Virtual Assistant Forums | Work from Home

Tess · #1 (**permalink**) 12-15-2010

I have seen less and less article marketing activity in our industry over the last year or so. More specifically, I've noticed fewer articles from US-based and other 'western' VA companies, and more articles put out by overseas companies in India and Asia in general. I find this particularly interesting for a number of reasons and would be so curious to know what anyone else has to say about this.

We know that inbound links are great for SEO when they come from the right places, and that many article directories will rank much higher for search terms than say, a small VA website, so why have VAs stopped submitting articles?

Is it because we're favoring posting the content to our own sites and blogs?

It's an interesting trend, but doesn't bode very well in terms of evangelizing our profession when the majority of new articles popping up direct PCs to an offshore company's website.

Any thoughts?

Your Virtual Wizard · #2 (**permalink**) 12-15-2010

Hi Tess,

Yes, I believe that favoring posts on our own sites and blogs would be the reason why article marketing among US VAs is in the decline.

I also believe that the results of posting on a blog or social media site are known immediately whereas the back-links in an article do not always reap those immediate rewards.

I also feel that the Indian and Asian VA markets are article marketing with greater frequency because they CAN. Whereas, creating a Facebook business page, for example to create relationships with US or Western-based companies [and US-based VAs] through social media is more difficult to infiltrate (at this time).

Google searches; where site ranks and SEO is important, have no borders but social media IMO is still quite contained unless one reaches out to FB users in other countries.

Interesting topic, Tess!

Janine

virtual writing · #3 (**permalink**) 12-18-2010

Wow, what a fabulous response, Janine. I think you may be correct on every point!

And great question, Tess. Makes me think I should get going and submit some new articles. I do it often enough for clients, and it pays off well for them.

Okay, Tess, I'll consider this my challenge for 2011.

Tess · #4 (**permalink**) 12-26-2010

Thanks to both of you for your feedback - I think articles can still be a powerful marketing tool *especially* when you consider the numerous poor quality articles on the Virtual Assistant Industry that are being published out there right now.

I also think articles can be a very effective way to position ones self as an expert in a particular niche/industry... especially if you're able to place your articles on related industry sites [not necessarily just the generic article directories].

DianaEnnen · #5 (**permalink**) 01-13-2011

Hi Tess

Good points to consider! I really agree too, I have noticed less articles. I'd love to see that change.

I know I absolutely love article marketing and I really see the benefits and results when I send out articles for me and my clients.

I think what's happening with VAs is the time fractor. More and more are spending time on social networks, facebook, twitter, etc., and not having that extra time to write articles. I know that happens to me too.

One of the things that has helped me write more articles was partnering up with someone. It makes it so much easier and we hold each other more accountable. Plus I tried to write more series of articles.

Thanks!

TargetStars · #6 (**permalink**) 01-13-2011

I think the decline in articles can also be attributed to blogging and vlogging. It is often times easier to produce content for your own site because you don't have to go through the hassle of entering information for the article directories. When you have a blog you can immediately post or record your thoughts.

In addition, many people are trying to build an audience for their own site and might feel that writing article marketing might be too time consuming for them (I completely realize that article marketing allows your work to be distributed to a wider audience, but others may not see the benefit).

bridiej · #7 (**permalink**) 01-13-2011

It's something I've just started doing and plan to do lots of over the course of this year.

My first one was published yesterday in fact: http://goarticles.com/article/How-to...mpany/4005883/

Is it worth submitting different articles to several different places or just stick with one? I'm thinking more in terms of backlinks...

DianaEnnen · #8 (**permalink**) 01-13-2011

Hi

Excellent article! Great job.

What I do is to send to mutliple good page ranking sites. Some of my favorite are EzineArticles.com, SelfGrowth.com, ArticleDashboard.com, ArticleBase.com. Isnare.com, etc. Go articles is definitely a good one too.

If you have a blog you might want to add it there too. Facebook, etc.

Good luck! Hope you get lots of exposure with it.

Thanks!

bridiej · #9 (**permalink**) 01-13-2011

Thanks for the tip Diana

will do

executive_assist · #10 (**permalink**) 01-14-2011

I have to admit I am guilty of letting my article marketing slip. I hadn't given thought to the back-links, even though I know how important they are. That being said, what article directories do you recommend?