by Michelle Strait

Maybe you think article marketing is limited to submitting articles to online article directories. Or perhaps you think article marketing is just for internet marketers.

Well, guess what? You’re wrong on both counts. Article marketing includes online and offline methods of writing for promotional purposes.

To get your creative juices flowing, I’ve come up with 5 ways to promote your product or service for free – simply from writing articles.

1. Submit articles to article directories. This is a tried and true way to get free publicity (traffic) to your website. I recommend this method for new online business owners with no money to spend on paid methods.

Article marketing is easy to start, fun (if you enjoy writing), and simple.

It might not be as quick as some other methods, like paid advertising, but you can’t beat the cost. The only negative is that you have to write a steady stream of articles on your subject. I know from experience that this can lead to burnout.

Avoid burnout by taking a few days away from your subject or hiring someone to write a few articles for you. Do you enjoy a challenge? See how many different ways you can present the same article.

For example, can you turn your article about computer care into a tutorial? Then turn around and rewrite the same article in a question and answer format? Try and see how it goes.

2. Become a guest blogger. Plenty of blogs (including this one) welcome submissions. If you find a blog in your field that accepts guest posts, consider submitting a piece. As long as the blog links back to your site, it can be a good way to get free publicity.

3. Write for your local newspaper. Some newspapers allow readers to submit opinion pieces. Depending on what you’re promoting, this is an excellent way to get noticed. Like online article directories, newspapers usually provide a bio box at the end of the opinion piece.

4. Write an article for a trade magazine or journal. There’s a trade magazine or journal for just about any subject.  I know this works because I wrote an article for Writer’s Digest that resulted in more traffic and writing assignments.

Getting an article published in a trade journal or magazine is often easier than writing for a big-time glossy magazine. New writers are often encouraged to submit because the competition isn’t as fierce.

Get yourself a copy of Writer’s Market and search the trade magazine section. You just might find a goldmine.

5. Write a press release. I’ve had moderate success with press releases, but some people get great results. The key to writing a successful press release is making sure it’s not too promotional. In other words, you have to let the reader know what’s in it for them. Let people know what’s special about your news and why they should care.

A press release that’s nothing more than a pat on the back probably won’t get a good response.

That’s it. That’s my list. What’s on your list? Leave a comment and let everyone know. You might provide the perfect answer for someone.

Please share this post because someone might find it useful.

Get a copy of the Writer’s Market and find a publication that fits your area of expertise.