore, doing what I love is my "Holy Grail" -and those of you who are at or even near that level, congratulations, you've earned my respect.

Now, where can I buy some of that kind of love?...LOL!

Seriously though, am I wrong to think I can assemble a 20 article campaign from one 'targeted market' like "Online Business" for example (not my real keyword) and then, infuse readers with a starting point... with one article, yet address in the article that it is "Part I" of a series of say 10 or 20 articles?

Basically..."Sprinkling breadcrumbs along the trail from where I've been, where I am, and beyond to... Where I am trying to get"

What transpired from my efforts last night, was the Title, Sub Headlines, LSI keywords, Chapters in a chronological order, and a enough 'meat' to bait the hook on EZA, then reserve a 'meatier' serving on my website, followed up by a 'call to action' email or various ads, linking to the offer(s).

Then I got frustrated and said; "WTH am I doing?...this isn't an article this is a full-blown book I am writing!"

Leaving me to further complicate my sales funnel in 'thinking' hmmm...maybe I should write a few chapters as a report, butter visitors with 'highlights' through EZA, then offer either an eBook or an entire course on the subject matter...

Yet I sit atop 2 experimental empty websites, attempting to 'brand myself' i with no clue if I am on the right path?

Sites:

1.)AMMMO | AMMMO
2.)AMMMO)

*Site links were NOT for self promotion, but to add to any feedback one may offer, before I go too much further.

My apologies for the length of this, as it hopefully contains something useful to another, as well.

In closing, it occurred to me that rather then "fake it til' I make it" - I can take a blend of journalism, story-telling, and artwork to 'attract' visitors, syndication, and ultimately... TRAFFIC! (Which is almost non-existent on all my sites...LOL)

Lastly, the final wonder was; "Should I find relevant articles on EZA and start populating content on my site? - as of the moment my new sites remain "EMPTY". Thus, should I begin to submit my 10 articles, I do NOT want those to be the only content on-board my site. Better still, I cannot populate my site until I have refined my blueprint, which currently has me on my knees grateful I made it this far, yet scared sh@#less the time and money I am investing will take a toll if I don't start seeing a return.

The real 'dream' killer's here are time and money...

However, structuring the order of priority... by our "perceptions", remains the greatest challenge for newcomers and seasoned marketers alike!

Leaving me to question; "Am I even on the right track?"

Feedback, insult, whatever...all is welcome!

Thanks In Advance!

Art

#article #article syndication #marketingthreading #needle #sales funnel

Alexa Smith

Banned 13 years ago

Hi Art (you knew this would get a reply from me?)

Originally Posted by art72

I began structuring a in-depth writing plan for my site content, EZA aticle submissions, and of course email follow-ups, all while trying to find a 'recipe' congruent with the affiliate products I feel are worthy to promote.

Well, this sounds good in principle, as long as it doesn't consume so much effort and energy that it prevents you from actually doing anything.

Originally Posted by art72

I have been splitting my time designing the site (header, plugins, confirm, Thank-You O.T.O, download pages, video squeeze, pop-ups, etc...) and of course 'outlining' my writing

Originally Posted by art72

How much 'meaty info' should be shared in the article(s) submitted for syndication?

It depends on the purpose of your articles. If you want them to attract targeted traffic, then the answer's "enough to get them syndicated and attract targeted traffic from other people's sites/ezines to your own site". And from EZA's perspective you have to "make good on the promise of the title", otherwise they reject articles. (It's pretty vague and ill-defined - but if you claim in the title you're disclosing three key facts, disclose two of them and invite readers to your site to see the third, that'll be a rejection because of the obvious mismatch between title and content).

Originally Posted by art72

How much to hold back, and use as content 'exclusively' on my site?

The content that's "exclusive" to my sites is content that EZA wouldn't accept. It isn't really "articles", per se. If I have articles already published and indexed on my site which comply with EZA's editorial guidelines, there's no possible downside to submitting them to EZA as well.

Originally Posted by art72

Finally, What key components can I hold back to 'thread the needle' and tie into follow-up emails to compel action to the offer(s)?

Everything that "compels action to the offers" belongs on your site and/or in your emails to your list. "Calls to action" do not, typically, get syndicated.

Originally Posted by art72

simplicity is often absent when my creative juice gets to flowing...

I'm realising this, thread by thread, when replying to some of your posts. I hope it won't inhibit you from doing anything.

Originally Posted by art72

CREDIBILITY... to what credit have I, when all the knowledge gained is merely a recipe for success (or a theory of mine) that I personally cannot attest to having stood accountable for yet?

Originally Posted by art72

So many experienced marketer's often fault the newcomer (almost into submission) to the fact, they should NEVER sell something they themselves have yet to see results from

Indeed. And with good reason. The success rate resulting from such endeavours is too low to be measurable.

Originally Posted by art72

It often seems people only weigh on the surface, the financial results...

I stay well away from niches which involve "financial results". For many, many different reasons, some of them all too obvious and others all too unpredictable, some involving only personal distaste, others involving regulatory and legal issues I can do without, and so on.

Originally Posted by art72

For those who have amassed success through article syndication, and reached expansive markets through EZA, obtained followers, and loyal subscribers, they who've found the 'treasures' in their efforts; is to me where the real value, accountability, and credibility resides! -*Not how much money you make!

