There is no question at all that just about anyone can submit articles to article directories but there are a few simple facts you should be aware of. Yes, having articles listed in the directories will give you links back to your web site but for other websites or e-zines to be interested in picking up (using your article on their publication) you will want to watch out for the following points:

1. Use your article title effectively. A catchy title may be cute but if it doesn’t let the reader know right off the bat what your article is about they most likely won’t read anything past the title.
2. Do not write or have your article written like an advertisement. No one wants to be blatantly used as free advertising and if your article appears in this manner others won’t want to use your article.
3. Whatever you do never ever include affiliate links in your article – you have to have one of the best articles in the world in order for people to pick up your article with affiliate links included.
4. I shouldn’t have to mention this but I have seen it many times. If you don’t know how to spell make sure you use spell checker or have someone else edit your article before you submit it. Actually it doesn’t hurt to have someone else read it first anyways as it never fails you can read something a hundred times and will pass over the same mistake time and time again. If you don’t have a spell checker program there is a free one available at SpellCheck (www.spellcheck.net)
5. Don’t over do it with your resource box. Yes, you can include and should a link to your web site but keep it to one link. Your name and a very brief bio should also be included but keep this pertaining to your area of expertise or writing and only a single sentence.

All of these tips will be covered in later posts but this should give you an idea of what to watch for in the mean time.