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KARON: Pretty much same basic premise as ezine articles, except on paper. So… how are you doing with it?
STEVE: Every article that we have submitted has been used. That includes shorter one pagers up to a recent article that included 36 photos and ran about 4-1/2 pages... free, in national publications.
KARON: Super! So tell us what to look out for – do’s and don’ts.
STEVE: OK… here’s short list of secrets to success:
1. You must be able to do it well. The photos must be of good quality. The text must be well written and interesting and be able to tell a story. Study articles in magazine you wish to target - how are they put together? See if you can detect a formula for articles and follow it.
2. Have a good relationship with magazine editor. Don’t know editor? Then get to know him/her. Target a magazine in which you advertise. Call editor and mention that you have an article that you think they might find interesting. Or offer to donate product for one of their projects in exchange of ink (but don’t say that right up front).
3. Find out in what format they like to receive submissions. Are they still hard-copy photo and printed text, or are they digital and email? This can often be difficult and will vary by magazine.
4. The hardest part is to find time to do-it-yourself. It can seem like a risk with no guarantee of success. But our experience has shown it to be best form of advertising, both for low expense and high response.
5. Don’t be surprised if editor wants one of their writers to rework piece, even a little, so that they can take credit for writing whole article. Who cares as long as your company gets mentioned predominantly and/or listed as source (frequently at end of piece)?
KARON: Steve… I really appreciate you sharing your experiences with us. This is excellent information, and it opens a whole new window of advertising opportunity.
STEVE: Always a pleasure, Karon!
Most buying decisions are emotional. Your ad copy should be, too! Let Karon write targeted copy and ezine articles for you. Visit her site at http://www.ktamarketing.com, or learn to write your own copy at http://www.copywritingcourse.com. Don’t forget to subscribe to Karon’s free ezine! join-businessessentials@lyris1.listenvoy.com