I don't disagree. The reality, however, is that the two go together. If you offer people what they're already looking for, and plan your business sensibly, you'll make money.

Originally Posted by art72

am I wrong to think I can assemble a 20 article campaign from one 'targeted market' like "Online Business" for example (not my real keyword) and then, infuse readers with a starting point... with one article, yet address in the article that it is "Part I" of a series of say 10 or 20 articles?

Yes, this would be a very poor approach, I think, regardless of the niche.

It's good to have 19 other articles for those who want to visit your site and read them, but they'll be a very tiny minority and what matters is to avoid putting off a single person who might think that that's necessary. You'd lose them all to other marketers with simpler approaches. In my opinion.

Originally Posted by art72

What transpired from my efforts last night, was the Title, Sub Headlines, LSI keywords, Chapters in a chronological order, and a enough 'meat' to bait the hook on EZA

Remember that for all the reasons explained in such detail in so many threads you've already read, Art, that you don't want "potential customer traffic" coming to your site from EZA. That isn't what article directories are for, and it isn't how they work. Even with a 25% click-through-rate, you'd (a) be losing 75% of them, and (b) probably be inhibiting syndication, too. :p

Originally Posted by art72

maybe I should write a few chapters as a report, butter visitors with 'highlights' through EZA

You should plan for there not to be customer-visitors to your site from article directories. You need to do whatever it takes to make sure that potential customer traffic goes directly to your site and not to article directories.

When a potential customer finds one of your articles by putting one of its keywords into Google, the last place you want them finding your article is in an article directory. The EZA copies of your articles are for people searching inside EZA, not people searching on Google. Potential customers are not searching inside EZA. Potential syndicators of your articles are searching inside EZA, remember?

Originally Posted by art72

I can take a blend of journalism, story-telling, and artwork to 'attract' visitors, syndication, and ultimately... TRAFFIC! (Which is almost non-existent on all my sites...LOL)

You can attract traffic to your sites with two things: (i) content, and (ii) on-page and off-page SEO. Submitting your articles to EZA so that others will take them from EZA and get them in front of their existing, already-targeted traffic, is what EZA is there for. (And when people do that, it will also help you off-page SEO a lot - far more than any article directory itself can ever help it. Article directories are simply a stepping-stone to better places; they're not a reliable traffic source in their own right. Google has made sure of that - fortunately, because we wouldn't to lose our traffic to them).

Originally Posted by art72

Lastly, the final wonder was; "Should I find relevant articles on EZA and start populating content on my site? - as of the moment my new sites remain "EMPTY".

Well, you're a writer. So write stuff, and fill them.

Originally Posted by art72

Thus, should I begin to submit my 10 articles, I do NOT want those to be the only content on-board my site.

No, I agree with that. But you'll have other content on your site, too? Product-reviews? Your incentivised, prominently displayed opt-in, and so on? If you ever produce them.

Originally Posted by art72

"Am I even on the right track?"

Apart from your reference to getting traffic to your site from article directories, probably, more or less, yes: you're just over-analysing a little and it's stopping you from getting started, I think.

You need a "free report" or something to give away in exchange for the opt-in. You need an autoresponder. You need to build the landing page of your site. You need a product review (or two, if you're starting with two products). You need a couple of autoresponder emails written. Then you need ten articles - written for syndication - published and indexed on your site, and after that submitted to EZA. And you need to take active steps to get those articles published elsewhere - anywhere you can get them in front of targeted traffic. Good luck!

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JohnMcCabe

13 years ago

Art, the only thing I can add to Alexa's answer is to re-emphasize a couple of the points she made...

> Write for humans. Stop worrying about working in LSI keywords or writing about a specific keyword. Work in related terms when it's natural to do so, but don't obsess over it. If I were writing about Labrador Retrievers, I'd tend to use the word Lab or Labs more than the full phrase, as that's what Lab owners do. Talk to your audience using your audience's language and the LSI will take care of itself.

> Use article directories as a stepping stone to bigger and better things. Any direct traffic or SEO benefit you get is a bonus, not the main event.

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art72

13 years ago

Originally Posted by JohnMcCabe

Thank-You John!

Honestly, at this point I truly wish to have ran into the article marketing methods you both use, as opposed to having spent a great deal of time focused on SEO.

Understandably, it's still beneficial, and as you stated above, I almost forgot I was writing for humans!

Thanks for the reminder!

Art

Thanks

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Atop a tree with Buddha ain't a bad place to take rest!

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Sumazla 13 years ago

I feel most of the articles on web are not written for humans. The main purpose of the articles is SEO. But if you keep in mind the audience who will read the articles sometime or other, you will try to make it more meaningful. This will help you to increase the credibility of your site.
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Marketing Cheetah 13 years ago

Originally Posted by Alexa Smith

Hi Art (you knew this would get a reply from me?)

I don't know about Art. But I was damn sure about this
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Marketing Cheetah

13 years ago

Originally Posted by Alexa Smith

Hi Art (you knew this would get a reply from me?)

Well, this sounds good in principle, as long as it doesn't consume so much effort and energy that it prevents you from actually doing anything.

Well, some of these are clearly things you need to do, at some point. (Personally, I don't touch video squeeze-pages, and avoid pop-ups like the plague, for all the reasons given by so many people in so many different threads here on each of those subjects.)

