An author resource box is a short section at the end of your article, where article submission sites allow you to share biographical information and links back to your website.
In many ways, these few words at the end of your article are more important than the body of your article (Christopher Knight of EzineArticles.com suggests that the perfect resource box is no larger than 15% of your total article).
In Chapter 20 of The Customizable Style Guide for Coaches Who Write, "Writing articles," I wrote:
Author resource box: Address your readers and let them know that you have more to offer when it comes to solving this particular problem. Invite them to take the next action, whether it’s to access a free report (best), subscribe to your free newsletter (great), visit your website (ok) or contact you (weakest).
Here are some key reasons that a free report is the best way to go:
- Offering a free report is a pressure-free way for both you and your reader to build your relationship
- A well-written and targeted free report demonstrates to the reader that you understand – and can solve – their specific problem
- Publishing a free report reinforces your credibility as an expert in your niche
Getting people to visit your website is one thing – building a long-term, trusting relationship is another. Does your website do that for you? If not, please join me and Linda Claire Puig for a free tele-class called, "Help! My Website's Not Working!" on Tuesday, August 11, 2009.