Affiliate Resource Guide

Great Content isn’t About You

Many content writers spend so much time focusing on what their site can do for their business or career that they forget about their audience. It may be counter-intuitive, but the most important person to the success of your blog isn’t you. It’s your reader.

You may have written the wittiest, most insightful post of the year. You may be an expert in your field. You may relay a revelation about society that has the power to change lives. But it doesn’t matter if no one bothers to read what you’ve written.

Successful online writers gain a following because they understand that blogging is about connecting with other people. The best way to do that is by providing insights that address the needs of your visitors. Most individuals make a point of checking in with web pages that consistently help them improve their lives or cover topics that interest them. In today’s competitive market it’s essential to give your readers material that is valuable, original, and relevant.

Every time you finish a piece, ask yourself, “does this article offer value to my reader?” In order to answer this question, you must know your target market inside and out. Do your market research and learn everything you can about your ideal reader. What are his interests? How does she spend her free time? What sorts of problems occur daily that you can help solve? Check out the top bloggers in your niche. Determine what they do right and how you can offer something different from what’s already out there.

By keeping the reader in mind each time you start a fresh piece, you can be sure that the topics you cover will matter to your audience. When you learn to put yourself in the place of your average visitor, you enhance your writing. You’ll begin to think about your field in new and exciting ways and it will be easier to generate innovative articles on a regular basis. By focusing on delivering valuable information, you’ll be well on your way to developing a loyal community of avid fans who will return again and again.

Here at Content and Article Writing we have a team of online writing specialists that can help you create top-quality content. Contact us today to find out more and propel your online business to the next level.

Sara Onderdonk is a member of the Content and Article Writers Network of Internet Writers and Bloggers. To learn more about the CAW Network go to http://www.ContentAndArticleWriters.com

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The Importance of Outbound Linking

In the online world there are two types of links you need to know about: inbound and outbound. It’s not hard to see why inbound links matter—they draw visitors in. But many SEO marketing professionals overlook the usefulness of outbound links. Don’t be one of them.

An outbound link is simply a link from your page to another web page. You may be thinking, “Isn’t the whole point of online marketing to get people to check out my website, not someone else’s?” It’s true that Google likes other pages linking to yours, but that’s only half of the story. It’s not enough to have links pointing people to your blog; you need to prove that you’re producing valuable content for your readers.

Outbound links do that by creating activity on your website. Every time a visitor clicks a link that takes them to another page it gets indexed by the search engine spiders. Search engines take notice and assume that if there’s a lot of activity you must be giving users something of value. Because of this, your site is distinguished from spam and earns a higher ranking on the results page.

By citing industry insiders or leading experts in your field you establish yourself as an informed member of the community. Stay on top of key trends and you’ll be able to keep your finger on the pulse of what will interest visitors to your site. Direct a lot of traffic to another webpage and the editor will eventually be curious to find out more about you. As a result, you’ll build strong relationships with other online communicators who may direct their readers to your webpage if they like what they see. These connections can help you enhance your reputation and your business by opening doors to new opportunities or marketing partnerships.

It’s crucial to link only to other websites that also contain quality material. Be sure that the resources you list are relevant to your industry. When you recommend something, make sure it’s because the information will be helpful to your visitors. Limit yourself to only a few outbound links or your site will begin to resemble a link farm. If you connect to other pages without discretion, people will soon ignore your links and the activity level will plummet and your site will be marked as spam. By offering interesting links, you’ll heighten your credibility.

Sara Onderdonk is a member of the Content and Article Writers Network of Internet Writers and Bloggers. To learn more about the CAW Network go to http://www.ContentAndArticleWriters.com

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3 Reasons Press Releases Matter

Press releases are the ugly step-child of the online media world—often neglected, under-appreciated, and completely misunderstood. Many small business owners fail to take advantage of the wonderful benefits offered by this old media standard by assuming it no longer has a place in the online media world. Nothing could be further from the truth. A great release not only earns you low-cost publicity, but can help you reach a wider audience. Below are just three reasons why the press release is still alive and kicking:

1) You can promote your site for little cost. This is a top benefit offered by a press release. There are a number of websites and directories you can submit your release to, often for free. In return, your news item has the opportunity to reach hundreds of online writers, editors, and internet content providers hungry for great information. You can also publish press releases on your own site. This creates quality, unique webpages to be indexed by the search engines.