I strongly advise you to write articles for readers, not for search engines. In my experience, once people start mentioning LSI (and especially once they start calling it LSI rather than referring to related keywords), there's always the danger they may be barking up the wrong tree.

It depends on the purpose of your articles. If you want them to attract targeted traffic, then the answer's "enough to get them syndicated and attract targeted traffic from other people's sites/ezines to your own site". And from EZA's perspective you have to "make good on the promise of the title", otherwise they reject articles. (It's pretty vague and ill-defined - but if you claim in the title you're disclosing three key facts, disclose two of them and invite readers to your site to see the third, that'll be a rejection because of the obvious mismatch between title and content).

The content that's "exclusive" to my sites is content that EZA wouldn't accept. It isn't really "articles", per se. If I have articles already published and indexed on my site which comply with EZA's editorial guidelines, there's no possible downside to submitting them to EZA as well.

Everything that "compels action to the offers" belongs on your site and/or in your emails to your list. "Calls to action" do not, typically, get syndicated.

I'm realising this, thread by thread, when replying to some of your posts. I hope it won't inhibit you from doing anything.

None, I would think. This is the classic mistake many people make in choosing (for example) anything to do with "making money online" as their very first niche, when they themselves have absolutely no experience of it. :rolleyes:

Indeed. And with good reason. The success rate resulting from such endeavours is too low to be measurable.

I stay well away from niches which involve "financial results". For many, many different reasons, some of them all too obvious and others all too unpredictable, some involving only personal distaste, others involving regulatory and legal issues I can do without, and so on.

I don't disagree. The reality, however, is that the two go together. If you offer people what they're already looking for, and plan your business sensibly, you'll make money.

Yes, this would be a very poor approach, I think, regardless of the niche.

It's good to have 19 other articles for those who want to visit your site and read them, but they'll be a very tiny minority and what matters is to avoid putting off a single person who might think that that's necessary. You'd lose them all to other marketers with simpler approaches. In my opinion.

Remember that for all the reasons explained in such detail in so many threads you've already read, Art, that you don't want "potential customer traffic" coming to your site from EZA. That isn't what article directories are for, and it isn't how they work. Even with a 25% click-through-rate, you'd (a) be losing 75% of them, and (b) probably be inhibiting syndication, too. :p

You should plan for there not to be customer-visitors to your site from article directories. You need to do whatever it takes to make sure that potential customer traffic goes directly to your site and not to article directories.

When a potential customer finds one of your articles by putting one of its keywords into Google, the last place you want them finding your article is in an article directory. The EZA copies of your articles are for people searching inside EZA, not people searching on Google. Potential customers are not searching inside EZA. Potential syndicators of your articles are searching inside EZA, remember?

There's no SEO downside to having some syndicated content on your site (whether from EZA or elsewhere) but that isn't going to be "the content that drives your business", is it? I don't do it, myself.

No, I agree with that. But you'll have other content on your site, too? Product-reviews? Your incentivised, prominently displayed opt-in, and so on? If you ever produce them.

Apologies if i misunderstood those sentences. so this means we should not be promoting Clickbanks products? Because obviously I can't see results for Yeast Infection or for Weight Loss products. Can you please explain that again.

Thanks
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Alexa Smith

Banned 13 years ago

Originally Posted by Marketing Cheetah

Apologies if i misunderstood those sentences. so this means we should not be promoting Clickbanks products?

Not in any articles you want to have syndicated, no. Articles should be about the niche, not the products you're promoting. The promoting of products (mostly ClickBank products in my case - that happens to be 90%+ of what I sell, but obviously it doesn't have to be for anyone else) takes place on your website and in your autoresponder emails.

(Almost) nobody's going to syndicate articles promoting products.

Originally Posted by Marketing Cheetah

Because obviously I can't see results for Yeast Infection or for Weight Loss products.

Now it's my turn to not-quite-understand your sentences, sorry ...

Are you saying that you're writing articles but nobody's syndicating them? (Excuse me if I've misunderstood!). That's not because your niches are yeast infection and weight loss. I can't tell you what it is "because", without seeing your articles, but it's not because they're about yeast infections and weight loss: it's certainly possible to get articles on both those subjects widely syndicated and to attract floods of targeted traffic with them. However, it might be because you're promoting products in the articles themselves (and if you are, that will be why)? Or - if not that - because in some other way the articles are not written for syndication?

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Milburn Drysdale

Banned 13 years ago

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JohnMcCabe

13 years ago

Originally Posted by Milburn Drysdale

This is the reality to article syndication: 99% of people can't write well enough to have their articles published on pages that will provide any measurable benefit. An honest assessment of one's writing abilities or a willingness to invest the appropriate amount of money into this kind of content is what is necessary to actually see results from this type of promotion of a website.

If someone can't write this kind of content, can he/she even recognize the qualities of good writing when buying it?

There are easier ways (much easier ways!) of getting a website ranked than going with this syndication model if your writing is only good enough. Good enough writing is more than good enough to do well online.

Not calling you out specifically, MB, but it seems like it's a miracle that 99% of people are still alive, given all the things they can't do.

Beyond that, you're still thinking about article syndication in terms of SEO, of "getting websites ranked."

