by Kathleen Gage The Street Smarts Speaker and Author

Something I specialize in is teaching clients and prospective clients how to gain visibility and credibility on the Internet by way of no-cost and low cost strategies. When done right the visibility can lead to increased revenues.

One of the most effective methods to accomplish this is through online distribution of articles specific to one’s market. At the end of the article is an offer for a high value information product such as an eBook, white paper, report or tips list. There is no cost or obligation to download the information product other than leaving a name and email address.

I have been using this method for years with great success, as have many of my clients and colleagues. There is no doubt in my mind that article distribution works to build a responsive, opt-in database regardless of industry or market.

Recently, I received a heated email from someone on my opt-in subscriber list claiming article distribution for visibility, credibility and increased revenues absolutely does not work. The writer was very upset and claimed she has tried this strategy with no success at all. She went on to say many of her friends and colleagues have had similar results as her.

What I found interesting is that the woman who sent the message claiming my recommendations don’t work actually got on my list by the very method she said didn’t work. She read an article and responded to a free offer for an eBook that was mentioned at the end of the article. The offer was placed in what is referred to as a resource box.

When someone takes advantage of the free offer in the resource box their name and email address automatically goes into a backend database. From that point on they receive periodic tips on how to market effectively on the Internet.

My purpose in providing the tips is to inform my readers on how to build visibility and credibility within their market as well as specific strategies to increase their revenues. With every tip they receive I am increasing my credibility and trust level with my readers. At any time the reader is free to opt-out of my list.

Again, the strategy of writing and distributing articles to online directories is one of the most effective ways to build a targeted opt-in subscriber list. Over time this list can generate substantial revenues by way of other offers the reader receives.

The writer of the message wrote, "I personally don't know anyone who has gotten increased business from this tactic and none of my clients have either. Who is getting more business from this and what are they doing differently?"

A primary reason article distribution does not work is because key elements are missing. It is not just a matter of slapping together something and hoping for the best. You must be very strategic in how you implement this strategy. There are several elements involved that determine if you will be successful.

- How well written is the article and is it specific to a market?
- Do you have a title that grabs people’s attention?
- Do you have a resource box at the end of the article?
- Is there a compelling offer you are making in the resource box that would encourage the reader to visit your website, blog or a landing page?

- Is your website set up to optimize those people who will visit your website with a visible opt-in opportunity that is of high value to the visitor?
- What is your follow up plan to market to the people who visited your site and opted into your database?
- Are you creating high value to those who receive messages from you?
-Are you a resource before you are a vendor?

I often find that when one of these elements is not in place article writing and distribution can be completely ineffective. I also find that because we live in an instant gratification society many people are impatient and don’t put effective systems in place, nor do they view the process in the long term of building their business and increasing their revenues.

Do not expect to immediately increase your revenues simply because you post an article. This should be a part of your overall marketing strategy.  It is in the building of an opt-in database and creating ongoing value for the reader that some readers turn into buyers.

Increasing your market reach, credibility and revenues with article distributions can be like baking a cake. If you don't have all the right ingredients in the correct order you could have a total flop on your hands. On the other hand, when your systems are in place you can be extremely successful and have a very tasty outcome.

Kathleen Gage, The Street Smarts Marketer™, is an Internet marketing advisor who works with spiritually aware speakers, authors, coaches and consultants who are ready to turn the knowledge into money-making products and services. Visit http://www.kathleengage.com for free resources to build your online presence and credibility. 

NOTE: You may publish this article for your magazine, trade journal, newspapers, business journals, website and/or Ezine provided you keep it in its original form and include the resource box at the end.