The Pew Internet and American Life Project found that most Internet users (80%) expect that they'll be able to find reliable detailed information online. They will go online first when they need information. Internet users say it matters to them that businesses have a Web presence, even if they intend to make purchases locally.

Other studies have found Web is one of most trusted sources for making major purchases and decisions - second only to spouses for finding referrals. Your well-placed articles bring you to attention of people looking for what you have to say (wherever they are).

Get your article and message widely distributed and read

- Make it informative and useful An article is not a sales letter. Resist temptation to sell. That should be confined to signature (Sig, resource box) at end. That's where you provide a link back to your own site from every website posting your article.

- Make it interesting Net surfers are unforgiving. If you're boring they're gone. Flat articles won't enhance your reputation or credibility. Your title needs to be a zinger that pulls reader into topic. Most readers won't read more than that.

- Make it relevant to specific people Too many articles fail to connect because they're written too generally to hit anyone's "bulls eye." Attempting to speak to "everybody" results in not speaking directly to anybody. There's no substitute for knowing precisely who you're trying to connect with, so you can address their concerns.

- Make it as unique as you are If you have a distinctive or quotable viewpoint, let it shine. Expose your personality. A little wit or self- revelation is welcomed. And if you can sustain it across repeated articles, readers will search you out.

Better than shouting from rooftops Your posted articles provide your soapbox - as broad as Web. So make most of that exposure, and get you voice heard. Create a ripple of interest which you can continue to build on about yourself, your website, your book, etc. That's how reputations get made.

Discover everything you need at Article Marketing Academy, http://www.promotewitharticles.com to find in- depth how-to from experts. You, too can start finding yourself widely quoted in as little as a week. © 2004, Lynella Grant

You could use hype:

Announcing one and only software program you will ever need. This will not only revolutionize your business, it will give you time to enjoy life like you can't imagine! Buy it now before they're all gone. Don't be only guy on block doing things prehistoric way. Come into 21st century and get Accounting For Accountants while you still can!

As an accountant there never seemed to be enough time in day to attend to all tasks that demanded my attention. Not only that, programs I needed were very expensive and required hefty annual renewals. Well, I've developed a program that performs tasks that once required three programs to do. It's easy to use and doesn't require annual renewals. Best of all, it saves me time and we all know - time is money. Visit "Accounting4Accountants.com" for more information.

Use search engines. Search for your topic plus words "message board". If you've developed next best adjustable wrench since Vice Grip came on market, you may want to search for tools+message+board, mechanic+message+board, car+message+board... Think of who would use such a tool. Put yourself in your customer's mind and use same terminology would use. One other thing when searching, don't forget that people often misspell when they're searching. When people are looking for an adjustable wrench, more than a handful would search for "adjustible".

Have fun and relax. Posting on a lot of boards is time consuming and sometimes a little boring. Take your time with it. A good post will bring you customers, clients and visitors you're looking for at a cost we all love - FREE!