39 {{ upvoteCount | shortNum }}
39 {{ upvoteCount | shortNum }}

How do you write killer resource boxes for your articles?

by Zero
31 replies
Mine are doing alrite. I'm always looking to improve.

I'm looking for tried and tested tactics other marketers are using, so any successful article marketers willing to share their proven techniques, like a template or something??
#articles #boxes #killer #resource #write
  • Profile picture of the author Nickolie0990
    first thing I would say is blend the last two sentences of the article into the bio box. That way when the reader reads the article, they will also read the bio box, because it blends write into the article content.

    NEVER do the My name is Blah, and I'm an expert of crap....

    Mark
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[2991484].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author ArticleGrinder
      Originally Posted by Nickolie0990 View Post

      first thing I would say is blend the last two sentences of the article into the bio box. That way when the reader reads the article, they will also read the bio box, because it blends write into the article content.

      NEVER do the My name is Blah, and I'm an expert of crap....

      Mark
      I agree with this totally. Whenever i use the my name is so and so...i find my ctr is always low. I find that a call to action resource box do help increase my ctr.
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[2994464].message }}
      • Profile picture of the author markowe
        Originally Posted by ArticleGrinder View Post

        I agree with this totally. Whenever i use the my name is so and so...i find my ctr is always low. I find that a call to action resource box do help increase my ctr.
        Yes, when I started out in AM, I thought you HAD to write that kind of author bio, but ALL article directories (the ones that matter, anyway, including EZA), allow a total hard sell in the author bio - you don't have to write anything at all about yourself, but write a clear call to action, like someone demonstrated above:

        Are you really serious about XXXXX. Like what you've read? You can get a free XXX at xyz that sort of thing - all article directories will approve this sort of 'bio' so why not use it instead of the wishy-washy 'Mark is an expert...' type.
        Signature

        Who says you can't earn money as an eBay affiliate any more? My stats say otherwise

        {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[2994574].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Darla
    This is one of my weak areas, so I too would appreciate any tips. I write articles, but don't get many clicks on my Bio box links. Its definitely an area I would love to improve in too.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[2991486].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author getsmartt
    Do a forum search for "resource box" and or "resource boxes" you will find some good info especially from View Profile: Steven Wagenheim
    Signature

    Was mich nicht umbringt, macht mich stärker

    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[2991512].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author iDevSpot
    I have about a 6% click rate on my links in the resource box. I am sure that it could be better...

    but what I am doing for that is the following:

    1. Blending the resource box into the article (as stated above). Really this looks like it is still part of the same article, and not really an ad.

    2. Creating a new resource box for each article

    3. Use action verbs that direct people to follow the link.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[2991611].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Zero
    Originally Posted by Chris Kent View Post

    Depends on the niche or product or whatever is behind the link I want to promote.

    If you can tell us what it is, I will write you one right now.
    Internet marketing related to money making & niche product creation and stuff like that. I'm just promoting a few products that i've bought, and another is essentially curing a health problem.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[2993996].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author Online Passive Incomes
      Funny... I just wrote a good post on this very topic not 5 minutes ago! Fact is, I have had a MASSIVE breakthrough in this area.

      OK, let me give you my awesome tip for free. This will certainly increase your CTR. In fact, in only one article I did this, and the CTR went from only 6% - to a whopping 39% from this one simple change. It comes from psychology selling, and it goes like this.

      From now on, make your resource box highlight a negative, and forget about the positive.

      What do I mean? Well, here is an example:


      Get Help To Quit Smoking!
      If you would like to quit smoking, make sure to check out the following information _______.

      Boring.. Who would bother clicking, right? Now the second one:

      What If You Can't Quit Smoking!
      If you simply can't quit smoking, you need to check this out _______.

      This one focuses on the negative. The person reading knows EXACTLY what it's like to not be able to quit smoking, heck - that's why they are reading the article!

