Content Mastery Guide

Editor and Ghostwriter

Upcoming virtual conference for VAs and other entrepreneurs

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We'll be using webinar technology to deliver some of the upcoming lessons in our Pink Spoon Telecamp, and I'm excited to be branching out into an area that is new for me.

And on October 3rd, I'm jumping right into the deep end as I present at the OIVAC (Online International Virtual Assistants Convention), a state-of-the-art virtual event.

The event was originally planned for May and was rescheduled for October, and you can read my original post with more details about my presentation and an interview with OIVAC founder, Sharon Williams.

Improving the open rates of your articles

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"Linda, are there any tricks that will improve my 'open rates' when I email articles to my newsletter subscribers (most of whom are women)?"

That was another great article marketing question in response to my birthday request, and in fact there are three ways you can generate interest in an article and improve your open rates:

1. The subject line: This, of course, is what your subscribers will see when you notify your list that you've written a new article. Instead of simply repeating the title of your article, try personalizing your subject line by adding the subscriber's first name (most email service providers have a tool for inserting any of the information you collected in your sign-up form). Also, try asking a question that will really engage your reader about the topic. For example, I might have introduced this article in an email subject line with the question, "Name, do your articles go unopened?"

2. The title of your article: The title of your article is a great place to think about the exact search terms, otherwise known as keywords, that your ideal client may use to find information about his or her biggest problem. Sometimes you may want to do what I've done with this article, where I chose a very descriptive, but somewhat plain title. Other times, you'll want to get more creative and attract attention with a little bit of mystery, like I did in this article about the creative process.

3. The article introduction: At most article directory websites, you will create an introductory or "teaser" paragraph that visitors will see on a search results page when they've looked for articles about a specific topic. Instead of simply copying the first paragraph of your article, you can use this opportunity to let people know exactly what they will learn or gain from clicking through to read your article, and give them a call-to-action to do that. For this article, I might end my introductory paragraph by saying, "Read this article to learn three different ways to improve your open rates."

And for my reader who asked specifically about engaging her female subscribers, please visit the LipSticking blog, where Yvonne DiVita and her crew write about marketing to women online.

How Many Articles Will You Write This Fall?

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Specifically, how many articles will you write that address the problems of your ideal clients? I guess that depends on how much growth you would like to see in your business!

Well-written, targeted articles have the power to generate a following of people who need the exact solutions that you provide. 

By consistently keeping in touch over time with this great content, you are providing value that will help build a long-lasting, trusting relationship with your newsletter subscribers and blog readers. And that means they will be much more receptive when you offer to help them further with your paid services.

That's one powerful marketing tool! And that's why I've been bringing you so much information about this topic lately.

Sometimes having the information isn't enough

I know that some of you have been reading my Article Marketing Fundamentals articles and applying the tips right away. And I know that some of you haven't. I really don't want any of you to miss the boat on this essential marketing strategy!

Here's what my birthday wish contest winner had to say about her recent content strategy session:

LydiaDean-Reese

"After my Article Marketing Strategy session, I was excited about new prospects and immediately began brainstorming about ideas to write about, as well as how to focus my business. I feel that I have so much more to go on than I did prior to the call. I now have direction for my efforts. Thank you for the session, Linda!" – Lydia Dean-Reese

Please contact me today to see how I can help.

Top 5 mistakes to avoid on your article directory profile page

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In addition to providing a space for an author resource box they will display with your article, many article directory websites such as EzineArticles and Coach Spotlight* also give their visitors the opportunity to read a more detailed profile of each author.

Here are five mistakes you will want to avoid so that you can really shine in this spotlight:

Mistake #5: Too much, too soon

What does the reader need to know about you to feel confident enough to take the next step (which ideally is to visit your website and sign up for your pink spoon)? Tell them this much, and then stop! Don't feel that you have to use your full word count to describe your coaching process or your service options. Just show them that you have the training, experience and/or knowledge to help them solve their particular problem.

Mistake #4: Too polite

Are you worried it will seem rude or pushy to ask your reader to take an action or visit your website? On the contrary. If you don't tell them about what you have available, how can you help them? And since your motive is to help, not to sell (isn't it?), how can that be rude? It's actually the kindest thing you could do. Since you sometimes can't put an actual link into your profile text, just invite the person to visit your website. They will find the link displayed elsewhere in your profile.

Mistake #3: Too formal

People want to do business with those they know, like and trust. If you use formal language in your profile you put a gap between you and your reader and it is harder for them to feel a connection with you.  

Mistake #2: Too generic

Be sure to include specific details about what you do and how you help people. Just don't go too far here and use jargon words that are so specific to your area of expertise that someone who is new to it – like the reader who needs your help – will not understand the terminology. 

And the #1 Mistake: Too careless

If your profile – or any of your writing – contains errors in spelling, spacing, punctuation or grammar, it is a poor reflection on you as a professional. Your readers are going to assume that how you do anything is how you do everything. If you don't take the care to review your profile for errors, how can a prospective client trust that you will take care of them? It is not about being perfect (I always appreciate the readers who point out the occasional typos in my own work), it is about investing in the quality of your writing.

So make the most of your article directory profile – it is the beginning of what could be a long-term relationship with a new reader and potential client.

*Coach Spotlight is a relatively new article directory site specifically for coaches, and I've just started working with them to provide writing tips and resources to their members. Bob Simpson and his team have been working really hard to increase their traffic and in only three months have had impressive results from their efforts. A basic membership is free, and it's all you need to get noticed by members of your target market who are already searching online for the exact solutions that you provide.

Why I’m cheerfully withdrawing from the #HAHD challenge

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The #HAHD challenge is an event put on by EzineArticles, my favourite article bank website.  As a way of encouraging their members to put the incredible power of article marketing to use in a BIG way, they challenged us to post 100 articles in 100 days.

Though this is their second challenge, the first I heard of it was when I noticed my friend Kimberley Simon's tweet at the end of July.

I got a bit caught up in the excitement and pledged to post my own 100 articles in 100 days.

Fast forward to today, when I am officially (and cheerfully) withdrawing my commitment. And here are the reasons why:

  1. It wasn't a SMART goal for me right now. While it was a very specific and measurable goal, it wasn't achievable within the time I was willing to put towards it (see #4). It wasn't a relevant goal specific to my business and marketing plan for 2009, and it didn't fit into the time line of activities that WOULD help me carry out that plan. (Don't get me wrong, my plan is flexible, and I've already adjusted it several time since the beginning of the year.)
  2. I would much rather join my Pink Spoon Telecamp campers in our own challenge – create a new pink spoon for my own business during our 6-week class. 
  3. I don't respond particularly well to competition.  It is healthier and more self-caring for me to set my own SMART goals and work towards them within collaborative, supportive and loving relationships.
  4. My project list is full. Burning the midnight oil to add something to it would kind of defeat the purpose of having one. And I am simply not willing to sacrifice my self-care or personal time with friends and family to do this.

Good luck to all of the #HAHD participants! I know that whether you reach the goal of 100 articles in 100 days or not, you will likely publish more articles than you would have otherwise, and even just one of those articles could land in front of your next great client or customer and bring you miraculous results. Especially with the power of EzineArticles behind you!