The purpose of an article is usually intended to provide information on a particular topic of interest to a select group of people. Unlike an a featured article in a magazine or best-selling novel, an article is typically researched by its readership. For that reason, it is important that an author understands where to have their article published in print or posted online to ensure its visibility.

If the readership is comprised of subscribers to a magazine, an author should contact the publisher to have their article reviewed for consideration in a special edition or to be kept on file for future issues. Magazines are generally theme based, such as a hobby, fashion, housekeeping and health. For this reason, an author should be careful to submit an article that would fit in with a particular subject.

It would be prudent on the part of the author to purchase back issues of the magazine beforehand to review previously published articles to see what the publisher tends to accept and to be sure not to submit an article that is too similar to one already published.

Posting an article online is very different because it is very easy for readers to find what they are looking for by conducting an online search using certain keywords. A good search engine will most likely generate hundreds, if not thousands, of search results on that topic. Still, it cannot hurt for the author to take the same steps when planning an effective article distribution campaign.

This would include researching niche sites on a particular subject and contacting the webmaster or site owner to learn if there is an interest in their articles. It is always a good idea for an author to attach a plain text file of one or more articles to expedite the publisher's article review, decision-making, selection and posting process.

One advantage in targeting niche websites that are not article submission sites is that it is more personal. It is not uncommon for authors to be invited by site owners to be a regularly featured contributor or subject matter expert. Certainly, using a mix of article distribution and niche sites will ensure greater exposure and credibility.

Moreover, it is not unusual for a magazine to publish both a print and online version of their magazine. If an author were to have an article published, their article will reach an even broader readership comprised of individuals who read one or the other version of the magazine.

It's hard to believe that many people do not use a computer, but it is a fact. So, having an article published in print will reach a segment of readers that would never see it if published online.

Regardless of the form of distribution, the main goal should always be to inform a reader who is looking for information, ideas and inspiration.