If that was the sole reason for doing it, I might agree with you. The reality for some of us is that any SEO bump we get is a bonus. At best, SEO comes in third on my list of reasons for syndicating content. First, I want targeted traffic - real human visitors who are interested in my content and already predisposed to trust me and like me. Second, I want the implied endorsement of the site owner who has republished my content, as well as the borrowed authority if it's on a site more authoritative than mine. Last, I'll take the SEO benefits if they are there, but I don't obsess over them.

Thanks

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Milburn Drysdale

Banned 13 years ago

[DELETED]

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JohnMcCabe

13 years ago

Originally Posted by Milburn Drysdale

I understand how this all works and the possible benefits, John.

I should have said there are easier ways to get traffic, than to get a site ranked in the search engines.

Let's be frank: unless the content is pretty stellar, why would a site owner with an aged site, a ton of quality pages on the site, and a high page rank on many pages of the site, want an article that doesn't exhibit some extraordinary qualities?

That's all I'm saying.

I'm not debating - at all - the merits of what you just referenced.

I'm just saying very few people have the actual ability to to get this done properly enough to derive the benefits of which you spoke.

There's more than one way to skin a cat - and I'm just pointing that out.

If you're talking about getting an article on the very top tier power sites, you're right. I don't know anyone that hits that target every time, including me.

But there are thousands, maybe millions, of niche blogs, info sites, etc. that would love to publish articles that are clear, entertaining, informative, etc. I would say that a large percentage of the population could learn to write well enough to accomplish that.

Are there easier ways to get targeted traffic? Sure, no argument from me.

But article marketing is one way that is accessible for someone with more time than money, if they are willing to acquire a few skills and polish them a bit.

As for skinning cats?

You can make a really great meal by skinning a stringer of 3# channel cats, or a 30# flathead, but the stringer of channels is usually more accessible and easier to catch.

I've always subscribed to the idea that one should use as many ways of pulling people to their website as they can effectively use.

Thanks
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myob 13 years ago

It looks like one key point gets missed over and over again. There is no need in this model to get your articles in the top authoritative websites nor even in sites with high PR. Doing so is indeed helpful for the secondary benefit of SEO, but really it is not necessary. For example, having your article published in a targeted niche ezine of just a few hundred subscribers can be just as effective as getting the same article published on an authoritative website or blog.

I have found traffic from niche ezines actually to be far more convertable than website or blog traffic. If you are not going after ezines, you are missing out on huge swathes of your market. This is not to say to ignore the big sites, but to just work more effectively. The objective here is to get your articles in front of as many targeted eyeballs as possible. Write articles in the manner your target market reads, which in ezines it can be somewhat less than "stellar".

Another very effective source of traffic is offline magazines and newspapers. Writing standards for these outlets are significantly higher, but the reach of potential readers is astounding because most of these outlets have online components.
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Marketing Cheetah

13 years ago

Originally Posted by Alexa Smith

Now it's my turn to not-quite-understand your sentences, sorry ...

Honestly, there must be double thanks button. I got all my answers. Thanks

Thanks

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art72

13 years ago

Originally Posted by Alexa Smith

Hi Art (you knew this would get a reply from me?)

Busted!

Well, this sounds good in principle, as long as it doesn't consume so much effort and energy that it prevents you from actually doing anything.

Dang... 2 for 2... not off to a good start!

While I haven't figured out how to install the java script for a "pop-up or exit pop" -I was leaning toward a delayed FREE Report more over that of the dreaded "I can't let you escape" methods

Further more, this is my biggest hang-up time wise...as not having the website set-up and tech stuff conquered, I find that one cannot work without the other. (example: any potential syndication would be pointless without the other pieces in place)

Originally Posted by Alexa Smith

I strongly advise you to write articles for readers, not for search engines. In my experience, once people start mentioning LSI (and especially once they start calling it LSI rather than referring to related keywords), there's always the danger they may be barking up the wrong tree.

Writing for a reading audience is in fact my goal, and yet, I too want to keep all elements of ranking as an authority site in mind early on. (*see below)

Forgive my ignorance, as I 'though' LSI stood for "Long tail Keywords" or variations of the "main keyword"... not Limited Social Interaction...Oops.

Thus, I was referring to drilling down various "keywords' to a more targeted audience.

Exactly my intent...Thank You.

Everything that "compels action to the offers" belongs on your site and/or in your emails to your list. "Calls to action" do not, typically, get syndicated.

Yes, I understand... "the selling" - "compelling" - "calls to action" remain 'exclusive' outside the EZA objective.

I'm realising this, thread by thread, when replying to some of your posts. I hope it won't inhibit you from doing anything.

Me Too! -

While I am all about "action" - it's the idea of pre-planning and having to almost think ahead that is killing me. Another words, having my keywords, domains, and ideas in tact, I then have to have some form of sales funnel already in place before submitting articles.

For obvious reasons, I didn't want to submit 10 articles on "The Importance of Metaphysics" per se, without having further content leading to a free eBook/report offer. Naturally, after capturing their name and email, redirecting them to a "Thank-You OTO Page"... which is either a "Yes" or "No" will then determine what (if anything) gets delivered.....(hold-on, catching my breath...LOL)

Point being, all this is in the aforethought process, and needs to be done before I can comfortably write and submit my articles. Now the follow-ups emails, can be spaced so, I figure those can wait, but the necessity to have a 'good flowing' sales funnel is perhaps my 2nd biggest hangup, as it too falls under technical umbrella as well.

