Article Submission
Submission of an article to an article directory may prove beneficial as it would get more exposure as far as website owners, bloggers, ezine publishers, etc are concerned. These people are always in search for quality, original content.
Having written an article, if one wishes to submit it to an article directory, the process may be time consuming but it becomes more rewarding in the long run. First, such entries entail a one way link. Such linking is also free of cost, apart from a few distribution services who charge fees.
The relationship between the author of the article and articles directories is a symbiotic one. Authors need have their articles listed among the directories, and article directories thrive on article submissions by authors.
Though this process may be slightly complicated for beginners, it is worth giving a shot to. The following is a step by step procedure:
- New users to directories are first asked to open an account providing a username, a password and an email address.
- If the directory gives an option of including the author’s biography, it is a good idea to avail the offer. In this biography, up to three links to the author’s websites can be provided.
- The next important step is to carefully read the Terms of Service (TOS). Any failure to comply with the conditions stated there may lead to the rejection of the article or submission.
- It is also important to keep in mind certain specifications like the word limit per article, use of the HTML format, length of the summary, number of links that can be included, etc.
- Certain types of articles (such as Sales oriented articles, blatant self-promotion and press-releases, etc) are generally not accepted by directories and, hence, must not be submitted.
- Having opened and account, now in order to submit articles, the category that the article belongs to must be selected from the article submission page.
- When asked to include a title, keywords must not be missed out. Title should also be kept strong, and should not be in caps if the directory does not permit it.
- Summary article can then be included, which can be a direct paragraph form the article itself, or an original piece. Some directories forbid the use of HTML, so that must be borne in mind.
- While listing keywords, it is important to separate the keywords using commas.
- While pasting the article is the submission box, limited usage of HTML is allowed which would typically include ‘bold’, ‘italics’, and ‘bullet points’.
- A check of the layout once the article has been pasted in the box is necessary. A word count must be done. Articles should not be under 250, or over 850-900.
- Finally, it is most important to run a spell check.