As with anything we do it is very helpful to determine purpose before simply jumping into the process of creation. Article writing is no different.
How do articles fit into your overall sales and marketing strategy? Are you using them strictly to build credibility or will you go beyond this?
Some of the best uses for articles are to drive traffic to your blog or a landing page. From there, you are in a great position to invite visitors to opt-in to your subscriber list.
In order for to get the most from your efforts develop a strong resource box. Rather than the resource box being all about you think in terms of the reader – WIIFT (what’s in it for them)
For example, one that has created a great many opt ins for me is this.
“3 Simple Steps to Begin Making Money Online Right Now! FREE online course from Kathleen Gage. Kathleen works with spiritually aware speakers, authors, coaches and consultants who are ready to turn their knowledge into money making products and services. http://www.streetsmartsmarketing.com/3simple.htm”
Put thought into your resource box in order to fully optimize what you are doing. The clearer you are the better.
I use my articles as a way to introduce those who are not familiar with my work a low risk way to learn more. From there, I can continue to build trust with those who opted-in for my offer. 
From there, each time I introduce a book, information product or service to my market, those who opted-in are much more receptive to the offer.
What’s been your experience with article marketing?
