by Marige O'Brien, 1/13/2006
5. PICs OF YOU
Some submission sites ask for a photograph of the author. Though many people shy away from cameras, this is an additional security measure against plagarism, especially if the photo is included with each article. So consider keeping a relatively recent photo on file on your computer. Most that do ask for this require that the photo be a relatively small file, so keep it simple.
6. AFFILIATE MARKETING OR BIZ OPPS?
Choosing the right category during the submission process is another key ingredient to success. Most newsletter editors only skim through the categories pertinent to their area of interest. If a submission site has no relevant categories, skip it and go on.
7. EMAIL INCLUDED?
Until recently, including a professional email address in the byline would be advised. However, with the increase of email address security issues, this is becoming less common. If using an email address at all, use one that is not directly associated with a privately owned website.
8. ORGANIZATION EQUALS EFFICIENCY
The first, crueling session of article submission (with the emphasis on "mission") can be daunting to a budding enewsletter author. However, if the time is spent wisely, it can be an investment that will pay for itself with each subsequent article. When submitting to sites, create a folder in the "Favorites" or "Bookmarks" portion of your browser. For each successful submission, remember to add the link for that site to your folder. Also, edit each one, putting the username for that site and password in the link so that, when clicked on it, it also has this information available. And, to save steps later, be sure the link goes to the sign-in page (for those requiring membership) or directly to the submission site (for those without). Once this system is in place, and the article includes all necessary items, the whole process should only take a short time.
9. BYLINE DO'S AND DON'T's
DO: Adjust your byline according to the article and promotion. For instance, though my main work is now internet marketing, I've also worked extensively as a crafter. If I decided to write an article about crafting, I would revise it to include that information. Also, since I represent several different companies, I choose the company most closely related to the subject. Turning that thinking around, one could also write articles that would specifically promote different sites.
DON'T: If A submission site does not allow HTML in the byline, do NOT USE it. Type the URL in its entirety. Some sites simply don't have the technology to support HTML. There are also several free services that will provide short urls or URL scramblers, if there is any concern about security.
DON'T: include more URLs than allowed. Some sites do not specifically state a limit, but most do not want to more than two or three.
DO: As an added security measure against plagarism, always put your initials right at the end of the article, as I do, below. This is an old offline writing habit, which was typically used in newspaper work to identify to the typesetter which articles belonged to which authors. Online, it prevents the plagarist from copy/pasting the text without being detected.
Finally, and above all, respect whatever rules or requirements each submission site has, for your own sake as well as theirs. Remember, as more and more people learn the value of article marketing, competition will continue to increase. So, as you submit regularly to sites and they come to count on you for good, professionally submitted content, they will appreciate you and your efforts.
Please note: the following 'About the author' box is written by the article author and its inclusion is a condition of putting the article on this website. It does not represent the views of Homepages Online.
About the author
Marige OBrien works as a writer, web designer and Internet Marketer.
Visit her Website, Tracker Mo's Denand her new list of article submission sites.