The Ultimate Guide to Article Submission for SEO Success
What is Article Submission?
Article submission, also known as article syndication or article marketing, is the process of writing articles and submitting them to various online platforms such as article directories, websites, blogs, and online magazines. The goal is to increase visibility for a website or business, generate high-quality backlinks, drive referral traffic, and establish thought leadership within an industry.
According to the Oxford Dictionary, article submission is defined as "the act of sending an article to a magazine or website in the hope that it will be published." However, in the context of search engine optimization (SEO), article submission goes beyond simply hoping for publication. It involves strategically crafting content and selecting relevant platforms to maximize the SEO benefits for a website.
The Evolution of Article Submission
Article submission as an SEO tactic has evolved significantly over the years. In the early days of SEO, article submission was often used as a means of generating large quantities of low-quality backlinks. Marketers would create short, keyword-stuffed articles and submit them to hundreds of article directories, regardless of the relevance or quality of the content.
However, as search engines like Google became more sophisticated, they began to prioritize high-quality, relevant content over sheer quantity of backlinks. The Panda update, first released in 2011, specifically targeted low-quality content and websites, penalizing those that engaged in manipulative tactics like mass article submission.
Today, article submission is still a viable SEO strategy, but the focus has shifted to creating valuable, informative content and submitting it to reputable platforms. Rather than submitting to any and every directory, marketers now carefully select platforms that align with their industry and target audience. The goal is no longer to generate as many backlinks as possible, but rather to earn high-quality, relevant backlinks from authoritative sources.
Benefits of Article Submission for SEO
When done correctly, article submission can offer numerous benefits for SEO, including:
1. Increased Visibility and Brand Awareness
By submitting articles to various platforms, businesses can increase their online presence and reach a wider audience. This is particularly valuable for newer websites or those struggling to gain traction in search engine results pages (SERPs). According to a study by BrightEdge, organic search drives 53% of website traffic, making increased visibility a crucial goal for any SEO strategy.
2. High-Quality Backlinks
Backlinks are a key factor in SEO, as they signal to search engines that other websites find your content valuable and relevant. However, not all backlinks are created equal. Low-quality, irrelevant backlinks can actually harm your SEO efforts. Article submission allows you to earn high-quality backlinks from reputable sources, which can improve your website‘s authority and search engine rankings.
3. Referral Traffic
In addition to boosting SEO, article submission can also drive referral traffic to your website. When readers find your article on a directory or blog, they may click through to your website to learn more about your business or services. This can lead to increased brand awareness, engagement, and even conversions.
4. Thought Leadership and Credibility
By consistently submitting high-quality, informative articles, businesses can establish themselves as thought leaders within their industry. This can help to build trust and credibility with potential customers, as well as improve the overall perception of your brand. According to a study by Edelman, 63% of consumers trust technical experts, making thought leadership a valuable asset for any business.
Types of Article Submission Platforms
There are several types of platforms where businesses can submit articles, each with its own unique benefits and considerations.
1. Article Directories
Article directories are websites that allow users to submit articles on a variety of topics. Some popular examples include EzineArticles, ArticlesBase, and Amazines. These platforms are often organized by category, making it easy for readers to find content relevant to their interests.
2. Guest Posting
Guest posting involves writing an article for another website or blog within your industry. This can be a highly effective way to reach a new audience, build relationships with other thought leaders, and earn high-quality backlinks. However, it‘s important to choose guest posting opportunities carefully, focusing on websites that align with your brand and offer value to your target audience.
3. Online Magazines and Publications
Many online magazines and publications accept article submissions from guest contributors. These platforms often have a larger, more engaged audience than article directories, making them a valuable opportunity for businesses looking to increase their visibility and credibility. Examples include Forbes, Entrepreneur, and The Huffington Post.
4. Industry-Specific Blogs and Websites
Submitting articles to blogs and websites within your specific industry can be a great way to reach a targeted audience and establish your business as a thought leader. For example, a marketing agency might submit articles to websites like Moz or Search Engine Journal, while a healthcare provider might focus on platforms like Health.com or WebMD.
Best Practices for Article Submission
To maximize the benefits of article submission for SEO, it‘s important to follow best practices for creating and promoting your content.
1. Create High-Quality, Original Content
The most important factor in successful article submission is the quality of your content. Your articles should be well-written, informative, and engaging, offering value to your target audience. Avoid duplicating content from your own website or other sources, as this can lead to penalties from search engines.
2. Optimize for Search Engines
While the primary focus of your articles should be providing value to readers, it‘s also important to optimize them for search engines. This includes incorporating relevant keywords naturally throughout the article, using header tags to structure your content, and including internal and external links where appropriate.
3. Follow Submission Guidelines
Each article submission platform will have its own guidelines for formatting, length, and content. Be sure to carefully review and follow these guidelines to increase the chances of your article being accepted and published.
4. Promote Your Published Articles
Once your article has been published, it‘s important to promote it to maximize its reach and impact. Share the article on your social media channels, include a link in your email newsletter, and consider reaching out to industry influencers or other websites for additional promotion.
Measuring the Impact of Article Submission
To determine the effectiveness of your article submission efforts, it‘s important to track key metrics over time. Some metrics to consider include:
- Referral traffic from the article submission platform
- Backlinks earned from the published article
- Search engine rankings for targeted keywords
- Engagement metrics such as shares, comments, and time on page
By regularly monitoring these metrics, businesses can gain insights into what types of articles and platforms are generating the best results, allowing them to refine their strategy over time.
Conclusion
Article submission can be a powerful tool for businesses looking to improve their SEO, increase visibility, and establish thought leadership within their industry. By creating high-quality content and strategically submitting it to relevant platforms, businesses can earn valuable backlinks, drive referral traffic, and build credibility with their target audience.
However, it‘s important to approach article submission with a focus on quality over quantity, and to stay up-to-date with best practices and guidelines to avoid potential penalties from search engines. With a well-planned and executed article submission strategy, businesses can achieve long-term SEO success and grow their online presence in the coming years.
