How can, and will, you compete?

If you want your offering to stand out, plug it into 5 "P's" formula ...

Purpose - Are you giving your target market what they want? Make sure that you provide fresh content, updates on newly released, related resources, etc., geared to specific needs and interests of your subscribers.

How do you find out what they are? Ask them (polls, respond requests)! You may also want to look at your industry's "heavy hitters". Subscribe to, and study, their offerings. Applying techniques that work for them can help you, as well.

Personality - You simply must develop your own style if you're going to succeed.

This is of extreme importance.

Lose hype, and interact with your subscribers as if you were talking to each one honestly, personally. This will help build a bond of trust, and aids self branding.

SL: Writing Internet articles is one of best promotional strategies used online. Not only will it provide you with massive free publicity, but it will also build your credibility and promote you as a trusted professional in your area of expertise.

MS: How long have you been writing Ezine Articles and what are main topics you write about?

SL: I've been writing articles for last four years and I write mainly about Internet marketing, Ecommerce, Web Design, and Web Development.

MS: Shelley, are Ezine Articles your principal web marketing technique?

SL: Yes, writing articles is my main marketing strategy, as I have found it to be highly effective.

MS: What sort of Articles have you had most success with? In your experience, what kind of Articles are most in demand?

SL: I have found that articles written to teach and inform are most in demand.

MS: Shelley, some Ezine Writers promote a product or service in their Resource Box, while others aim only to get a subscription to their free Newsletter. What would your advice be for getting maximum results from your Resource Box?

SL: I use a combination of both. I mention my product within my bylines, however, I concentrate more on gaining new subscribers. By obtaining my readers' email addresses, I will have opportunity to advertise my products over and over again. A long-term relationship with a subscriber is much more beneficial than trying to make a one-time sale.

MS: What have you found to be most effective ways of getting your Articles published?

SL: I use a combination of methods. The most effective method I use is an opt-in list. I enable my visitors to subscribe to my publishers list to receive new articles as soon as they're released. The second most powerful method I use is article announcement lists. Some additional methods include posting my articles on my website and submitting them to article directories.

MS: Apart from getting your Articles published in Newsletters, are there any other ways you use your Articles to promote your website? (such as turning them into a free E-Book)?