2) Writers need press releases. In a world where online media resources are expected to constantly post fresh insights, press releases give content writers something to write about. Whether your release is the article topic or merely a supporting player in a blog entry, well-written press releases get noticed and republished. Each time your piece is picked up, valuable inbound links are generated that boost your site’s credibility.

3) Press releases are great keyword opportunities. Every release is a chance to optimize your SEO strategy. Use the opportunity to insert a couple of select keywords, just like you would with a blog post. Ensure the terms you choose are relevant to your topic and avoid keyword stuffing. When your release gets re-posted, it will show up in search results for those terms. If you’re not incorporating important keywords, you’re missing an opportunity to enhance your results page ranking. Our press release writers know how to do this. Contact us today to learn more.

Sara Onderdonk is a member of the Content and Article Writers Network of Internet Writers and Bloggers. To learn more about the CAW Network go to http://www.ContentAndArticleWriters.com

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Why Video Blog Entries Make Great Marketing Tools

Video content engages web surfers. There’s a reason that over 48 hours’ worth of video is uploaded to YouTube every minute.1 That’s right. Two days of video, every minute (that’s 8 years uploaded every day). If you’re not embracing video on your website or blog then you’re losing out on one of the fastest growing media segments.

Online marketing professionals know that video entries and tutorials build a rapport with your target market that can’t be achieved by written material alone. Video-blogging puts a face to the content writer behind the great information appearing on your site. In addition to helping you relate to your readers more personally, you can create a variety of clips that supplement your other content. You can create how-to segments, product demonstrations, or visually explain concepts that are difficult to grasp via a text blog entry.

Because of the interactive nature of video, these types of posts increase the user activity on your website. Visitors tend to linger on pages with video longer than on pages with just text. This increases the odds that they’ll explore the rest of your site, link to your post, and subscribe to your newsletter or feed. People can also share video content easily and quickly with their friends via social media or by embedding a clip into their own blog, resulting in valuable backlinks. Easily reach a wide audience by adding your content to sites like YouTube or eHow. This can be done in a matter of minutes and is a low-cost way to attract large numbers of new users to your blog.

Video gives you an additional method for generating dynamic and original content. By adding this potent format to the mix, you add variety and make it more likely that readers will return. A combination of video and text entries keeps things interesting for your target audience and gives them a reason to return. Use video to express yourself in creative ways or visually connect with users and you will not only gain new traffic, but you’ll discover a great way to reach out to your community.

Sara Onderdonk is a member of the Content and Article Writers Network of Internet Writers and Bloggers. To learn more about the CAW Network go to http://www.ContentAndArticleWriters.com

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Crafting Titles that Get Readers – and Results

If you’ve written a great piece for your website you may think your hard work is done. Wrong. Successful content writers know that without a standout title, you have little chance of hooking readers. If your title is dull, confusing, or vague, it won’t matter how fantastic your content is—readers will simply move on to the next link that catches their attention and you’re blog will languish in obscurity.

Well-written titles force casual web surfers to notice your site. Think of it as your shot at a stellar first impression. It takes only seconds for a potential visitor to decide if they’re going to click on your link or if they’re going to continue scrolling through the search results. A strong title not only gets visitors to check out your blog entry, but encourages them to take a look at past entries and explore your web site.

Writing a captivating title involves more than just summarizing what your post is about. When you create a title you must consider both the reader and the search engines. With a bit of practice, you’ll be able to hit right balance with copy that appeals to both.

Never forget that your blog is meant to be read and understood by actual human beings. First and foremost you must make sure that you cover topics that are interesting and relevant to your audience’s needs. Put yourself in your readers’ place when you develop your next title. If your headline wouldn’t encourage you to read the rest of the piece, then it’s time to start over. You must do more than convince people to read your article—it’s important that the finished product delivers on the expectations created by your title.