      This one piece of information helped me gain thousands of new clicks through to my website... It seems like something small but it seriously makes a huge difference when it comes to results! Implement it on everything and sales WILL increase! Your Super Welcome.
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[2994435].message }}
      • Profile picture of the author Zero
        Originally Posted by Online Passive Incomes View Post

        Funny... I just wrote a good post on this very topic not 5 minutes ago! Fact is, I have had a MASSIVE breakthrough in this area.

        OK, let me give you my awesome tip for free. This will certainly increase your CTR. In fact, in only one article I did this, and the CTR went from only 6% - to a whopping 39% from this one simple change. It comes from psychology selling, and it goes like this.

        From now on, make your resource box highlight a negative, and forget about the positive.

        What do I mean? Well, here is an example:


        Get Help To Quit Smoking!
        If you would like to quit smoking, make sure to check out the following information _______.

        Boring.. Who would bother clicking, right? Now the second one:

        What If You Can't Quit Smoking!
        If you simply can't quit smoking, you need to check this out _______.

        This one focuses on the negative. The person reading knows EXACTLY what it's like to not be able to quit smoking, heck - that's why they are reading the article!

        This one piece of information helped me gain thousands of new clicks through to my website... It seems like something small but it seriously makes a huge difference when it comes to results! Implement it on everything and sales WILL increase! Your Super Welcome.

        Should i just ignore putting my credentials in the resource box then?
        Thanks for the great tip though. I'm gonna try that out right away.

        I knew i could count on the awesome marketers of this forum for some great advice. I'm SUPER grateful.
        {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[2994765].message }}
        • Profile picture of the author LaneB
          My personal technique is to lead off with a general and rhetorical question that my target demographic will read and say "yes that's me/ I have that problem". The answer your own question with yourself/service/product as the answer to the above stated problem/issue.

          It wont work for ALL your niche related articles so keep a rotation of rehtorical questions. Ensure your lead off questions hit your target hard and triggers a likely emotional response.

          For example: Did you waste over $200 outsourcing on Elance and 3 weeks later you STILL don't have your site nor are you ANY closer to setting up your own Four Hour Work Week? Next time, get on board with MuseTester (I would hyperlink my site but this is for educational purposes) and have your comprehensive, all included, cash sucking sales page in less than 3 days for one low price.
          Signature
          on:
          Client Getting
          SEO
          Paid Traffic
          Growth hacking
          PR
          Re-marketing
          and all other forms of money getting otherwise rarely taught elsewhere
          {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[2994902].message }}
        • Profile picture of the author Online Passive Incomes
          Originally Posted by Zero View Post

          Should i just ignore putting my credentials in the resource box then?
          Thanks for the great tip though. I'm gonna try that out right away.

          I knew i could count on the awesome marketers of this forum for some great advice. I'm SUPER grateful.
          Depends on your niche. Personally, I always leave my credentials out of it unless I am branding myself. Remember, people don't care about you at all. They care about WIIFM ~ (What's In It For Me)

          Stick to the topic and you will see higher CTRs - I promise!
          {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[2995978].message }}
          • Profile picture of the author tpw
            Originally Posted by Online Passive Incomes View Post

            Depends on your niche. Personally, I always leave my credentials out of it unless I am branding myself. Remember, people don't care about you at all. They care about WIIFM ~ (What's In It For Me)

            Stick to the topic and you will see higher CTRs - I promise!

            Exactly. You were not the topic in the article. Why should you be the topic in the resource box? LOL
            Signature
            Bill Platt, Oklahoma USA, PlattPublishing.com
            Publish Coloring Books for Profit (WSOTD 7-30-2015)
            {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[2996321].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author KevinTorrence
    I like that focusing on one negative idea to get people clickin. That's a cool idea! I've been going with something like "Now, I realize that I can't describe everything to you here in this short article, but I do have a video that lays out EVERTYTHING for you here..." etc, etc. Works good for some video products of mine... but I bet if I tie in their "pain" to that, they would do even better.
    Signature
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[2994613].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author Online Passive Incomes
      So true. I guess here are the few but powerful lessons to implement in your resource box.

