Like every other free advertising technique on the web, writing articles has several pitfalls that one must avoid. If an author is not careful, these booby-traps can destroy an article's chances of publication and leave the author with precious time wasted.

Sin #7: Using Cliches

As an article directory owner and user, I have come to find that an increasingly large number of article writers are using cliches. In its simplest form, a cliche is a statement or idea that is so overused, it has no meaning. A cliche normally sounds quite trite.

"How do I know if I am using a cliche?" you may ask. It is very easy to tell when you know a simple rule. If you can guess what the ending of the phrase will be before you have finished reading it, you know it's cliche. Let's take for instance, the most prevalent cliche in article marketing. I'll start the phrase off, and you can finish it. "Content is ____." More than likely, you have been so exposed to this phrase, that you'll know that "Content is King."

Do not include cliches in your articles. You'll sound uninformed, and will not be viewed as an authority on your subject.

Sin #6: Aggravating Article Directory Owners

Nothing is more likely to get you banned from an article site than aggravating the site owner. All you need to do in order to keep in good terms with your publishers is read their terms of service, and follow the rules set forth within. Never submit a private label resale rights article to a directory. Being publisher friendly is that simple. All you have to do is just be considerate.

Sin #5: Typographical Errors

The easiest way to seem completely misinformed is to commit a writing error. All you have to do is paste your article into a spell checker or grammar checker (such as Microsoft Word) to ensure typographically correct article content.

Sin #4: No Keywords

Never forget to include keywords in your articles, and aim to target them to your article. The better your keywords, the better the chance that your link will be clicked.

Sin #3: Not Submitting Your Articles

The easiest way to receive no exposure from an article is not to submit it to as many article directories as possible. If you are looking for a free piece of software to submit your articles, there is a link to a free script for you to use on my website under the "Free Resources" section.

Sin #2: Untargeted Resource Box

Be smart, and write articles that are relevant to the website you are promoting. A wonderful article on toothpaste won't get people clicking on a link to a site that sells candies!

Sin #1: The Deadliest Sin of All -- An Empty Resource Box

The purpose of article writing is to establish yourself as an expert in the niche that you discuss. The only way that you benefit is if you include a link to your website in the resource box. Article readers will have a site to visit to further extend their knowledge of your topic, and you will have the opportunity to make a sale.

Before you submit an article, ensure that you are not committing one of the Seven Deadly Sins of Article Writing. Your article will be more likely to be listed and republished.

Jay Hines
http://www.articlealley.com/www.freeadmastery.info