Now, I can imagine you thinking - why would these authors do this? Why give away free content to a website? Well there are two main reasons, the first being self-promotion.

Think of it this way: you have a small business with a website. As an example, let's imagine you are a professional dog groomer. You would write an article on grooming dogs and then submit your article to an article directory under the category of pets. In the article's body you could add a link back to your website (if the article directory permits this, some don't allow the use of links within articles) and/or add a link to your website in the directory's author resource box, which most article directories not only allow but also strongly encourage. Thousands of people visit these websites every day and if they are searching for information on a topic you have written about, they could read your article and then follow the link back to your web site. This is a sure-fire way to increase traffic to your site and also promote your services. This can mean only one thing - more possible clients and customers!

The second reason why people would want to submit their articles to article directories is because it helps them to get established as an author and as a professional in the subject, and earns trust. It's a little bit of experience. These articles give the author free exposure and then the article can be requested to be part of another website. Web site owners need content for their sites, because obviously, nobody wants to read a blank site! Most article directories allow website owners to publish the articles from their directory, as long as they keep the credit and links to the author. They can use your content on their site giving you not only free promotion, but also your five minutes of fame! With this method, not only your articles (and additional information about you including links to your website) are displayed in the article directories, but are also in other websites. More publicity for you!

Article directories are great things if you fancy promoting your site and your expertise for free. Not only that, but if the article directory that you are submitting to has a higher Google Page Rank, you are likely to benefit from that page rank. This is because every link pointing to your website benefits your own page rank, so imagine the advantage of a link in the author's source box ? not only in the article directory but also on the other website that chose to publish your article!. Whichever way you look at it, article marketing works, and it works well. It drives traffic to your site, builds up trust for your site and can be used to increase your Page Rank; therefore it would be a valuable investment of your time!