Many of us are writing articles now. We may place them online in the many article directories which proliferate. We know that if we submit one at least once a week, have the right keywords in the title and the article, that readers will find us and go to our website. If they like what they see there they may sign up for our ezine or buy some of our products or services. But we’d like to known as an expert in our field and be called by editors and others often. Placing articles online may not be right or enough for us. What else can we do?
Before you begin, read the paper regularly to know what’s in it and if they need or want what you have to offer. Just like going for a job, take your resume and sample articles. If this is the paper you want, go for it!
Assume that we already write regularly.
Here are 7 tips on writing articles offline or in the “paper” newspapers.
1. Write for local papers. Get known by people nearby. My email mentoring (sales from finding my website) has more often found people who live in the same city as I do and called me even though they found me online. I must look and sound approachable on my website.
A local paper may also be smaller and a good place for you to start getting known. It is also closer to home or work.
2. Have all your articles be around the same theme. This advertises your business and what you know a lot about.
3. If local isn’t exactly what you want then look for a newspaper that is all about YOUR niche or target market. This will get you the clients who are already looking for you and your specialty.
4. Ask the editor if it’s you can add your website address to your biography. People can learn more about you and contact you for even more information.
5. Write for at least half a year. The number of articles will be different depending on how often the paper is published.
6. Have a byline so people know it’s you and they can look for you regularly.
7. Have your photo somewhere at the beginning or end of your article. Readers will get to know you, find you friendly and approachable and maybe say hello when they see you on the street. They’ll recognize you more by your face than by your name.
A local paper is also easier to get into than a large daily one. Try there. You may be pleasantly surprised!
2008 © Trudy Van Buskirk – Smallbizbuilder
Do you want to grow your biz with marketing? Trudy Van Buskirk, entrepreneur and founder of Smallbizbuilder, has been helping small business owners be better marketers since 1980 and publishes a free ezine with a marketing tip to use right away and reviews 2 books designed to create success. On her website at http://www.smallbizbuilder.com you can get more products and programs to grow your business easily. Reach her at trudy@smallbizbuilder.com or phone 416-778-7879.
