Writing articles just isn’t enough when it comes to using content to rank higher in the search engines.

The truth is, you also have to focus on building keyword rich articles that target your specific keyword phrases or long-tail keywords that apply to your niche market.

Here are some other things you should pay attention to, in order to get the most value out of your article content:

1) Overtime develop back-links as more and more people use your articles on their own websites. Since your resource box attached to your article will feature a link back to your website, the more distribution of your written articles, the better.

2) When writing your articles remember to include specific keywords and phrases that people would type into the search engines when searching for content or information in your chosen market. Use Keyword search tools like www.WordTracker.com to help you in this research prior to writing your articles.

3) Create a page specifically to use in your resource box. Developing a targeted landing page is the best way to capture leads (for your newsletter) as the article would lead them to this page where they can find out more information or sign up to receive a free report or additional articles. Do not send them to the front page of your website if you cater to multiple niche markets. You want to avoid confusing your visitors with content that doesn’t relate to the material that led them there.

4) Once you begin to attract newsletter subscribers, be sure to provide follow up emails. This will help you avoid losing potential leads by allowing your list to grow cold. Build a relationship with your subscribers by staying on topic, and offering them information only on subjects that are associated to your primary niche.

5) Use different articles to direct people to different pages on your website in the event that you cover a wide variety of micro-subjects within one main niche.

While article marketing isn’t always the fastest way to build links and generate traffic to your website, it is a free method to jump-start your website. As your articles are circulated over time, you will see an increase in traffic and exposure, so stick with it and be patient.

Side Note:: Be careful not to keyword stuff or over use the jargon of your subject, this could be seen as an attempt to game the Search Engines and have the opposite effect that you are looking for. Write with a natural flow and sprinkle keywords throughout your content conservatively.

Don’t rely on articles alone for search engine results. Make the necessary adjustments to your web site, add fresh content, try out PPC, and do other things to keep pushing forward