Make sure your title lets the reader know what the article is about, but also convinces him that the information that follows is something that can’t be missed. Titles that appeal to the reader work well in conjunction with social media like Facebook and Twitter, where people share striking items with their friends. To grab the attention of today’s savvy internet user, be sure that you’re to-the-point, witty, and succinct.

To ensure you please the Search engines, you’ll want to integrate your target keywords. Keyword-rich headings are great for site indexing, but may turn off potential readers if you overdo it. The trick is to use one or two terms that fit naturally with the topic you are covering and save your other selected phrases for a different piece. By highlighting a keyword at the top of your piece, you increase the likelihood of your site being indexed for that term by the search engine’s indexing spiders.

If you need help developing great titles for your blog, never fear. Our team of skilled online content professionals at Content and Article Writing can help. We have over five years of experience writing for the web and can make sure that your web site not only attracts traffic, but is SEO friendly.

Sara Onderdonk is a member of the Content and Article Writers Network of Internet Writers and Bloggers. To learn more about the CAW Network go to http://www.ContentAndArticleWriters.com

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The Truth about Keywords – Automation versus Research

You’ve created a great product and now you’re ready to promote it with an amazing website. You know that building a strong online presence is a must in order to succeed in today’s competitive market and you know that choosing the right keywords is a must if you hope to establish your business’s online presence. Pay per click (PPC) is a fantastic way to drive traffic to your site, but only if you’ve selected the right search terms.

Online business owners unfamiliar with SEO best practices may be tempted by automated tools. These simple programs are easy, quick, and often free. But you get what you pay for. The “suggested keywords” list generated by Google Adwords seems helpful, but in truth many of the suggestions are too general or too popular to serve any useful purpose for your site. The best way to find effective keywords is to perform research on traffic and competition numbers yourself.

Begin by thinking about your target customers and the product you are offering. Brainstorm a variety of words and phrases that describe both. What is the problem your potential clients need to solve? What would you type into a search engine if you were searching for your product? If you’re trying to connect with local patrons, be sure that your town, city, or regional area features in some of the suggestions you generate.

Think about what phrases your ideal customer may use to encounter a site offering your product or service. Don’t worry about judging which idea is the best, for now, just jot down what comes to mind. Remember that the more specific a term, the more likely it is to appeal to your desired consumer.

Now that you have a list, it’s time to evaluate which offer you the greatest chance of success. Keep in mind your daily keyword budget and determine how much you’re willing to pay per each successful ad click, known as your cost-per-click (CPC). This is where Google Adwords can be of use. Type in each keyword and you’ll discover how many people have searched for that specific term in a given time period. Highly competitive terms will be more expensive and less likely to reach your target audience. Check out your top competitors to discover which expressions bring them high-ranking results to discover additional suggestions.

On the Google Adwords site you’ll be able to obtain a maximum CPC that would lead to your ads appearing in top positions on a results page. Once you’ve tested you’re top candidates Reduce your list down to a few combinations that fit your budget and ideal customer. possibilities by writing a couple of different ads with different keyword combinations. Run them these ads on Google and track the traffic results generated by each ad. The success of each ad will give you an idea of which keywords work best for your website.

Once you’re figured out the right search terms for your business, it’s time to work with an experienced content writer to integrate them into you web page. Well-researched keywords bring in more traffic and lead to more sales. Don’t get caught using the one-size-fits all SEO. Here at ContentandArticleWriting.com we have a pool of online writers familiar with the process of researching keywords and creating articles that result in SEO success.

Sara Onderdonk is a member of the Content and Article Writers Network of Internet Writers and Bloggers. To learn more about the CAW Network go to http://www.ContentAndArticleWriters.com

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Your Blog is the Key to More Traffic

Want to know the best way to capture a high search engine ranking and keep new visitors coming back for more? You don’t need the slickest-looking website or have to be a programming ace. The key to keeping your website at the top of search results is simple: a blog that is regularly updated with original copy. Great blog post writing will not only bring search engine spiders back for frequent indexing, but it will bring back human visitors as well.

