Using eHow to Promote Your Shop (and Earn Extra Money!)
June 02, 2009 | By
If you've never visited eHow.com, you really need to check it out. The site is a conglomeration of “how to” articles on “just about everything.” Anyone can join the site and write their own “how to” articles about things that they are personal experts in. Even better, eHow offers the Writer's Compensation Program (WCP), which pays it's writers based on a complicated algorithm. Many writers there earn hundreds to thousands of dollars each month with the library of articles they've written.
There are several ways you can promote your online shop or website with eHow, but I will cover the main way in this article, that is, writing a “how to” article. Not only will you be helping out a fellow crafter, but you will also show off your expertise in the niche. If your article is well written and helpful, people will be sure to follow the link to your page. This marketing tactic may take a little more time than some other methods, but the results are long term and you will continue to earn money on your article.
Getting Set Up to Write on eHow
Before you can write for eHow, you need register for an account and sign up for the Writers Compensation Program (If you're going to write, you may as well get paid for it!). Unfortunately, the WCP is only available to U.S. Residents at this time. If you're a non-U.S. Resident, you can still write for eHow, but you can not be paid.
Create a profile with an avatar and description about you. In this case, it's best to use an actual photo of yourself rather than a shop avatar as readers are viewing you as a writer and not a shop. Be sure to put your shop or website link in the section of your profile marked “My Home Page.”
Read eHow's Terms of Use and Submission Guidelines carefully. You can find them on the FAQ page. I cannot stress this enough. Ehow is particular about following the rules and if your article does not meet the requirements, it will be deleted.
Read through the eHow Writer's Academy to learn helpful hints and techniques for writing your article and getting it seen. This is the fastest way to learn how to write a good article. With more practice, your writing will improve, as well as the overall quality of your articles.
Writing Helpful and Informative “How to” Articles
Write an article about a topic within your niche. Be sure that no one has already written an article with the same title. Articles need to be original to get the most views. Be detailed in your steps. What would you like to read if you came across this article? All too often articles are too general and often miss key information. Don't discredit yourself by writing a sub-par article. Avoid blatant self-promotion as it is not tolerated; the article is not an advertisement for your business but an informative article. Also, don't forget what you know about SEO. It definitely applies!
Include colorful and bright photos for each step, if you can, making sure to adhere to copyright laws. These can be your own photos of your work. Use keywords in your caption. If the photos are yours, you can include your shop or website address in the image credit.
At the end of the article, there is the option to include resource links. It is here that you can include a link to your shop or website, if you choose. Paste in the URL and then type the text you want the reader to see. Think about your choice of words carefully. Will it make the reader want to click on it? It's probably best not to just put the name of your shop as it doesn't give the reader any incentive to click. For example, if your article is titled “How to Make Inexpensive Lampwork Beads,” your resource link could say “Check out these Inexpensive Lampwork Beads.” You can also use this section to include relevant affiliate links.
Assign your article in the appropriate category and be sure to link to your other articles in the “Related Articles” section.
Once you've written a few articles, you should promote them using all the techniques you usually do to market your handmade items. People love reading free and helpful information. It is also a good idea to become an active member of the community on eHow by participating in the groups and forums, as well as reading and commenting on other articles.
Image Credits: eHow.com
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