Why Submitting Articles Gnaws at You Like an Unsent Thank-You Note

Writing and Submitting Articles is More about Psychology than Writing Skill

I've discovered that even when a person understands the benefits from writing and submitting articles, there's seldom a snowball's chance in h*ll that they'll do it. Psychologists have a word for it - it's called resistance.

The mind may know, even agree. But for most people a negative mental loop gets in the way of actually writing. People have long-practiced justifications why they can't write. Writing seems to be filed in the same part of the brain as high school term papers or things you'd rather avoid. So there's a major disconnect with article marketing. "I know I should, but..."

It's like back when you were a kid, and never got around to writing Aunt Sylvia to thank her for the ugly sweater. Thoughts about the sweater or Aunt Sylvia brought a flicker of guilt - which faded in time. But without creating the urge to write the long-avoided note. That mentality is alive and well.

Recognize Your Mental Resistance as Self-Defeating

Though I spend more time writing and submitting articles than most, some days it's a struggle. And numerous conversations with business owners who want to build site traffic show they don't comprehend the value of article marketing either. But acting like the issue is writing skill ignores the mind games going on.

Even though I've written books and articles for pay, the first articles I wrote for the Internet were horror stories. I'd "sweat bullets" and fiddle with them for weeks.

Finally my son, the journalist, said. "Mom, you're trying to pack everything you know into one article. Stop it! Just give them a sample of what you know that's helpful and new. Then write another one." Let me offer you the same advice. Just start.

Favorite Excuses - Any of them Yours?

1. I'm too busy and don't have the time
Which really means its not a priority. Everyone's too busy, doing what they consider most important. Writing almost never passes that test - even if you're good at it. Instead of making a big deal of it, make a very small deal of it. Write down something; anything. Don't criticize your efforts. The challenge isn't about what's written, but about not being buffaloed by the undertaking. Set your standard low - a paragraph or two. And keep at it - a crumb at a time. Learn to make it shine in the re-write.

2. I'm not a writer - I can't write
What special skills do you have that people want to know? If you've mastered your field or deal with customers, you've gained specific expertise. You help people make decisions. Answer their concerns. Certain problems come up time and again. And you know how to handle them-can explain them in your sleep. That makes you a natural to write how-to articles. Or checklists. Or tell a success story readers can learn from. In-depth "here's what to do" articles are always in demand. Don't be afraid of being too specific. Just steer clear of jargon.

3. Assorted Objections

- It takes too long, too much work

- I wouldn't know what to do with them, once they're written

- I can't face another learning curve

- I only have local clients, or no website

- I'm not sure it works

Solutions for such objections can be easily found - if you want to move past excuses. Hundreds of in-depth articles are yours for the reading at Article Marketing Academy, http://www.promotewitharticles.com You'll find that once you've started it gets easier. And your articles get better. Best of all you're not fooling yourself about whether you could.

Do Not Write Articles for the Wrong Reason

Steer clear of these motivations. Too many articles are simply recycled information, served up without much food value. Those aren't worth reading - or writing. No one is fooled when the article is a thinly-disguised promo piece that wastes the reader's time. Equally bad are keyword packed articles written only for search-engine ratings.

To quote Christopher Knight's ezinearticles.com blog (the 800# gorilla of article sites), "One class lower than SEO Authors, in terms of sophistication, is the new breed of what I call: "PR Article Authors". These are PR (Public Relations) drones who think they can just submit a press release as if it were an educational and informative article."

There's an etiquette of what's proper as well as a learning curve. But the rewards are worth the effort. And you're building a new mental muscle. Just write a few articles and see what happens. You've got nothing to lose but your excuses.

Copyright 2005 Off the Page

--Dr. Lynella Grant Consultant and Author - Promote yourself, business, website, or book with online articles http://www.promotewitharticles.com Free how-to. Or let me write and submit your articles online for you. No learning curves (719)395-9450

---

How To Get Qualified Visitors to Your Site

Having an eBusiness isn't just about getting gobs of people... Read More

Internet Marketing Online: 10 Flaming Hot Ways To Fire-up Your Sales

Why do some websites sell more than others?Why are some... Read More

I Hate Asking for Referrals! ? 6 Proven Methods for Getting a Flood of Referrals Without Asking

Yes, I admit it - I hate asking for referrals... Read More

What Are 7 Psychological Triggers That Make People Buy?

Did you know that there are seven psychological techniques that... Read More

No-Holds-Barred Conversations with Dan Lok - Part 2

Question: How to deal with ultra skeptical offline or be... Read More

Create Your Own Online Marketing TV Station

It will happen! TV and the Internet will eventually merge... Read More

How to Profit From Your Ad Space in this Economic Downturn

Recent research predicts that the online ad market will decline... Read More

Are You Utilizing a 5-Point Prospecting System?

If not, you may be losing out on some very... Read More

Can You Really Make Money While You Sleep?

If you've been utilizing the Internet for any length of... Read More

Why Have An Internet Marketing Business?

"The Internet Gold Rush is under way" Bill Gates, chairman... Read More

Top 10 Marketing Tips for Newbie To Start

Looking for some tips on being a newbie in the... Read More

Truth and Lies

How low can one get? The number of encounters I... Read More

Twenty Ways To Profits Online

1. Offer to write exclusive articles (that means you only... Read More

Physical and Mental Fitness for Internet Marketers

As you may have already read in our article "Health... Read More

Being Part Of Groups

There are many different ways to have fun and socialize... Read More

Marketing Using Minisites

When it comes to making money online, there are a... Read More

Internet Promotion - Advantages and Disadvantages

The emergence of globalise trade, increase in foreign investment and... Read More

Internet Marketing Guide

If you are considering launching a website for your business... Read More

Internet Marketing is Changing Right Before Your Eyes!

There's no doubt about it . . .Big changes are... Read More

Sales Marketing: Ten Magnificent Marketing Ideas To Amplify Your Business

You can magnify and expand your business if you have... Read More

The New State Of The Art Method For Making Money With Joint Ventures

If you are anything like me, you spend a lot... Read More

How To Make A Lot Of Money On The Internet Doing Nothing

"You can make a lot of money on the Internet... Read More

Limited Time Offers ? Time Limits That Will Improve Your Sales

Using limited time offers can spark a feeding frenzy that... Read More

What is Pay Per Call? How does it work?

Pay Per Call is the next wave of advertising on... Read More

Creative Offline Website Marketing Techniques

Although the vast majority of website traffic is the direct... Read More

The Most Profitable Internet Marketing Strategy Ever

So what's the most profitable internet marketing strategy you can... Read More

Generating Sales with Lead Generation and Online Marketing Tools

One of the best projects to undertake as an online... Read More

Future for Internet Marketers

Have you ever attended a class where the instructor followed... Read More

How to Hit the Target for Your Internet Marketing Through 5 Self Help Questions

Recently, I stumbled upon a simple way to hit the... Read More

9 Pointers for Evaluating a Business Proposal

Finding a business opportunity on the net is easy. But... Read More

3 Simple Steps To Get Free Original Content for Your Website

As a web business owner you will be well aware... Read More

Website Sales: 10 Magical Awesome Tactics To Multiply Your Orders

Do you want to open the floodgate of orders at... Read More

Networked Markets Are Democratic, Structured Markets Are Republican

Today I was checking out Michelle's A Small Victory. There... Read More