Attracting New Business Through Article Writing

How do you attract new business? A very popular method is writing and distributing online articles, which not only help you establish your online presence, but further cement your expertise within your field. However, it is not enough to simply publish an article with popular keywords. Your article must lure the reader away from similar articles in their search engine results and keep them fixated through the resource box, where they will be directed to your website.

1. Use a catchy title. Captivate the reader with an informative or exciting title. If you were choosing a link among the many Google search results, would you be more likely to read an article entitled “Advanced Golf” or “How to Golf Like a Pro in 4 Visits to the Links”?

2. Write as the expert. If you are the owner of an Interior Design business, do not write about computer motherboards or popular diets. Write about what you know: preferred fabrics for the bedroom or living room, new finishes of paint, current home decorating trends, or flooring alternatives.

3. Maximize the resource box. Unless you would like your article to read like sales copy, do not include any promotional information within the body of the article. Instead, utilize the resource box to its fullest potential. Include your name, company’s name, a brief statement regarding your expertise, and your contact information, including relevant URLs, email and phone numbers.

4. Issue a call to action. Motivate your potential client to action by providing a FREE estimate, newsletter, ebook, tips, or consultation. Your reader found your article due to a targeted internet search, but it is up to you to close the deal!

If writing articles is a part of your marketing plan, ensure that the articles that you write properly reveal the person behind the article, leading to new client relationships.

Virtually Yourz,
Dana Neuts

What is LinkedIn and why should I use it?

LinkedIn is one of many entries into the online networking market. At first glance, I was skeptical, wondering if this was a thinly veiled dating vehicle for hormonal teens (like some other networking sites to remain unnamed here). After a quick review of the site though, you discover that those dating-type features are absent. In its place is a very simple, easy to navigate system with minimal advertisements.

Instead of posting a photo album of your activities last Friday night, you are asked to provide the details of your education, career, and areas of expertise. The next step is to make connections with the people you already know in real life. The program has the capability to, with your permission, search your Outlook or web-based contact list looking for LinkedIn participants that you already know. Now here’s where it gets interesting: you can see the names and company names of every person connected to your colleagues. If you have been trying to do business with a certain company, but cannot find a way in, this allows you to ask for a warm introduction from someone already on the inside: your colleague.

As is the case with most online networking sites, or for that matter most in-person networking events, you get out of it what you put into it. In other words, if you take the time to create a quality, detailed profile and make an effort to make connections, you will gain more business traction from the site. And if you use the site regularly, your own name and company may rank higher in the results of online searches.

To set up a basic LinkedIn account at no charge, visit www.linkedin.com. To view a sample profile, check out mine here.

Virtually Yourz,
Dana Blozis