How to Write Articles to Promote Your Business

By Stephanie Chandler

If you are skilled with the written word, you can write articles for publications in exchange for promotion of your service, product or website. Most magazines will allow you to include a brief author bio along with your website link. Even though you are not directly promoting your business in your article, readers will visit your site if they like what you have to say. Publishing articles also builds your credibility in your field and expands your exposure to a broad audience.

For example, a career coach could write articles about job hunting, effective interview skills, negotiating salaries, and dressing for success. A financial planner could write articles about retirement planning, investing in stocks, college funds, and rental property.

Trade magazines are an excellent place to start since they are often in need of writers. Consumer magazines can also be a source for your articles, although the popular magazines that you find on the checkout stands of grocery stores are the most difficult to break in to. It is best to start with smaller or regional publications.

Study magazine articles and learn how to craft an article with a flair that fits the publication you are targeting. Locate magazines that you believe your article will appeal to and find the contact information for the editor in the magazine’s masthead or website. Most websites offer writer’s guidelines where the editor will indicate whether she accepts submissions via e-mail or postal mail. Another great source for editorial contacts is an annual book called “Writer’s Market” by Kathryn S. Brogan and Robert Lee Brewer. This hefty volume lists hundreds of publications, their rules for submission, and who to contact.

There is a protocol to follow when contacting magazine editors. Editors expect to be approached with a query letter. Use the following rules to write your query:

*Use letterhead if you have it.

*Make sure it is a professional business letter and include your contact information.

*Address the letter to a specific person. Avoid “Dear Editor” as most find it offensive.

*Open with a description of the subject and explain why it is important. Be concise and give enough detail to make it convincing, without being too wordy.

*Explain your credentials.

*Close with a polite salutation.

*Most queries should be kept to one page.

*If you have written articles for other publications, include 2 or 3 photocopies with your submission. In the publishing world, these are called “clips”.

Here is a sample letter:

Dear Ms. Jones,  

When job hunting, many women need help with writing an effective resume. There are key elements in writing a resume that many forget to employ. A resume should be:

*Chronological.

*Written without spelling or punctuation errors.

*Tailored to the position for which the person is applying.

*Proofread by several people.

I am a professional career coach and I have written a 1000-word article called “Resumes that Rock” that I am sending for your consideration. I hope you will agree that the readers of Women in the Workforce magazine will find this article useful.

Thank you for your time.  I look forward to hearing from you.

Best regards,

Edna Entrepreneur

Send copies of two or three previously published articles if you have them. Also, add a short author bio at the end of the article you are submitting. Most magazines that offer a byline will allow only one or two sentences about the author. Your bio should look something like this:

“Edna Entrepreneur is a career coach in Dayton, Ohio. Visit her website at www.xxxxx.com.”

Don’t overlook websites that accept article submissions. Many websites operate on a limited budget and appreciate articles written by experts. You can offer to swap articles with website owners and co-promote each other.  

There are also numerous content sites that allow you to post articles that others can reprint in their e-zines. Publishing articles on the Internet can bring your business valuable exposure. Check out the following websites:

www.ideamarketers.com

www.ezinearticles.com

www.articlecity.com

www.amazines.com

Additional Resources

If you are interested in learning more about freelance writing, visit these websites:

www.writersdigest.com

www.fundsforwriters.com

www.writersweekly.com

www.businessinfoguide.com/freelance.htm

Whether you write for print or online publications, you can expect to generate plenty of website traffic from your efforts. And the more articles you publish, the more your traffic and fan base will grow. You will also find that the quality of your articles will improve the more you write, so keep at it. This is an excellent opportunity for any business owner who enjoys writing.

About the Author:

Stephanie Chandler is a small business expert and the author of FROM ENTREPRENEUR TO INFOPRENEUR: MAKE MONEY WITH BOOKS, E-BOOKS AND INFORMATION PRODUCTS. She is the founder of www.BusinessInfoGuide.com, a directory of resources for entrepreneurs and www.ProPublishingServices.com, a custom writing business specializing in electronic newsletters, information marketing, and sales copy for websites and brochures.

*This article can be reprinted in full provided the author resource box is included with the publication.

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