      1. Produce articles of high quality
      2. Make your article flow into your resource box (IMPORTANT)
      2. Include pain and relate it to the reader (IMPORTANT)
      3. Never, ever include "Mark is an expert in... blah blah"

      That's it - now put it to good use and make sure to produce massive amounts of quality articles. No matter what we say, you will not see results unless you take action. Wish you well and good luck!
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[2994747].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author celente
    here are two of my biggest tips. I learnt these the hard way.

    1) people do not want a bio. They do not care about you, what you do or who you are, or which way you comb the hair on your arse. People dont like those bios that read Brian Smith, Worlds leading tennis coach knows how to increase his students accuracy! no no. That is going about it all wrong! Where are the benefits!

    What are the benefits? why should someone visit your site? What can you do for your clients? Think benefits, results you are giving! That is important.

    2) People love the word FREE and can you blame them. We all like something for free. So give them something FREE...make it worthwhile for them to click on your website. Something to the tune of ....

    Number 1 World Ranking Tennis Coach Reveals The 7 Secrets To Naturally Increase Fitness, Master Your Stroke & Wear Your Next Opponent Into The Ground - Get Your FREE report at :- http:..... I guess you get my drift.

    That example probably sucks, but I guess you get my drift. Give them 1 or 2 benefits so they think they will miss out if they do not go over and grab your report. I have built big lists doing this. And you know what big lists mean???? *winks*
    Signature
    Create a $5000 USD a month Business. 1-on-1 Coaching. By 6 figure marketer! - CLICK HERE
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[2995032].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author LegionNate
    Big lists mean big feet?
    Signature

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


    The Warrior Forum

    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[2995201].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author tpw
    Let your resource box drive traffic to your website. Let your website do the selling.

    People don't care as much about you, as they care about what you can do for them.

    Include two links in your resource box, one with your target keyword in the anchor text for the search engines, the other with the plain text version of your domain name to plant the seed in your prospects' mind the name of your website, and to protect yourself in case someone uses your article and fails to include the html source code.

    Put your name at the end of your resource box or as a description of your website. For example, one article resource box I am running right now mentions:

    Bill Platt's Multiple Traffic Streams Report
    Make your resource box read like a continuation of your actual article.

    You have several criteria you want to hit with your resource box:
    • Transition your reader from the article to the resource box.
    • Make a case for the reader why they want to visit your website.
    • Tell the reader what you want them to do, when they get to your website.
    • Leave an anchor text link for the search engines.
    • Make the anchor text look natural within the surrounding text, so that your anchor text does not become a Stop Word in the mind of the reader.
    • Make sure the reader sees your domain name for branding purposes.
    • Include your name, as the author, but remember that the authors' name is typically seen as a Stop Word by readers online. Make sure that the reader does not stop reading, until they have seen your "here is why you should visit my website" copy.
    Signature
    Bill Platt, Oklahoma USA, PlattPublishing.com
    Publish Coloring Books for Profit (WSOTD 7-30-2015)
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[2995324].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author ArticleGrinder
      I noticed that whenever i use the resource box as the last paragraph of my article and have a call to action sentence, it tends to give me a higher ctr.
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[2995331].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author BillLudwig
    Awesome tips everyone, Thanks! This is one area that I totally suck at. Luckily I have access to some good writers or I would be in a world of trouble.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[2995345].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author dwaynephelps
      Here are 2 signature boxes I have tested up to 36% CTR:

      I have prepared a valuable report for you on _________ , it will show you how to use simple tactics like these to _________, visit _______________.

      The other one I use often is...

      If you are serious about _____________, I have prepared a ___________ on the top mistakes people make when looking to ____________ and more importantly, how you can ___________, go check it out....

      Enjoy,

      My Name




      Some of my articles have up to 63% CTR with these.

      The way I got it there is by testing different signature lines. And when I saw one that worked I would put it in a swipe file.

      I also started out by grabbing signature boxes from article writers I knew were killing it. And put them in my swipe file.

