The Resource Box as a Traffic Builder

More and more people are learning the secrets of Search Engine Optimization (SEO). Many webmasters have seen the impact articles have on their website traffic. Some have even created sites devoted entirely to providing articles that could be read by their website visitors and have links leading to related topics.

The sites may feature many articles on a wide range of topics. As a website visitor reads the articles they have searched for, they can find at the end of the article a resource box that can be clicked on to link them to the site that has submitted the article. Of course the article would relate to the site's topics and theme. If the article is about rotating the tires, the resource box may lead to a link to a site that sells tires or car parts.

A resource box is what you usually find at the end of an article. It will contain the name of the author, a brief description of the author, a brief description of the sponsoring site and a link. If a reader likes what they read, they would be inclined to find out where the article came from and to read more. The resource box is their link to the source of the article and should entice them to go to the site and do some more reading or research for the subject or topic they are interested in.

Now we know what resource boxes are. But what are the benefits of having a good resource box? Mainly it's driving traffic to your site. Many sites will happily publish articles because they add unique content to their pages. They also get affiliation with other sites that can be beneficial for them as well. For the sponsoring site, visitors clicking on links in the resource box increase incoming traffic.

So what is good content for your resource box? Essentially, you should use keywords that are popular and used by your target audience. There are many tools you can find online that can help you determine which keywords to use (Overture's keyword tool, for example).

You only get a small space for your resource box so you need to make the most of it. Try to catch the attention of your reader with enticing resource box content that will make them want to learn more. Unlike TV ads, you don't have visual aids to drive your point home. But you do have the power of the reader's imagination. With the right content, you can intrigue them.

Another tip is to use keywords that are specifically related to your site - don't mislead your potential website visitors. Establish your credibility so that more people will want to visit your site and see what you have to offer. Make the visitors click your resource box by providing content that makes a lasting impression. You only get one chance to wow them and hundreds of chances to repulse them. Be fun and creative but at the same time show that you have a great deal to offer. Hopefully that isn't too much to ask for in one paragraph.