To all writers and non-writers alike—now is the time to dust off those creative writing skills!
With modern communication technologies, information-based marketing has become one of the oldest yet most effective methods of attracting targeted prospects to websites and converting them into buyers. That’s why article writing, submission, and publication are more popular than ever.
Numerous tools are available to make article distribution easier. But while automation can help with reach, it’s only half the battle. The real challenge lies in writing quality content that both informs readers and maximizes promotional opportunities.
Before hitting “submit,” here are 3 crucial things to do prior to submitting your articles:
1. Understand Why You’re Writing vs. Why You’re Promoting
One common mistake is confusing why you’re writing an article with why you’re promoting it.
✅ You promote articles for three key reasons:
- Branding
- Lead generation
- Promotion (SEO, traffic)
But there’s only one true reason to write an article: to inform and provide value to your audience.
If your content doesn’t provide real insight, people won’t read it. And if they don’t read it, they certainly won’t click on your links or trust your brand.
Tip: Write articles that educate or solve a problem. Once you gain the reader’s trust, the clicks and conversions will follow naturally.
2. Maximize the Promotional Power of Article Marketing
While backlinks are a benefit of article marketing, don’t stop there. A single well-written article can bring in search engine visibility, traffic, brand credibility, and syndication if done right.
✅ Here’s how to improve your promotional success:
- Use keywords strategically—preferably in the title, introduction, and conclusion—but avoid keyword stuffing.
- Make use of anchor text where directories allow it.
- Focus on quality and originality, not quantity.
- Aim to get picked up by high-authority publishers who syndicate content to larger audiences.
Good content can open doors for guest posts, partnerships, or even influencer recognition. Treat every article as a portfolio piece, not just a link-building tool.
3. Publish Content That Helps Readers
If you’re writing only for backlinks, you’re missing the bigger picture.
Many directories do not automatically accept articles, especially if they’re thin, poorly written, or stuffed with links. You’ll miss out on opportunities if your content doesn’t meet editorial standards.
✅ Here’s what to focus on before submission:
- Provide useful and actionable information.
- Follow directory guidelines closely.
- Use spellcheck and grammar tools.
- Consider outsourcing if writing isn’t your strength.
Even one publisher with a large readership can give your article massive exposure. But they won’t share your work unless it adds real value.
In short, if you want your article marketing to be effective, write the kind of content publishers want to feature and readers want to engage with.
Final Thoughts
Submitting articles is more than just checking a box for SEO. It’s about positioning yourself as a credible voice in your niche, offering valuable insights, and gaining long-term visibility.
You can choose to put in the bare minimum for minimal results—or invest a little more effort to create high-quality content that reaches thousands.
Understand the difference between writing for mass exposure versus crafting targeted content for a specific audience. Knowing this distinction will help you write better, submit smarter, and see real results.