While I try to only refer products I have bought and am using to assemble my business and affiliate promotions, many are important to any online business, be it "make money online" or equally to "Joe's eBook Store" as they are more over tools, software, and services, so I do reviews as opposed to 'pushing' the 1-click wonder button HYPE offers, of which, I am NOT a big fan of BTW!

In translation, I believe you're 'advising' I start in an easier niche... which is solid advice.[quote/]

I don't disagree. The reality, however, is that the two go together. If you offer people what they're already looking for, and plan your business sensibly, you'll make money.

Touche!

I had bought several EMD's in 'health' related niches with HUGE monthly exact searches, and researched some great CB solutions. My problem is trying to erase the 'idea' I need to rank high in order to make money, and as such routes back to NOT getting started on them!

Yes, this would be a very poor approach, I think, regardless of the niche.

Good Point indeed, I'll save that idea for a ebook in the future!

I understand, I was implying 'exposure' through syndication, more over that of being from EZA. However, you may have just helped me considerably, as I intended to write articles as if, they were scripted for my sites on-page SEO.

Thus, write good content, and include a few 'targeted' tags in EZA submissions would suffice.

You should plan for there not to be customer-visitors to your site from article directories. You need to do whatever it takes to make sure that potential customer traffic goes directly to your site and not to article directories.

You can attract traffic to your sites with two things: (i) content, and (ii) on-page and off-page SEO. Submitting your articles to EZA so that others will take them from EZA and get them in front of their existing, already-targeted traffic, is what EZA is there for. (And when people do that, it will also help you off-page SEO a lot - far more than any article directory itself can ever help it. Article directories are simply a stepping-stone to better places; they're not a reliable traffic source in their own right. Google has made sure of that - fortunately, because we wouldn't to lose our traffic to them).

As stated above, Thank-You for clarifying. I was however under the impression when a site owner searches EZA they would prefer well optimized articles... thus, the emphasis I was placing in having on-page SEO in my articles.

If I understand You correctly, this should be limited, yet focused heavily on my sites only?

Well, you're a writer. So write stuff, and fill them.

Funny, when I don't try to write... I write great. It's when I have to... the problems start, LOL.

Yes, I think I'd prefer the DIY method.

No, I agree with that. But you'll have other content on your site, too? Product-reviews? Your incentivised, prominently displayed opt-in, and so on? If you ever produce them.

Working on those now

I admit, to have poorly represented the terminology in original post, as I was meaning from syndicated exposure... my bad.

And... agreed, I am being a bit over-analytical!!! (Again)

You need a "free report" or something to give away in exchange for the opt-in. You need an autoresponder. You need to build the landing page of your site. You need a product review (or two, if you're starting with two products). You need a couple of autoresponder emails written. Then you need ten articles - written for syndication - published and indexed on your site, and after that submitted to EZA. And you need to take active steps to get those articles published elsewhere - anywhere you can get them in front of targeted traffic. Good luck!

I have all the ingredients (i.e. AWeber, affiliate offers, domains, keywords, reviews, etc...) the only real pressing need is in creating my own 'evergreen' report w/eCover and building a 'proper' landing page suitable for traffic.

I've been bouncing all over the place trying to design the wrappings (site, offers, freebie, niche...) that I was getting really frustrated, and had to establish some sense of direction.

So in summary... I am out of excuses dammit! :rolleyes:

I'd Thank-You twice if the system would let me!

Thank-You!

Art

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Alexa Smith

Banned 13 years ago

Originally Posted by art72

I was leaning toward a delayed FREE Report more over that of the dreaded "I can't let you escape" methods

Well, better ... but why "delayed"? Look at it this way: the primary purpose (from your perspective) of your visitors arriving at your landing page (front page of your site) is for them to opt in. So, no need to delay it. A big, prominently incentivised opt-in at the top of the front page will do nicely.

Originally Posted by art72

example: any potential syndication would be pointless without the other pieces in place

Yes; this is true. You do need to have a landing page before you get articles syndicated. I'm really saying "Don't wait for perfection before seeking traffic". Traffic (probably) won't flood in overnight. As long as you have a respectable-looking, professional-looking landing page, that's fine. It doesn't have to be beautiful (and I've always found that time spent making affiliate sites look beautiful is time wasted: it doesn't translate into opt-ins or money at all).

Originally Posted by art72

'though' LSI stood for "Long tail Keywords" or variations of the "main keyword"... not Limited Social Interaction...Oops.

LOL, LSI is actually "latent semantic indexing" which is just a pompous way of saying "related keywords". Yes, you want to be able to rank for some long tail keywords. But don't let keyword analysis freeze everything else. (I use Google's "related keywords" which used to be shown on their "Wonder Wheel" and are now listed in a slightly different format ... and I've occasionally used their free external keyword research tool or whatever the thing's called, though I'm far from convinced I've ever needed it, really, to be honest).

Originally Posted by art72

Thus, I was referring to drilling down various "keywords' to a more targeted audience.

Yes, this is fair enough.

Originally Posted by art72

"the selling" - "compelling" - "calls to action" remain 'exclusive' outside the EZA objective.

Yes, exactly so: that's for your site and emails, not for your articles.

Originally Posted by art72

I then have to have some form of sales funnel already in place before submitting articles.

