When most of us hear “learn how to make money online” we’ve learned to run the other way. There are so many scams out there it’s easier to give up than get involved in yet one. But don’t give up yet! Writing articles is no longer about getting the latest stories into the latest editions of the local newspapers, all written by well paid reporters. Things have really changed now with the internet. You don’t need to be a big name pro to get your writings accepted and recognized. Writing is a now a marketing tool. Learning about external links and article marketing can help grow your business.

The internet provides a wide range of outlets for any level of writing talent. An “article” can mean anything from a blog, home pages for websites, entire website content, sales letters, and even real stories and articles for online publishers.

Essentially there are two ways to get noticed online writing articles. You can get paid, or you can do it for free. Each has pros and cons.

You can submit to sites that don’t pay you but they do give the opportunity to talk  about your services and your business; not in a salesy kind of way, but as a kind of expert  on the topic. At the end of your article you should place a link to your own website for the  readers to either get more information or turn into paying customers. This is where the payoff comes in article marketing.

For example, if you are a sports therapist you might want to write about how athletes can prevent injuries when working out. At the end of each article you should add your bio and a link to your website. Or You could write articles on how to make your own gift baskets and give readers ideas on how to decorate them and sell them. Of course, each article would have your bio talking about your company and it would have an external link to your website.

Also check out sites that do pay. They are usually a little less generous when it comes to giving you a byline or a link.

Not many people get rich writing. Even Edgar Allen Poe died a bitter penniless man. With article writing, it’s all about marketing yourself and your business. However, writing for the internet isn’t about getting rich writing, per se. It’s all about advertising what you have to offer. Try some viral marketing with your emails, too. Put a link at the bottom just like Hotmail has done for years, and direct readers to your site or at least your phone.

Are you a mortgage broker? Hair dresser? Computer repair tech? There’s nothing like adding a link on your emails with either special promotions or a link to your website. You will get customers!