Article marketing, when used consistently, can generate significant quality traffic to the author's websites for a very long period of time. Submitting articles also allows the author to develop their online credibility.

The Internet marketer uses articles to direct traffic to a website or blog where he has a product for sale or other valuable information. An article IS NOT a sales page ... as such, it WILL BE rejected by the article directories. :-(

In considering utilizing article marketing, there are 5 specific steps required in order to gain benefit from the article.

* Carefully choose a top keyword relating to a product or information that is the ultimate focus of your article. Utilize a keyword search tool in order to identify other keywords and phrases that complement your primary keyword. * Develop quality information regarding your subject. Your goal is to provide enough information for the reader to see the value, but you DON'T want to provide all the answers ... pique their curiosity to learn more. * Provide examples, tips, or tutorials to demonstrate how the article's subject will be beneficial. * Expand your points to paint a picture of the process. Be careful to keep your text informative without bordering on a 'sit-down' classroom session. * Shine your apple before submitting. Perform a complete review and edit as necessary.

After writing your article, it is always advisable to save it and just walk away from it for awhile. We all have a normal tendency to write in a consistent, similar manner ... that which is familiar to us. Return to your draft and put your 'subjective' face on. Apply the basic steps for writing your article, then see if your draft meets the criteria for holding the veiwer's interest. If at all possible, have a third party, not familiar with the subject, critique the article regarding simplicity, flow, and message continuity.

Does your article provide quality information, or simply 'read' as a watered down sales page? Generally, avoiding the use of first tense ("I") will help to generalize your points. Remember, you are not selling anything ... you are simply generating interest and providing quality information.

Keep in mind that your goal is NOT to appeal to everyone. Make sure that you have identified your target audience, and have provided enough information to grab their attention.

Have you clearly defined the problem? Have you suggested a course of action that may offer a solution? Have you hinted that more valuable information remains available?

Is your information unique, or can it be found in any number of throw away ebooks? The last thing that you want is for the viewer to go "yea, yea, yea ... same old stuff".

Before you submit your article, make sure that you review your landing page destination from the Resource box. Are all of the links active? Are the keywords compatible? Is the subject of the landing page an expansion of the theme of the article? Is 'subject similar' content available on the landing page to continue to hold your visitor's interest?

Article marketing is a VERY effective tool for building your affiliate marketing business. Research your subject to acquire information that will add quality content to your article marketing campaigns. You don't need to be an expert on the subject, but you do need to have enough knowledge to present an informative, logical presentation in covering its usefulness. Over time, publication of quality articles will not only increase your online credibility, but also generate additional traffic to your website.