One of the most powerful, inexpensive, yet under-utilized weapons to include in your marketing arsenal are printed articles.
Either written by you or by a third party.
But better if authored by you.
With articles you establish your expertise by sharing knowledge from your particular know-how.
From car maintenance tips, to romantic how-tos, to raising healthy, happy, and loving children - your articles can generate enough interest to bring you a fresh throng of clients and customers.
Furthermore, articles can spread like a virus.
How? When other editors pick up, post or print them for their publications.
That multiplies your exposure without having to pay for expensive advertising.
And with the exponential power of the Internet, your articles can travel light years in Cyberspace leaving your knowledge posted on websites, electronic newsletters and even on weblogs.
What did you say? You don't have any articles.
You're not a writer.
You couldn't tell the difference between a verb and a verb tense I'm with you.
But stop it.
Those are merely excuses.
I recall my lifetime grade average in English hovered around C+.
My first article took three weeks of daily editing before I thought it was ready.
And on occasion, I get stuck searching for a better word.
But that didn't stop me and neither should it stop you...
If you've never had an article written about you or your topic, I encourage you to take that next step.
Even if you have trouble with adverbs and adjectives - you can hire a freelance writer to pen a few articles for you.
It's really that simple.
Five reasons you should publish articles now: 1) Third-party endorsement.
When prospects, consumers, or future business partners read your article in Business Week (or any established journal, association newsletter or industry rag), it gives you an incredible boost of credibility.
It's almost as if Business Week is giving you their stamp of approval.
Besides creating an instant buzz, interested parties will take further steps to find out more about you and how you can help them reach their goals.
2) Establish you as an expert.
Your article can quickly set you apart as the definitive expert in your field.
In most cases, it will likely distinguish you far above your peers.
People will feel they know you better after reading about you.
And an initial degree of trust is established before you ever shake hands.
3) Promoting you.
Article reprints are a great way to market you, your products and your programs.
Sending a reprint with your story is hands down more effective than sending a brochure.
Make sure interested parties have easy access to you by including your contact information.
4) Multi-purpose weapon.
The content in your articles can be repackaged into your other marketing campaigns and information products.
It can be reused in editorial ads, sales letters, pamphlets, special reports and downloadable PDF files.
Or they can be copied and pasted together into an e-book that you sell on your website, in joint venture e-mail blitzes, or as a special collaboration with other authors.
5) Instant notoriety.
Whether your article appears in a national syndication, a local business journal, or online columns - you get to state that in your promotions.
Imagine if the homepage or media section of your website had a link that stated, "As seen on USA Today!" Or how about, "Reprinted from Home Depot's Helpful Hints.
" Wouldn't that create an instant buzz that compels people to find out more? Articles pave the way for interested parties to feel you out.
They give readers an opportunity to know you.
And it's undoubtedly more effective than blurting, "Here's my business card.
"
Either written by you or by a third party.
But better if authored by you.
With articles you establish your expertise by sharing knowledge from your particular know-how.
From car maintenance tips, to romantic how-tos, to raising healthy, happy, and loving children - your articles can generate enough interest to bring you a fresh throng of clients and customers.
Furthermore, articles can spread like a virus.
How? When other editors pick up, post or print them for their publications.
That multiplies your exposure without having to pay for expensive advertising.
And with the exponential power of the Internet, your articles can travel light years in Cyberspace leaving your knowledge posted on websites, electronic newsletters and even on weblogs.
What did you say? You don't have any articles.
You're not a writer.
You couldn't tell the difference between a verb and a verb tense I'm with you.
But stop it.
Those are merely excuses.
I recall my lifetime grade average in English hovered around C+.
My first article took three weeks of daily editing before I thought it was ready.
And on occasion, I get stuck searching for a better word.
But that didn't stop me and neither should it stop you...
If you've never had an article written about you or your topic, I encourage you to take that next step.
Even if you have trouble with adverbs and adjectives - you can hire a freelance writer to pen a few articles for you.
It's really that simple.
Five reasons you should publish articles now: 1) Third-party endorsement.
When prospects, consumers, or future business partners read your article in Business Week (or any established journal, association newsletter or industry rag), it gives you an incredible boost of credibility.
It's almost as if Business Week is giving you their stamp of approval.
Besides creating an instant buzz, interested parties will take further steps to find out more about you and how you can help them reach their goals.
2) Establish you as an expert.
Your article can quickly set you apart as the definitive expert in your field.
In most cases, it will likely distinguish you far above your peers.
People will feel they know you better after reading about you.
And an initial degree of trust is established before you ever shake hands.
3) Promoting you.
Article reprints are a great way to market you, your products and your programs.
Sending a reprint with your story is hands down more effective than sending a brochure.
Make sure interested parties have easy access to you by including your contact information.
4) Multi-purpose weapon.
The content in your articles can be repackaged into your other marketing campaigns and information products.
It can be reused in editorial ads, sales letters, pamphlets, special reports and downloadable PDF files.
Or they can be copied and pasted together into an e-book that you sell on your website, in joint venture e-mail blitzes, or as a special collaboration with other authors.
5) Instant notoriety.
Whether your article appears in a national syndication, a local business journal, or online columns - you get to state that in your promotions.
Imagine if the homepage or media section of your website had a link that stated, "As seen on USA Today!" Or how about, "Reprinted from Home Depot's Helpful Hints.
" Wouldn't that create an instant buzz that compels people to find out more? Articles pave the way for interested parties to feel you out.
They give readers an opportunity to know you.
And it's undoubtedly more effective than blurting, "Here's my business card.
"