Yes, but not much of one, to get started.

Originally Posted by art72

I didn't want to submit 10 articles on "The Importance of Metaphysics" per se, without having further content leading to a free eBook/report offer.

No, this is fair enough.

Originally Posted by art72

In translation, I believe you're 'advising' I start in an easier niche... which is solid advice.

Well, I didn't ask what your niche is. I know people don't like disclosing that. I'm just hoping it doesn't fall within "making money online" or "internet marketing advice", because this would be stacking the deck against you. In my opinion. Well, actually, no ... not just "in my opinion": in the opinions of most of the people here who offer sensible advice to people starting off!

Originally Posted by art72

I had bought several EMD's in 'health' related niches with HUGE monthly exact searches, and researched some great CB solutions.

Well, this sounds fine.

Originally Posted by art72

My problem is trying to erase the 'idea' I need to rank high in order to make money, and as such routes back to NOT getting started on them!

Yes, I see. Yes, you do need to erase that idea. Paul ("myob") does article marketing, very professionally, to build his business, including in some very competitive niches, and (he'll excuse me for mentioning that) most of his sites rank somewhere between the moon and Venus ... i.e. not in sight of anything else at all. You do not need to rank well to earn a good living from article marketing. But, that said, I agree that it's also a good idea to set things up around long tail keywords so that eventually, when your articles get syndicated to some relevant niche sites, they can actually help your sites rank as well, as a "bonus". But it isn't the primary objective. And it especially isn't the primary objective when you're trying to get started.

Originally Posted by art72

I intended to write articles as if, they were scripted for my sites on-page SEO.

Well, I'd say don't do that at the expense of readability. However well SEO'd an article is, it's not going to make you any money if nobody reads it all the way through and syndicates it so that their audiences read it all the way through. Honestly, you'd laugh at me if you knew how little "keyword thought" goes into my articles (I do start the titles with a "major keyword"), but they bring in substantial amounts of increasing residual income, because the one thing they do have is readers.

Originally Posted by art72

I was however under the impression when a site owner searches EZA they would prefer well optimized articles...

Nooooo ... maybe someone who syndicates articles from EZA to their sites/ezines will promptly pop up and contradict me about this, but I seriously doubt whether that's of any interest or relevance at all to at least 90% of them.

Originally Posted by art72

when I don't try to write... I write great. It's when I have to... the problems start

You're the same as me, in this regard. Which is all part of the reason why it was such a huge relief to me to close down my article writing business and just become my own full-time client.

Originally Posted by art72

Yes, you need to do these.

The purpose of the landing page is primarily to get the opt-in, and only secondarily to show them that you have "a proper web site" with some content, and other stuff to read, and a product review, and that you know what you're talking about ... and only thirdly to try to sell anything (I do actually make the odd sale directly from my pages to people who don't opt in, and there's no point in being closed to that possibility).

Originally Posted by art72

I was getting really frustrated, and had to establish some sense of direction.

Write the "free report", next, if you want something to concentrate on to the exclusion of everything else (which is a good thing to want!).

And repeat after me, three times per hour, while writing it: "The purpose of the free report is to ensure that they all eagerly open and read all my subsequent autoresponder emails". That's all it is. (A good way to do that is by (a) giving value, and (b) suggesting there's more value coming up, and even (c) making them laugh - and don't listen to anyone saying there's no overlap between humour and sales - they don't know what they're talking about).

It's ok to put an affiliate link or two in the free report, as well, as long as you don't make it look like that was its purpose.

And you should also put links to your site in the free report: they do get passed on to other people.

And it's ok to ask them, if they have people with whom they want to share the free report, to invite their friends to opt in and download their own copy, because that way their friends will get the email following it as well, and "get the whole story", and that way they're doing their friends a bigger favour than if they just forward them the free report. Just a thought.

Last little tip (for this post): remember that in this context all SEO is, really, is one way to get traffic to your site; if you can get traffic to your site in other ways that aren't dependent on Google, in the long run that's actually better, not worse.

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JohnMcCabe

13 years ago

Originally Posted by art72

I was however under the impression when a site owner searches EZA they would prefer well optimized articles...

Nooooo ... maybe someone who syndicates articles from EZA to their sites/ezines will promptly pop up and contradict me about this, but I seriously doubt whether that's of any interest or relevance at all to at least 90% of them.

As I've said before, Art, I work both sides of this fence. And I can tell you that when I go hunting for articles to add to a site, I am NOT worried about how well-optimized the article is.

I'm looking for content that does a few things:

> Prime directive - does the article add value to my visitors' experience? Does it inform them, make something clear, make them smile? Do they feel better off for having read it?

> Does it cover something either better than I could or with more authority? Is it something I would rather not cover? Is it a good read?

> Is the resource box reasonable? Is it a full-on sales pitch, or an offer of more value? Is it trustworthy? (I almost never take articles with redirects - too easy to change the destination to something I do not want to appear to endorse.)

If there is any optimizing to do, I can take care of that with an introduction and ending commentary wrapped around the article.

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myob

13 years ago

Originally Posted by art72

...I had bought several EMD's in 'health' related niches with HUGE monthly exact searches, and researched some great CB solutions. My problem is trying to erase the 'idea' I need to rank high in order to make money, and as such routes back to NOT getting started on them!