Many companies with an online presence treat their blog as a necessary evil and only update it as an afterthought. Blogging is actually a powerful tool that helps organizations of all sizes develop loyal and lively communities centered on their brand, product, or service. By maintaining a steady flow, you start a conversation with your target audience. Provide information that is interesting and high-quality and readers will reward you with return trips to discover what your next insight will be. Ignore your blog and not only will customers return the favor, but they’ll turn to a competitor dedicated to keeping them engaged.

Every blog article creates a unique web page and another opportunity for your site to be indexed by search engines. New web pages get picked up by search engine spiders and will boost your ranking. Consistent new content on your site keeps your ranking high. Optimize your chances to entice new visitors by securing as high a standing as possible. Many people searching the web for a specific product, service, or industry rarely check out sites that fail to appear on the first page or two of results.

A blog entry is a wonderful way to showcase your business’s expertise and relevance. Use your posts to highlight success stories, discuss key industry trends, and educate your readers. Each new post is a reminder that you care about your clients and the issues that matter to them. Convince your audience to choose your business by repeatedly displaying your proficiency and passion for your service or product on your blog.

Avoid falling victim to low search rankings by using a professional experienced in custom blog creation. A dedicated blogger can update your page with fresh articles that enhance your customer relations and promote your company. Use an experienced online writer to effectively communicate your organization’s voice, values, and mission. Propel your site to the SEO success by offering dynamic content that encourages readers to return often.

Sara Onderdonk is a member of the Content and Article Writers Network of Internet Writers and Bloggers. To learn more about the CAW Network go to http://www.ContentAndArticleWriters.com

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Great Press Releases Generate Website Traffic and Improve SEO Performance

A press release is a great resource for companies looking to gain exposure. A well-written press release increases brand awareness and captures media attention for far less than the cost of traditional advertising. Whether you’re announcing a new product, celebrating a major milestone, or generating publicity for an event, an interesting press release is needed to secure media coverage. A professional familiar with press release writing can craft powerful and attention-grabbing press releases for companies striving to increase website traffic and garner media exposure.

The main goal of press release writing is to get publicity for your online business or website. Submitting your release to well-known press release websites such as PRWeb.com or PRNnewswire.com will get your release in front of hundreds of reporters and increase the odds of your release getting picked up by news outlets and respected industry websites. Readers trust credible sources such as reporters and editors and when your press release appears on a respected media website, your business or website appears more credible as well. This makes it more likely that other websites will republish your press release. When other websites republish your press release it will create more opportunities for your website to appear in search results related to your product or service.

It’s not enough to know where to send your release—it must get read by a writer or editor at your target website. In order for your release to be published by a credible media outlet, it must be newsworthy. Experienced content-writing professionals put themselves in their readers’ place and ask themselves, “Why is this newsworthy? Why do I care?” Knowledgeable press release writers will hone in on what is important to the reporter’s readers. Make it easy for journalists to see how your news is important to their audience and you make it easy for them to write about your company.

Even a newsworthy release can be discarded if it fails to follow the standard press release format. The headline and first paragraph are the most important parts of any press release. Busy reporters rarely read past the first paragraph. This is why a press release writer will highlight the newsworthy information at the beginning of your release. In addition to a strong first paragraph, an effective press release will include quotes from key spokespeople or experts. Good quotes help your release to stand out from the many others vying for media attention. At the bottom of release provide your standard company background information and your contact information. The final touch to correctly formatting your release is to make sure it is well written and grammatically correct.

A well-written press release is an easy and powerful way to improve SEO performance and drive web traffic. In addition to boosting your website’s publicity, a press release picked up by reputable media outlets adds to your website’s credibility. By using an experienced content writer, your company will reap the many benefits a good press release produces.

