That leaves one extremely effective form of online advertising that is in fact free. This is free articles posted at various targeted high traffic web sites.

The net is full of experts and many of them have been quoted as saying that articles alone are not enough to generate sort of traffic that brings success. My advice is that people should not be too quick to comment on and pass sweeping judgment on subjects that they have only had brief experiences in. As you read this there are an increasing number of online entrepreneurs making serious money online using only articles as their marketing tool. Including writer of this particular article.

The other thing that has caused many to doubt effectiveness of articles is fact that they are free. Free but effective? Does it not sound too good to be true?

Actually although using articles as a marketing tool is free, you will be required to spend time putting in lots of hard work consistently, to really reap rewards. So there is a price to pay after all, although it is not in form of hard cash.

In fact in many cases, used skillfully, articles can be much more effective than web sites in generating quality leads. Here’s how.

(.....to be continued - see Part II of this article.)

7. People seek you out with requests and opportunities When they need services/products related to your savvy, who will they think of?

8. Search engine listings make you easy to find Before writing articles, Google showed 100+ references to my name. Now it’s more than 1200 and growing - just from articles. 9. Readers trust you because you’ve helped them Sharing your knowledge without hype or manipulation builds credibility - prerequisite for any transaction.

10. You needn’t be a great writer, just a well-informed one Offer specific tips, top-10 lists, how-I-solved-it stories.

THE FORTUNE PART

11. Marketing is about standing out, and article authors stand out Sharpen your competitive advantage as a recognized known quantity in a very large pond.

12. Every article posted mentions your website in signature box at end These result in greater Page Rank (Google’s measure of site popularity), links, and higher search engine ratings. Let search engines send business your way.

13. "Own" search terms and keywords where you shine Write repeated articles around a specific theme.

14. Search engines love content - and reward it Articles provide keyword-rich content for your website and other related sites.

15. Articles increase your website traffic

16. Enhanced credibility lets you sell more products/services

17. Become sought as a Joint Venture insider Your articles appear among well-known authorities, so you’re invited to participate in additional profit-making activities.

18. Develop a massive list of places that accept and publish your articles The momentum and benefits build over time.

19. Articles remain posted online a long, and keep on working Unlike ads, there’s no cost to post articles. And people trust them more.

20. You keep getting better and better Your writing, promotional know-how, and professional skills grow, longer you use them. That enhances your respect in your field. Reap Rewards for Long Term

Articles boost your professional identity - online and off. Think beyond a single article to a series that reinforces all your marketing efforts http://www.promotewitharticles.com/strategy100.html

Don’t you deserve fame and fortune that posted articles can bring your way? Start writing. Keep posting them far and wide. And stay alert for fame and fortune. ©Lynella Grant, 2005