What are Articles?
Articles are in-depth, well-researched pieces of content that provide comprehensive coverage of a specific topic. Unlike blog posts which can be more casual, articles typically follow a more formal structure and are often published in online magazines, industry publications, news sites, and professional platforms.
Articles serve as powerful tools for establishing thought leadership, building brand authority, generating backlinks, and reaching wider audiences. They require thorough research, expert insights, and professional writing to meet publication standards.
Measuring Article Success
Track these metrics to understand article performance:
Publication Metrics
- Publication Rate: Articles accepted vs. pitched
- Authority Score: Publication domain authority
- Audience Reach: Publication's readership size
- Editor Feedback: Quality of editorial process
- Relationship Building: Future publication opportunities
Traffic Metrics
- Page Views: Total article views
- Unique Visitors: Individual reader count
- Traffic Sources: Where visitors come from
- Referral Traffic: From publication sites
- Organic Traffic: Search engine visits
Engagement Metrics
- Time on Page: Reading duration
- Scroll Depth: How far readers read
- Social Shares: Shares across platforms
- Comments: Reader engagement
- Social Mentions: Brand mentions
Authority Metrics
- Backlinks Earned: Inbound links from article
- Domain Authority: Overall site authority increase
- Brand Mentions: Unlinked mentions
- Expert Recognition: Speaking opportunities
- Media Requests: Interview invitations
Conversion Metrics
- Lead Generation: Form submissions
- Newsletter Signups: Email list growth
- Content Downloads: Resource requests
- Consultation Requests: Sales inquiries
- Revenue Attribution: Sales influenced
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What's the difference between articles and blog posts?
Articles are typically more formal, in-depth, and research-heavy. They follow stricter editorial standards and are often published in professional publications. Blog posts are more casual, conversational, and frequent.
2. How long should articles be?
Aim for 1,500-3,000+ words for comprehensive coverage. Publication requirements vary, so always check submission guidelines. Quality and depth matter more than word count.
3. How do I get articles published?
Research target publications, study their guidelines, craft compelling pitches, build relationships with editors, and start with smaller publications to build your portfolio.
4. Should I hire a professional writer?
If you lack time or expertise, professional writers can help. Ensure they understand your industry and can capture your voice. Always review and approve final content.
5. How do I find article topics?
Analyze industry gaps, survey your audience, monitor competitor content, follow industry news, and identify questions your customers frequently ask.
6. How much does article writing cost?
Professional writers charge $0.10-$1+ per word or $500-$5,000+ per article. DIY is free but requires significant time investment. Consider ROI when budgeting.
7. How do I measure article success?
Track publication rate, backlinks earned, traffic generated, social shares, lead generation, and authority signals. Focus on long-term impact.
8. Can I repurpose articles?
Yes! Repurpose into blog posts, social media content, videos, podcasts, infographics, and presentations. Maximize your research investment.
9. How often should I publish articles?
Quality over quantity. Aim for 1-2 high-quality articles per month. Consistency matters more than frequency for building authority.
10. Do articles help with SEO?
Yes! Articles earn high-quality backlinks, build domain authority, increase brand mentions, and drive referral traffic. They're powerful for long-term SEO.