About a month ago, I started a new website as a little experiment to see if I could get a simple SEO strategy to work. Part of the strategy was to write several articles related to the website and post them on article sites and Ezines to get some back links. It’s no secret that writing articles is a proven part of a successful SEO and online marketing strategy. Much has been written on this topic. In my case, it has worked well, so far, to generate traffic.
But, in the process, I discovered other benefits that are probably just as important. Here are some of the other benefits I gained from article writing:

1. The simple enjoyment of writing - I think there is a distinct psychological benefit to focusing the mind for the half hour or so it takes to think through and write down some thoughts that have been rolling around. It is a form of release, of catharsis. It’s also fun.

2. Writing enhances creativity - When you commit to writing several articles about the same subject or area, you are forced to examine that subject from different perspectives. That is what creativity is – thinking about something in a new way, from a new angle or making an association you, or perhaps no one else, has made before. When your mind gets moving in this direction, ideas emerge and thoughts that were previously buried somewhere come to the surface.

3. It takes away the fear of making your thoughts public - The great thing about writing articles is that the public, not your boss, or teacher, or client, decides if the article is worth reading or not. Some articles will get read and some will be ignored. Either way, the consequences tend not to be severe. This is a very freeing kind of environment.

4. A sense of accomplishment - It really doesn’t take that long to put 500 or so words together about any subject of interest. Often just a half hour spent on my laptop while I am watching TV will produce an article. So previously wasted time is used to accomplish something done.

5. A new appreciation for your subject or area of expertise - I started writing about golf, something I had never done before, and I certainly don’t consider myself an expert on the game. Much has been written about golf, by people who play the game and understand the game a lot better than I do. My interests tend to be more the human side of the game, the relationships, the psychology, the humor and the social aspects. Exploring these areas of the game has given me more ideas for articles within my realm of expertise.

If you’re reading this article, you probably have some interest in writing articles. I hope I have encouraged you to write or keep writing. There are far more benefits than stats on your hits counter.

Ron Strand is a college instructor, consultant and golfer. For more information on the site described in this article and some links, go to www.christmasgolfgift.com.

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