Sara Onderdonk is a member of the Content and Article Writers Network of Internet Writers and Bloggers. To learn more about the CAW Network go to http://www.ContentAndArticleWriters.com

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Add Content or Lose Your Page Rank

It’s as simple as that. If you’re not consistently adding dynamic content to your website, you will not be able to maintain any type of high page rank with Google, Yahoo, Bing, or anyone else who uses an algorithm to order their listings. Submit to all the directories you like, bookmark with social media sites, and add Meta tags to all your pages, but if you don’t increase the size of your website with relevant content writing you will not see significant traffic. Internet marketing professionals and SEO specialists know this, and they’ve known it for years.

The whole point of algorithmic changes by Google earlier this year was to produce more relevant results for web surfers. When you enter a keyword into the search field, you don’t want to see an ordered list of websites that have the most directory links for that keyword. You want to find the products or information that you’re looking for. All Google did with their Panda update was make the content a more important variable than the link count. Yahoo and Bing have since followed suit with changes of their own. What’s the result of all this? You need to add content or lose your page rank.

Content Development Dos and Don’ts

Use your blog. It’s the best possible advice we can give to you. If you have any writing ability at all, start blogging about your company on your company website. You’ll probably get tired of writing after a while and you’ll most likely hit a major case of writing block at some point, but start the process. Once you’ve laid the foundation with a few posts, contact us and we’ll pick it up where you left off. If you don’t have any writing skills, have us start blog post writing for you right away.

Take a look at your site map and develop a plan to add static pages to your site. Valid information about your industry, products, or services is a valued commodity on the web. Our writers know how to create the pages with the proper mix of keywords to score you a high page rank with the search engines. We recommend that you do not attempt to create content pages if you don’t have a working knowledge of recommended keyword density and search engine marketing techniques.

Article writing for directories is still good for link building, but don’t submit the same article to multiple directories. That might get you a few direct hits if anyone sees what you write, but submitting original articles to high PR sites like Ezine, Helium, and Squidoo will give you actual link juice, the necessary accelerant to attain high page rank. Contact Content and Article Writing today to learn more about how to do this. Our team of article writers knows exactly how to get you the results you desire. We’ve been doing it since 2007 and we’ve produced consistently positive results for our clients.

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Posting Content on Local Directories is Great SEO Strategy

They say it in real estate, but it’s just as true on the Internet. “Location, location, location.” When it comes to real estate in cyberspace, this means that if you want to get found, it’s critical to post your information in places where people are going to look. But where exactly is that? A good place to start is local search directories. Since the majority of things people do take place in and around the places they live, this means that a good deal of web searching is locally driven. That’s why posting content on local directories can be an SEO gold mine.

Local search marketing is pretty simple: put your content where it’s most likely to convert sales. Of course, part of the marketing model you adopt for your business should be to disseminate info to the places where everyone goes the most. But while sites like Facebook, Twitter, and other social media sites are highly trafficked social scenes, only a fraction of users will know you exist (and most of those who do will not be in your area). The other part of your marketing model should be to post content in places that only some people will go—but everyone will see. By doing some content development on local search directories like Google Maps and Google Places, you’ll be posting content about your business to local consumers who are highly likely to search the very directories you post on, dramatically increasing the likelihood that those consumers will become your customers.

A great example of a local directory is Leominsterwebsites.com. It’s a guide to local services, recreation spots, entertainment, and shopping that are in and around Leominster, Massachusetts. Consider a restaurant in Leominster that wants to post menus, rave reviews, special promotions, and contact info on the local search directory, for example. Someone reading the content is more likely to try the restaurant because she probably lives in Leominster, or close by—as opposed to the guy in Los Angeles who lives 3,000 miles away and simply friended them on Facebook because he likes the menu.

SEO doesn’t only mean optimizing your website so it ranks well in the Google SERP. It also means optimizing your business itself so its online presence reaches a customer base that’s relevant. And while it’s true that the more global sites on the web give users access to a wider range of information, what’s really most relevant to people is always what’s right next door. If your name appears there, then you’ve snagged a piece of cyberspace with a seriously high property value.

For Writers:

The CAW Directory Project will be coming to Boston, MA on December 15, 2011. To learn more and get involved, go to http://www.contentandarticlewriters.com/service-directories/

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