Health niche? OOH, I feel your pain. But looks to me like Alexa and John have you covered on all good points. Write for your targeted readers, but of course don't negelect the SEO aspects. You may have an advantage with EMDs, but by far the most convertable traffic will come as a result of the resonance of your articles with targeted readers.

As Alexa mentioned, my sites rank between the moon and Venus, although some are coming into low Earth orbit lately due to very impressive high PR backlinks. Here's why they don't rank, and really should not be of any immediate concern for you either. (Did I ever tell you that it does not concern me at all?)

Typical examples of the type of market I target is given in the keywords cancer and mesothelioma. If you google these words, you can see the immediate problem of ranking closer than even Venus in the SERPs. But, for every article I write, it brings an average monthly revenue of $3,000-$7,000 because these articles are read by specialists and professionals. There are dozens of specialty books on Amazon that sell for over $200, as well as medical equipment selling for six figures or more.

Being the simple kind of guy I am, this question is very easy to answer for me, although SEO "specialists" seem to have a tough time grappling with it: Would you rather be #1 on Goggle or make money?

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art72

13 years ago

Originally Posted by myob

Paul,

At the end of the day, making money is by far the priority here, ethically of course. In fact, I happened across a list of the highest bid keywords for AdWords, and mesothelioma was HUGE!

Funny, cause at the time of purchase, I didn't even know what to do with the domains. Now, I do!

In fact, many of the niches I bought domain names for sat collecting dust, due to SEO "specialists" leading me to believe I didn't stand a chance ranking them, due to the high volume and competition.

Naturally, that lead to days, weeks, even months of researching tools, software, and training in those areas. By training, much of it was free, just that it ate up endless hours of wading through the bs!

Hours, I could've been writing.

Now, being I am no doctor or expert in many of the niches I have researched, especially of those that are 'health' related, they are in high demand.

Add into the equation, a buyers market, and the right exposure; and I can see Pluto being close enough, over that of reaching #1 on google!

Naturally, I would still have my work cut out for me, as I think some serious research would be in order, if I am to write fluently about certain subject matter.

However, that still seems far less challenging then that of trying to win a dancing with stars contest, wearing a dress, and having google as my dance partner!

The thought alone; that 'if' I were to just get some quality writing syndicated for some of the 'bigger' niches I've researched, and simply scratch the surface of the numbers you presented, I'd be happy.

There too, I also recall the years you have invested, and respect your accomplishments.

With little regret, my frustration having learned; nearly everything I've learned is of little importance to these methods, definitely rattled my cage a bit.

Sure, I'll still perform all the on-page SEO, and meta I can, but learning to acquire high authority links from the ,gov, .edu, and cdc sites dominating health niches in google, that would be priceless, as the reward would be two-fold.

I'd prove myself as a writer, and make some money to boot!

Thanks Paul, as always your insight is epic.

Art

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art72

13 years ago

Originally Posted by Alexa Smith

Major Fail on that relevant "G" search!

Originally Posted by Alexa Smith

Well, I didn't ask what your niche is.

Honestly... I still don't know myself. However, when I buy a domain I only try to get keywords w/ either high [exact] monthly searches, or something I thought was/is brandable.

That said, I already have close to 150 domains... I think I'm addicted to the word searching and hunting down monthly visitor ratios!

Many of them are focused on specific buyer's niches though... not MMO

Originally Posted by Alexa Smith

Huge weight has lifted....99.9% of my confusion rest in the above answer, and has changed the whole game. Thanks.

Originally Posted by Alexa Smith

You have no idea how long I been meaning to do this, then, I find the product owner often has one (give-a-way) already written that I can use.

While, I can see this being a good thing in certain applications, I really need to have the ability to be self-sufficient, and disciplined NOT to rely on their efforts alone. (Kinda like "G")

Originally Posted by Alexa Smith

I wholeheartedly agree, and admit, I was consumed by the common preachings of SEO, and ranking my sites, whereby, the sole reliance of said methods depended greatly on the ever-so-elusive sip of "G" juice, and 'hoping' to rank high in the SERP's.

Somehow, my lines of understanding got 'crossed up' when I starting thinking about my article layout needing to be of some grand SEO value in order for it to get syndicated.

*Both you and John have by far exceeded my expectations when I posted this thread.

Writing to inform, educate, and entertain, is by far a more natural fit for me than having to concern myself with keyword density, or repeating the keywords in various <>'s or mechanic's of "G'" algorithms.

And as you stated prior, I too have somehow managed to rank a few LSI keywords I wasn't even targeting, with no conscious effort.

Now, for my landing pages, I still intend to kill it with SEO, and in reading between the lines, I think the message is clear concerning "some content" and the importance of the "you can't miss this" opt in form.

However, I think you both have painted a much better rendition than the one which I somehow chiseled into my hard head prior. (Yes, I am stubborn that way!)

I appreciate the time you have both devoted to this thread, as it can be measured only to my having felt fortunate enough to receiving solid mentoring from 2 respected authorities on the subject. Priceless!

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Rick Britton 13 years ago

you could virtually turn this thread into a book

awesome thread and I am going through a similar dilemma in the health niche

although I am an expert in my niche

this thread will help me so much

and Alexa, wow, awesome replies (I am on your list btw)
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shuvo 13 years ago

Article marketing no doubt is one of the best way to get traffic and sales.

