One of the more common known methods of catching the search engines attention is content – and let’s say for example you’re a top internet savvy SEO expert, and you can get the traffic onto your site – then the next step is thinking how you are going to keep it there! Unique, informative, quality articles are essential.

If you’re writing content for blogs, websites, or any other published materials, there are some tips to follow to give your articles the impact necessary to attract readers and keep their attention right through to the last word.

Rather than simply selecting a topic and writing about it, pick an aspect of the topic, state an opinion and back it up with details on why you are taking a certain stance. This will foster debate and feedback among readers and create a great deal of buzz around your article. Word travels fast on the Internet and Twitter, so your article will be getting lots of exposure while creating healthy dialogue at the same time.

There are several ways to encourage reader response to an article. Traditionally, writers would supply their email at the end of the article. But this is a passive response since no one else reading the article can view another reader’s comments. A more active method is to add a comments section below your article where people can leave their opinions about what they just read. But sometimes, the comments left can take attention away from the actual article or get off track from the original topic.

A better way to attract valuable feedback is to link the article to an online survey. This type of reader response also helps the writer or publisher obtain measurable comments. By using an online survey, you can determine if readers liked the article, if they agreed with what was said, if they disagreed with the viewpoint, and if they had additional information to add.

There are websites available that assist with creating the online questionnaire and in providing information on how to link the survey to the article. Valuable tools to track and measure the feedback received are also provided. Some online survey providers also offer the option of sharing real time survey results with readers and provide incentive ideas to encourage readers to participate in the questionnaire.

Utilizing an online survey linked to an article is an effective means of communication that encourages discussion about a topic. It’s an inexpensive investment that has great benefits in enabling you to get the most measurable response from an article.

How do you market your articles? Do you have any tips you can share with us which have produced great results? It would be great to hear your comments.

Adam Toren