      Also customizing your offer in your sig box to what the person reading your article wants is key.
      Signature
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[2995438].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author AlexNeill
    Wow I learned so much from all your input into this article resource box thread.

    I currently have a lame I am xxxxxxx, so I am going to change it now, and
    hopefully my small 13% ctr will climb and climb.

    Thanks you guys, Alex.
    Signature

    My Blog http://www.newsuperaffiliate.com/blog Free Affiliate Software http://www.newsuperaffiliate.com

    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[2995479].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author FatterMike
    Compared to the rest of you my ctr probably the worst, it's only 4.5%, it's funny I can write 600-1000 words article easily but I just can't create few good lines in the author box to make the readers click the link, I really need these advice.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[2995641].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author dremora
    The best technique is to make a seamless resource box, meaning the resource box will be a part of the article with your anchor text link embedded in. This is what the successful article marketers are doing. Browse the articles of big name marketers and the most read articles and take note of the resource box. You can also test diffeent kinds of resource boxes and go with the style that gets the most clicks.
    Signature
    FREE Step by Step Traffic, Marketing, Offline Tutorials - No Optin! | Newbies: Join my Facebook Fanpage for free tips
    FREE Viral Traffic Generator Download
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[2995731].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Vijay M
    I have heard to not use "Please"..as in please check this link out for a free report." The logic is that you come across as being a bit desperate for the click.

    p.s: I have used "Please click on the blue color text for a free report" ..and it worked well. It was in a seniors niche, and I'm guessing they liked being requested and told exactly what to do.
    Signature
    Wordpress,Joomla,Scripts,AWeber,Config,htaccess,Fa cebook, Blog Promotion Packages- Any Tech Needs - See Top Warrior Reviews
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[2996420].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author dwaynephelps
      Originally Posted by Vijay M View Post

      I have heard to not use "Please"..as in please check this link out for a free report." The logic is that you come across as being a bit desperate for the click.

      p.s: I have used "Please click on the blue color text for a free report" ..and it worked well. It was in a seniors niche, and I'm guessing they liked being requested and told exactly what to do.
      Well, its a call to action. So it will outperform any non-call to action. With seniors they like politeness and thank you's and your welcomes'.

      If you are having trouble, you gotta start studying copy every morning. And how to write strong call to actions in advertising.

      Ive been in this business since my early 20's and I still study copy every morning
      Signature
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[3000868].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author GuruGazette
    About half of my articles range from 15 to 20% ctr with my highest at 53%. My biggest results come from finishing the article in the bio box or including a "related reading" link. I do still include my copywrite and name at the very end though because I've had print publishers pick up - and PAY for - articles of mine they found at EZA. That's always a nice perk
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[3000925].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author Lauryn
      Originally Posted by GuruGazette View Post

      About half of my articles range from 15 to 20% ctr with my highest at 53%. My biggest results come from finishing the article in the bio box or including a "related reading" link. I do still include my copywrite and name at the very end though because I've had print publishers pick up - and PAY for - articles of mine they found at EZA. That's always a nice perk
      I'm still reading the thread, but this really jumped out at me. Thank you!
      Signature

      I Go Hard = "Slanguage" for putting forth a lot of effort.

      Don't be an arse and try to flip something you clearly have no knowledge of against me.

      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[3010582].message }}
      • Profile picture of the author wilmar23
        What is the particular html code to have your link show up red and clickable in the resource box?
        {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[3275985].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author jake411
    Originally Posted by Zero View Post

    Mine are doing alrite. I'm always looking to improve.

    I'm looking for tried and tested tactics other marketers are using, so any successful article marketers willing to share their proven techniques, like a template or something??
    Just keep testing until you find what
    works....

    Have you set a goal as to CTR?

    I agree with most of the responders here
    especially "Online Passive Incomes".

    Plus, you are thinking right in never being
    satisfied, always looking to improve.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[3000962].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Rex.T
    You can also check out how Adwords ads are written. Obviously those guys are paying REAL money for their ads and Google is contantly monitoring their quality score, hence they do get at least some decent results.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[3010574].message }}

Trending Topics