Poor article quality...???

I really can sympathise with you about that. So many people are just using articles for links so use article or content spinners to produce a high volume of articles fast. Maybe a better idea would be to advertise that you are looking for good quality guest bloggers and in return they can have a link back to their website. That way, you can ask to see a sample of their work before choosing to post it. A long winded approach I know but at least you will ensure quality.

L

I would rather hire a writer and buy a few original posts for your blog.

This is what I don't understand about some article marketers - though not all, by any stretch. You'll often hear them talk about buying bulk articles for $3 each, submitting "spun" articles to hundreds of directories, or submitting really short articles. None of these methods, in my opinion, are likely to get an article republished on another site, and it seems that should be the ultimate goal.

Of course, these quantity over quality guys are going to say it's all about the number of backlinks. It seems to me that the slow and steady method of gaining backlinks through syndication of good quality articles is a much better, long-term business plan, though.

Maybe I just don't get it. It certainly wouldn't be the first time.

In answer to your need for good articles, I'd seek out smaller, lesser known directories. One that comes to mind for IM type stuff is Lady Pens, which is run by Nicole Dean. I'm sure there are others that specialize in different niches and have better quality control than the big directories we're all familiar with.

Hey bitbot, I was in the same boat. I write my own content weekly for my marketing blog but had a need to deliver content to to a new blog on a pretty regular basis. The content that's out there is not only self-serving but not always original. It's a bit risky as you don't want to get slapped with a duplicate content penalty.

In my experience its actually worth finding a writing source if you're blogging on a regular basis or your content needs are pretty significant. The good news is that there are a variety of sources available that will give you a pretty heavy discount if you buy a lot. I've used a couple (need and article and max) and most recently tried Max articles. They are still writing them so I haven't had a chance to evaluate for quality.

The good news is that by buying 50 articles at once I was able to really lower my costs. If you are going to source your own writer you're going to want to negotiate for a large number of articles. This will help you manage your costs.

It can't be easy at all, from what I've seen.

Comparatively few people are using article directories for their original purpose. People are often short-sighted and think only of fast traffic and fast sales.

As someone writing "for syndication", I'm well aware that webmasters (such as yourself?) don't want to re-publish "sales articles" whose authors have been writing short articles "for clicks" and whose main concern, apparently, was to get their CTR as high as possible. Such work is very rarely syndicated.

It would be amusing if we shared any niches and you ended up syndicating my articles. You haven't done so far, I'm pretty sure, otherwise I'd have been in touch with you!

Good luck!

I feel your pain.

Here are some of the techniques I have used to get posts for my sites--they should work for you, too.

Ask your readers to contribute. Many of them would love to be published on your site, but they have to be asked. Or ask a question and use their answers as part of a roundup article.

Know who the leaders in your niche are. Get their newsletters, go to their websites. They may have articles available for reprint. (Of course, only use articles when they specifically say they may be reprinted, and abide by all terms. I have had people reprint my newsletters and other articles without permission, and I was not amused.)

When you find a good author in an article directory, contact them and ask if they have other articles you could use on your site. This has gotten me some excellent content on an ongoing basis.

Have a page on your site telling readers how they can contribute an article. Let people know you accept submissions.

Solicit guest posts. I have a free service where you can ask for or offer guest posts.

Post to email lists and forums in your niche, letting them know you are looking for articles. Make the benefit to them clear (e.g., links, exposure, etc.).

These ideas can keep a steady flow of articles going to your site. Good luck!