How To Submit Articles: 7 Essential Html Resource Box Tips
Along with every article submission you make, you will also include a resource box. The resource box is the one spot where you can talk about yourself, your website and your business. It is also the one spot where you can link to your website. The resource box is the payoff for the author--that is the spot that will really benefit you if you craft your resource box carefully.
There can be all sorts of mystery about the dos and don'ts having to do with resource boxes, but this article will set you straight on a number of things you may be wondering:
1 - What sorts of information should I include in my resource box? Is it alright just to include a link?
Every resource box (aka author bio) that you write should contain some biographical information. Tell your name and tell why you should be regarded as an authority on your topic.
Also, it's crucial that you give the reader a reason to visit your website. What do you have to offer him there? A free e-book? The opportunity to sign up for your newsletter? A coupon to use at your shop?
You need to offer some incentive for the reader to click the link going to your website, as that will increase your website traffic. If you just include a link without any biographical information or reason to visit your website, you will be missing out on traffic coming directly from your articles. There are also some publishers who will automatically decline an article that has a resource box with just a link in it.
2 - Can you make your author bio box eye catching by including colored fonts and italics and such?
No, the only HTML code that you will use in the resource box is to create links. The resource box does not need colored text or anything fancy--let the content of your resource box be what catches the reader's attention.
3 - Do I have to know HTML code to create a resource box?
At most article directories, if you type your full URL in, it will automatically form a link. Also, on most directories you don't need to actually know how to write HTML code to create an author bio that has linked anchor text.
4 - How many keywords am I supposed to have for my resource boxes? Is it okay to have just one and to use it for each article submission?
Don't use the same keyword phrase in your author bio every time. Have a list of about 10 keywords that you would like your site to rank for, and alternate using them in your article submissions.
5 - What do you mean by "anchor text"? Is there any criteria for the sorts of words you should use as anchor text?
Anchor text refers to the words that are linked to your website. If you look at a resource box and you see words that are underlined and clickable, then you know that those words are the anchor text.
Be sure that the words you use as anchor text are search terms that your potential customers would be typing into Google to reach a site such as yours. Remember, these customers don't know who you are or the name of your business, but they will be doing more general searches.
For example, if you own a florist shop in London, then one of your keywords might be "flowers in London". You would not use your business name as one of your keywords--go for the more general terms that people who don't know you are typing into Google to reach sites like yours.
You should limit your anchor text to 3 words, as some directories will decline articles that have more than 3 words in the anchor text.
6 - I sometimes see people linking the words "click here". Is there any benefit to that?
The words you should be linking are keywords associated with your website. It doesn't help to use words like "Click here" as anchor text.
7 - On what occasions should I include my written out URL?
You can include your written out URL in any resource box you create. Even if you're also linking anchor text, it is still helpful to include the written out URL. Being able to see the full website address helps the website address stick in the reader's mind. That way your reader will be able to easily get to your website after your article is no longer in front of him.
The resource box is worth the time you spend on it. Rather than thinking of it as just a requirement that publishers have, think of your resource box as your greatest ally. It can help you make connections with your readers. It can help establish you as an expert in your niche. It can help convince your readers to visit your website. It can help sell your products or services. The resource box may be relatively small compared to your article, but it can pack a powerful punch if you construct it wisely.
There can be all sorts of mystery about the dos and don'ts having to do with resource boxes, but this article will set you straight on a number of things you may be wondering:
1 - What sorts of information should I include in my resource box? Is it alright just to include a link?
Every resource box (aka author bio) that you write should contain some biographical information. Tell your name and tell why you should be regarded as an authority on your topic.
Also, it's crucial that you give the reader a reason to visit your website. What do you have to offer him there? A free e-book? The opportunity to sign up for your newsletter? A coupon to use at your shop?
You need to offer some incentive for the reader to click the link going to your website, as that will increase your website traffic. If you just include a link without any biographical information or reason to visit your website, you will be missing out on traffic coming directly from your articles. There are also some publishers who will automatically decline an article that has a resource box with just a link in it.
2 - Can you make your author bio box eye catching by including colored fonts and italics and such?
No, the only HTML code that you will use in the resource box is to create links. The resource box does not need colored text or anything fancy--let the content of your resource box be what catches the reader's attention.
3 - Do I have to know HTML code to create a resource box?
At most article directories, if you type your full URL in, it will automatically form a link. Also, on most directories you don't need to actually know how to write HTML code to create an author bio that has linked anchor text.
4 - How many keywords am I supposed to have for my resource boxes? Is it okay to have just one and to use it for each article submission?
Don't use the same keyword phrase in your author bio every time. Have a list of about 10 keywords that you would like your site to rank for, and alternate using them in your article submissions.
5 - What do you mean by "anchor text"? Is there any criteria for the sorts of words you should use as anchor text?
Anchor text refers to the words that are linked to your website. If you look at a resource box and you see words that are underlined and clickable, then you know that those words are the anchor text.
Be sure that the words you use as anchor text are search terms that your potential customers would be typing into Google to reach a site such as yours. Remember, these customers don't know who you are or the name of your business, but they will be doing more general searches.
For example, if you own a florist shop in London, then one of your keywords might be "flowers in London". You would not use your business name as one of your keywords--go for the more general terms that people who don't know you are typing into Google to reach sites like yours.
You should limit your anchor text to 3 words, as some directories will decline articles that have more than 3 words in the anchor text.
6 - I sometimes see people linking the words "click here". Is there any benefit to that?
The words you should be linking are keywords associated with your website. It doesn't help to use words like "Click here" as anchor text.
7 - On what occasions should I include my written out URL?
You can include your written out URL in any resource box you create. Even if you're also linking anchor text, it is still helpful to include the written out URL. Being able to see the full website address helps the website address stick in the reader's mind. That way your reader will be able to easily get to your website after your article is no longer in front of him.
The resource box is worth the time you spend on it. Rather than thinking of it as just a requirement that publishers have, think of your resource box as your greatest ally. It can help you make connections with your readers. It can help establish you as an expert in your niche. It can help convince your readers to visit your website. It can help sell your products or services. The resource box may be relatively small compared to your article, but it can pack a powerful punch if you construct it wisely.
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