Writing articles and submitting them to free article directories is one of the most effective methods for promoting any business. By writing articles you can:

* brand yourself as an expert,
* advertise for free through your resource box (found at the bottom of the article),
* boost sales and increase profits,
* promote affiliate programs,
* boost your page rank and
* get more traffic to your website.

Follow these tips if you want to turn your words into traffic.

First Paragraph
In the first paragraph, you should explain what the article is all about. Make sure the information is clear and you should offer a solution to a problem. You can use shocking facts to engage your reader. In addition, the content should be interesting and it should inspire curiosity (so that the reader will want to read further). The first paragraph is very important and it should be unique. If your articles are too similar to other articles, people are not going to read them.


Use Short Paragraphs
It is important that you break up your text into paragraphs because it is easier to digest. A large unbroken block of text looks intimidating. Shorter paragraphs are easier to read. Use 4-5 sentences for each paragraph. You can also use subheads for each paragraph if you like.


Use The Active Voice
When writing articles you should try to use the active voice. Start sentences with action verbs, and cut out unnecessary wording. Avoid repeating points that you have already discussed. The active voice is easier to read and it engages the reader more effectively than the passive voice.

Provide Valuable Information
Always, always provide readers with valuable information. No one likes to read a boring article, and people don't like to read articles that contain information that they have read a million times before. Do research if you need to, and make sure you provide valuable insight and information that most people do not already know.


Proofread Carefully Before Publishing
You need to proofread your articles carefully before submitting them. Grammar mistakes look unprofessional and will annoy readers. Check for accurate spelling, punctuation and proper word choice. Make sure the facts you offer are accurate and check them if you need to.


Use Real Life Examples
Try to use use real-life examples where possible. For example, if you are writing an article about the benefits of purchasing a particular product, use brief success stories in the article. Stories engage the reader and create a strong image of the product.

Follow these tips and you'll soon be an article marketing expert.