If you thought that your task as an author, editor and copywriter to an “eye popping” article was over, think again! If you want to attract your reader to visit your website, it’s not enough to include your links in the body of the article. Chances are, your readers will not click on the links at all! The best way to generate leads is to develop a compelling resource box or bio box (as most people refer to it) at the end of your article. This is the box where you can freely promote yourself, your VA or coaching business, and capture your reader’s attention. It’s also a way to establish your credibility as you describe your professional background in this area.
In order to write an effective resource box or bio box, it’s like writing your article, you need to come up with something that’s interesting and informative, remembering to limit it to a small paragraph (50 words or less is ideal).
To maximize your resource box or bio box, here are some important items to include in the development of it:
- Name and Title – It is important that the reader knows who the author is.
- Develop a sales pitch. – Come up with 1 – 3 sentences that encompass the unique features and benefits of your products or services.
- Add the URL of your website. – After they read your compelling sales pitch, chances are, they WILL visit your website.
- Develop a “call to action” statement. – Do you want your reader to visit your website, subscribe to a free report or purchase your products? Make it clear to your readers what you want them to do when they read your resource box.
If you really want to make a statement to your readers, you can even include a photo of yourself, but be sure to limit it to a guideline of 80 – 100 pixels in size (source: NCC blog guidelines). I also want to caution those that want to include their email address in the resource box…I would recommend that you direct your readers to a contact form you have on your website or type your email address that does not allow you to click on it to send an email. This will deter “spambots” from harvesting your email information. For example, it can look like this: (aletha@dcvirtualoffice dot com).
About the Author: Aletha McManama is a Virtual Assistant to Coaches, Authors and Speakers and the owner of DC Virtual Office Solutions. She specializes in areas of web design and maintenance, shopping cart development and integration, blog design and maintenance, eBook compilation and packaging, ezine and newsletter development, article submission and more. Visit Aletha on the web: www.dcvirtualoffice.com
