Article writing is one popular method Internet Marketers use to promote websites or products. There are many different experts who suggest using this method to be highly effective, easy and inexpensive technique to adopt, especially for those working on a small budget.
In theory, a well distributed article will create tremendous exposure when published to various Ezines, newsletters blogs etc. If the writer's articles are of sufficiently high quality the author will be seen as an expert and their sites will gain authority from back links and resulting traffic.
Opinions vary on the best approach to use when creating articles. Some authors, experienced in this kind of marketing, suggest that creating articles that stir controversy is a good strategy. This however is a point with which others take exception.
It is sometimes recommended that by adopting a controversial writing the author can become more visible and creates buzz. Obviously this would then stir interest and perhaps generate traffic to a site. However using such an approach can also have a downside, which should be carefully considered.
Newspapers and magazine thrive on articles about topics which are current, newsworthy and of interest to their readers. Using articles as part of a marketing campaign is not the same as writing as a journalist, a reporter or even a blogger; it is a type of advertising.
The saying, there are two sides to every coin" is apt when it comes to controversial subjects. If an author creates a piece which is seen to be unfairly biased towards a particular point of view it may so alienate those with the opposite view that it will do more harm to a marketing program than good.
Further to that point, publishers might be reluctant to pick up articles which might offend some of their readers. Worse still, such articles might create a negative reputation for the writer which would impact their ability to get published in the future.
Some subjects might in fact have different aspects which can't be easily confined to a single point of view. By nature topics such as these might be more controversial than others and writing about them requires skill and a keen eye for balance and fairness.
Writing to be controversial is not a good idea as an article marketing strategy. However, writing about a controversial subject is not always a bad thing when certain caveats are observed. Bear in mind that readers will have their own opinions about your topic. The objective of such an article should be to inform not to confront or convert. Write about the nature of the conflicts or differences as a means of offering readers information that makes the issues clear.
The secret to an effective article writing program is no real secret at all. Write effective compelling, entertaining or enlightening pieces that provide readers with valuable and useful information.
If there are several opinions, points of view of ideas which the readers should consider, offer them in a fair balanced manner. Writers need to apply care and judicious use of the tools of their craft to create work that informs rather than inflames.
Many authors openly declare personal preferences or biases so as to prevent accusations of having a hidden agenda. They will also clearly point out where there are conflicts or differences of opinion among experts or as noted in the media on a given topic. This approach could be dubbed writing about controversy and not to cause it.
If you wish to take a strong position on something there are various other forums where one can express opinion and write with inspired passion. When writing specifically for the purpose of promoting a marketing campaign keep in mind the objectives of the piece and the intended reader.
Marvin Double is an experienced author who writes about internet marketing, e-commerce blogging and a variety of related and unrelated topics of interest. He brings over 30 years experience as a business entrepreneur off line to the internet marketing community. For additional articles or resources for internet marketers please visit http://www.monkeezemarketing.blogspot.com
