If you don't already know, writing articles can be one of the best ways to build up the reputation of your online prescence and to earn you tons of traffic from back links, higher Google PR and exposure. The best part is all of this is free to do.

But, you may be thinking that writing articles is difficult, you don't have any ideas or is time consuming. The truth is, you don't have to be a published novelist or professional writer to create a simple, but effective , article. Keep reading for some tips to get started.

1. Don't advertise in the article. Save it for the resource box.

Advertising in the article itself is kind of insulting to readers and many article directories will not allow it. But, there is a resource box where you can mention your name, your company, what you do (briefly) and your url. Try getting people to your website and to have them sign up for your newsletter. Then you can sell!

2. Save the big words for the thesis.

No need for big, fancy, long words in articles. All you need is simple terms and phrases because that is what people look for in an article.

3. Put your contact information in your article

If something your write strikes a chord with someone, they may want to contact you to ask more information. Be sure you have provide them with ways to get a hold of you in the article.

4. Write what you know.

Don't be afraid to write about what you know rather than what you think is popular. Your hobby or interests may be shared by many other people and they would be thrilled to learn new insight into what interests them.

5. Write with your voice.

This simply means to write like you were speaking with your friends. No need for long sentences filled with fancy words. Just have a conversation with your reader.

Hopefully this will clear up some apprehension you have about writing articles. Once you get started, you will find that it really is simple, and a very effective tool to online promotion