The Pros and Cons of Junky SEO-Only Articles

By Karon Thackston © 2008, All Rights Reserved

An interesting thread popped up at the High Rankings Forum a little while back. One of the forum members was using an SEO firm that was cranking out truly junky articles that were obviously only created for the purpose of SEO. The member’s question was about whether these types of low-quality articles would actually help his site.

The answer: yes and no.

On the Plus Side

It’s true. A search engine isn’t capable of determining the quality of a written piece. Googlebot has no way to know whether an article is concise, truthful and insightful or whether it’s full of keyword-stuffed ramblings that make no sense. So, technically speaking, even junky articles do have the potential to make a positive impact on your search engine rankings.

Article distribution is still a valid way of drumming up both links and traffic. Because most article directories don’t have any type of quality control, you can increase your link popularity by simply throwing any old article out into cyberspace. But why would you want to?

On the Minus Side

What really makes article distribution work is what happens after the articles are released to the directories. Other site owners and bloggers visit these distribution sites in search of interesting, well-written and up-to-date information their readers will want. When your article begins to weave its way through the worldwide web, link popularity builds as it should.

Keyword-stuffed junky articles that are written exclusively to catch the attention of the engines will likely not fit the bill of most site owners. That means these pieces will sit on the article distribution (AD) site permanently without contributing any further to your link popularity.

Also, junky articles will not have the power to boost traffic to your site. In fact, they may even have the reverse effect. Poorly written articles or articles about topics that no one is interested in can actually deter readers from clicking to your site. The bad impression junky articles make can literally cost you business.

Do it Right

If you’re going to go to the trouble to produce articles, make sure you do them right. The most successful articles are well written, are not self-promotional and actually allow the reader to walk away with useful information.

For instance, giving readers information on how to use your products or services is always a hit. Do you sell promotional buttons? Write individual articles about how the prospective customer can make their business grow by using promotional buttons. Be specific in telling them intriguing ways to generate new customers with buttons that are applicable to their particular industry.

Do you offer bridal planning services? Create a series of articles based on the services you provide. Show brides the benefits of using a bridal consultant as opposed to planning their own weddings and receptions.

Once you do, your articles will be picked up from the AD sites and spread all across the Web. That will build a solid link base. Plus, you’ll be seen as an expert in your field which will drive qualified traffic to your site.

Yes, it takes extra effort to write quality articles that deliver something useful to the reader, but it pays off big time in high traffic counts, better quality links and increased sales.

Want to make the most of your article marketing campaign? Learn the tactics and techniques search marketing professionals use to boost link popularity and rankings. Get more info today at http://www.searchenginecollege.com.