Sunday, February 1, 2009

Creating an Effective Resource Box

By Jan Shimano

The last part of your article that the reader will see is the Resource Box and it follows the final paragraph of your actual text. This area is often referred to as the Authors Bio Box. A lot of thought should go into completing this box, because of how important it is in promoting you and your business. When I first started writing articles, I didn't understand the real significance of this box, and I was entering way more information than was necessary. I was practically putting my life history there, until it was pointed out to me that the reader can check my bio information elsewhere if they want to know more about me.

On doing some research on the importance of the Resource Box, I realized that it's main purpose was to motivate the reader to take action that would benefit my business. For most of us, that action would see them clicking on the links we have provided that directs them to our website.

The following information should be included in the Box:

* your name

* a brief history of your background

* your present employment

* an invitation to take action (visit your website)

If you take a look at the Resource Box I have at the end of this particular article, you will see that these have all been included in a very short paragraph. The reason people are reading your article to to acquire some information that they had been seeking. They were not searching for information about you. However, here in the Resource Box you are giving them the opportunity to get you know you better, by visiting one of your websites. Hopefully, they have enjoyed the information you have provided and will be interested to know what else you might have to offer.

I am sure that you took quite a bit of time in creating your article. You should be just as diligent when creating your Resource Box. It really doesn't matter if your article is in the number one spot on Google. If you have not been able to motivate the reader to click on your link that will take them to your website, then you have not accomplished your goal. I know of people who write terrific articles but they are not getting the transition over to their site. I really want to emphasize this point. You have put so much hard work into your writing with the intent of increasing your business, so don't forget this very important stage.

Most article directories allow you to have two links in your Resource Box. If you try to put more than two in, and the directory has to modify your Box, it could end up being a problem for you. I feel that two links is quite sufficient for just one paragraph. I usually direct both my links to my website but sometimes I will use one for my social networking sites, such as YouTube or Facebook. This gives the reader a chance to get to know me better.

The Resource Box gives you a great opportunity to reach out and connect with your readers. Please make sure you take full advantage of this and then you can just stand back and watch your business grow!

About the Author:

No comments: