Article marketing, or more specifically the bum marketing version of article marketing, is one of the best ways to use content to your advantage. But the most important part of it is what’s at the bottom – the resource or about the author box.

Everyone knows what a resource box is: a paragraph at the end of an article containing, among others, a brief bio about the author and a link to his/her website.

The sole reason that many articles exist is this resource box. You might ask yourself why this is such an important part. There are three major benefits of a good resource box:

  • First, you build up links to your website, which increases your Google page rank.
  • Secondly, people will click on those links, which take them to your site or that of an affiliate, where you can hope to sell or earn a commission.
  • Thirdly, a resource box helps build branding and name recognition around your name/business.

Your resource box is the only place you may sell in your article. Some people might divide the article in two pieces:

  • The body of the article, in which you “give”
  • The resource, in which you “take” (in form of visitors, page rank, or commission)

The body should have helpful information, so that readers will feel that they are receiving valuable and useful information. The resource box should be eye-catching and demand the attention and interest of the reader. Writing a good resource box is often the most demanding part of the whole article.

Be creative, but at the same time show that you have much more to offer. The resource box is the only chance you have in the article to convert readers into a lead for your business. This is why you have to make your resource box as effective as you can.

Here are the main components you should include in your resource box:

1. Your name

The most obvious piece of information you have to include in your resource box is your name, so the first sentence of the resource box should introduce you to your reader by the first and last name. You have to let the readers know that it was your knowledge and your expertise that they can expect to learn from. The more articles you write, the more identifiable your name will become. Also, don’t forget to write in third person. (“John Smith is the author of….”).

2. A brief bio

Most people don’t want to do business with people that they don’t know, so be sure to give a tiny piece of information about yourself. Keep it short, because no one wants to hear your life’s story.

A sentence or two should be enough to establish credibility and the reasons why you are an expert in that specific field. Keep in mind that the author box is not a place to brag about all your accomplishments. You only have to include enough information to get them to your website – not give them your resume.

3. Contact information

You probably don’t want to include your email address in your author box, as you will get more spam then you could possibly imagine, and a phone number could have your phone ringing off the hook at all hours of the day. Here’s how to kill tow birds with one stone: in the website you are sending them to, build in a way they can contact you directly.

4. A link to your website

You must include a link to your website, or a link to the affiliate product you are promoting

5. A compelling reason for them to visit your website

In most cases, the article itself is enough, but if not, there are three ways to make them click on the link.

  • Give your elevator pitch: Also known as USP, an elevator pitch is simply one to three sentences describing what makes your offer unique.
  • Have a strong Call to Action: This is where you ask for the sale. Include the way to access your free resource/bonus/gift. Here are some examples:
    • “Click here to instantly download…”
    • “Click here to find out…”
    • “Click here to subscribe…”
    • “Click here to instantly order…”
    • “Sign up now”

Give them a valid reason: Whatever you do, make sure you include a reason for them to visit your your website. It could be for more information about the product, to sign up for a newsletter, to watch a video, to download a freebie, or any reason strong enough to make them click on the link.

Also, a lot of affiliate programs give away free ebooks, e-courses, etc. as a gift (bribe) to get visitors to opt in. Including them in your signature is a great way to get people to click your link.

By doing everything written in this article line-by-line, the clickthroughs on your website will soar. Just visit your vendor’s website to check if they give away anything. Just let people know that the free gift is worth $$, and so this will really leverage your earnings.

All in all, never underestimate the power of a a good resource box. If written correctly, this small part of the article will drive massive traffic to any website, and can be the best branding tool for your name online.

Till then.. Happy BUMming !

Tags: bum, article, marketing, author, box, internet, marketing, affiliate

Filed under: Internet Marketing • SEO

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