However lots of tips shared by you guys here.Thanks for sharing.
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Louise M

13 years ago

Art72,
Don't put the cart before the horse!

Just START....Lay out a loose plan and start doing some. I read a great article on Copyblogger (a top 100 blog) today titled, "Would You Trade Your Boredom for Stress to Have Your Own Business?"

In it, author Sonia Simone, recounts how she stumbled her way to her success online. She made her way stumbling, making mistakes. We all do. That's how you learn and refine your plan and find the right formula for you. Go read it...

I have the feeling you have all of this great information at your fingertips and are trying so hard to create the perfect plan that you're now frozen in place.

You can't draw-up the perfect plan. You perfect it as you go. So, just start. Judging from your post you definitely got the smarts and you're on the right track.

And as for your dilemma on teaching internet marketing when you don't know it all yet,

CREDIBILITY... to what credit have I, when all the knowledge gained is merely a recipe for success (or a theory of mine) that I personally cannot attest to having stood accountable for yet?

One way to deal with that is to teach what you have done so far...you've done lots so far. There are many believe me who want to learn what you have described in your post above. (You have great graphics on your first site...how did you do that?)

Again, I strongly suggest to just start. Take one small part of your plan and start, get used to it, build a little traffic, have an optin to capture some and then add another part, get used to it, etc.

You'll do great, you'll see!
Louise

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art72

13 years ago

Originally Posted by Louise M

Just START....Lay out a loose plan and start doing some. I read a great article on Copyblogger (a top 100 blog) today titled, "Would You Trade Your Boredom for Stress to Have Your Own Business?"

In it, author Sonia Simone, recounts how she stumbled her way to her success online. She made her way stumbling, making mistakes. We all do. That's how you learn and refine your plan and find the right formula for you. Go read it...

Definitely will read it, and somehow the name Sonia Simone rings a bell, just can't place from where at the moment.

AS for the above, I definitely have started... perhaps too many projects at once... admittedly, and considering what I have learned in a little over 6 months, it's all coming together. Just not fast enough for me, as I'm surrounded by naysayers who think the internet is all one big scam, because they can't see or relate to my 'new found language'.

They... (the kids, my friends, the wife) won't believe until they see money, especially the wife, but this is not my first rodeo with a business, and they all said (and did) the same things 20 years ago too!:rolleyes:

Originally Posted by Louise M

I have the feeling you have all of this great information at your fingertips and are trying so hard to create the perfect plan that you're now frozen in place.

Busted there! Cannot deny the research I have conducted in several areas of internet marketing has a greater potential and ROI then ANYTHING else I have ever explored. That being, my excitement is equally matched by my frustration, as I endure the learning curve.

Even now, I just spent 5.5 hours researching domain names with high yielding potential, and in total, now have a list of over 500 of them that I really want to buy!

OK, so in context with your point, "YES" - I am definitely obsessed with planning. I'm not frozen per se, more like A.D.D. whereby, I have to pick one market for now, and pursue it relentlessly.

Originally Posted by Louise M

You can't draw-up the perfect plan. You perfect it as you go. So, just start. Judging from your post you definitely got the smarts and you're on the right track.

Thank-You! - Both are appreciated. Especially, the stop trying to perfect things... old habits die hard.

Originally Posted by Louise M

And as for your dilemma on teaching internet marketing when you don't know it all yet,

One way to deal with that is to teach what you have done so far...you've done lots so far. There are many believe me who want to learn what you have described in your post above. (You have great graphics on your first site...how did you do that?)

After reading this thread last night, and some great advice, I found to have been neglecting my journal entries. One of the greatest things that has helped me in the past, is reflecting on the progress I have/had made on whatever it was I set out to accomplish.

I picked it up earlier today, and from the outside looking in, and throughout my notes, I have a lot to offer already. Someone here in WF had posted something to the effect; "Remember where you were when you started, and take into account there are others who have yet to start."

Point being, I didn't know squat all about FTP, HTML, web-editors, I could go on for days...but the point is; I would like to teach others at some point. Perhaps, not my 1st priority, as again, credibility and accountability are forged with experience. *To wit, I feel to need more.

Originally Posted by Louise M

Again, I strongly suggest to just start. Take one small part of your plan and start, get used to it, build a little traffic, have an optin to capture some and then add another part, get used to it, etc.

I'll meet you half-way here, I have started several sites, and yet, I feel to be driving with both feet - "one on the gas, and one on the break!"

Kinda like the song..."I can't drive 55!"

I have seen a trickle of traffic from a few reviews I thrown together, but the long-term, residual traffic, and income remains non-existent.

I can honestly say with the information revealed in this thread, my imagination was back in full throttle today, as I explored some 'massive' markets where I now know; I don't have to rank to get in on the action.

However, I definitely need to start writing more, and remain focused on providing content one site at a time.

Which essentially, is where I express my gratitude for having stumbled upon article syndication, and those who have unselfishly revealed, or better still drilled it into my head that SEO is NOT the priority anymore!

Originally Posted by Louise M

You'll do great, you'll see!
Louise

Thank-You, and I wish You "All the Best" as well Louise.

Art

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crgargan 12 years ago

Just one idea..if you feel you are writing too much for your eza you could try a different place. Squidoo is another good site where you can easily link your articles together and build multiple chains of information that build off each other
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