Looking for a simple way to get an edge on your competition?
Successful businesses who are in it for the long haul continually
apply innovative marketing strategies and tactics to differentiate
themselves and get that edge. Two such killer marketing strategies
are positioning and relationship building. And guess what?
Article marketing is a proven tactic that just happens to
address both of those marketing strategies. Is it the “be
all, end all” of positioning and relationship building?
Absolutely not. However, it is an excellent step in the right
direction. And on top of that, there’s probably a good
chance that your competition is not using this tactic. Face
it. It takes some time, skill, and effort to write and effectively
use articles, that’s why the masses don’t do
it however, those looking for an edge do. So why choose article
marketing as one of you marketing tactics? Here are 7 exceptional
reasons:
1. It is quite simple. People love to buy from and deal
with the best. Writing and effectively marketing your articles
helps you position yourself as the expert in your field.
2. Let's take this first concept a step further for reason
#2. Let’s be blunt here, as an expert, you can justifiably
increase your rates and charge more for your products.
3. If your articles are good and distributed properly, they
can spread like wildfire and literally cause a viral marketing
frenzy. Ultimately driving business your way.
4. A big part of Internet marketing has to do with the Search
Engines like Google, Yahoo, MSN, etc. It’s critical
that we play their game. That being said, Search Engines
love content such as articles! Many Internet marketers try
the latest fad to trick Search Engines into getting a better
ranking. If you have a lot of time and/or money on your hands
to keep up with the latest trends and the ever changing Search
Engine rules, then do what you feel is right. However, one
tactic still holds true with improving Search Engine ranking,
and that’s article marketing.
5. People love to be and feel well informed – It helps
them make better decisions. Your articles can serve as the
source for the input they seek. And who better to buy from
then the source that provided the information in the first
place.
6. Talk about getting major bang for the buck, articles
can easily be repurposed in a variety of ways. For example:
==> They can become content for your or someone else's
newsletter;
==> Used as free giveaways to prospects/clients, in seminars,
at networking events, etc;
==> Used to spark conversation in a blog or an online
networking group such as Ryze;
==> Combine multiple articles into an eBook, book or
info-product that can be sold or given away in exchange for
contact information;
==> Become the basis for a live seminar or teleseminar;
==> And we can go on and on and on.
7. Articles when distributed properly are a great way to
stay in touch with clients and prospects. Studies have shown
that on average it takes around 7 touches before a prospect
buys. Why not use articles as some of those touches? This
will help continually boost your prospect’s perception
of you as someone who consistently adds value.
We live in an age where information is king. We all know
something others would be interested in knowing. Share your
knowledge and like a magnet you’ll draw your prospects
towards you.
© 2006 Online Marketing Muscle -- All Rights Reserved.
Dean Mercado is an Internet marketing coach, strategist,
author, and speaker. Dean and his company Online Marketing
Muscle help entrepreneurial professionals leverage the power
of Internet marketing to turn their businesses into money
magnets. Visit Online Marketing Muscle for many more Internet
marketing tips.
