From My Desk To Yours – 22nd Edition
RESOURCE BOX BASICS
By: Penny, EzineArticles Managing Editor
The Resource Box is your chance to convert your readers into customers at the end of each article. Think of it as a digital business card you pass out whenever someone reads your articles.
Well, it’s actually better than a business card because you get much more space and you can tell your audience exactly what you’re all about. If they’re enticed, they’ll click through. And that’s the goal.
There’s one problem with this analogy — your audience can’t take the Resource Box with them and act on it on their own time. This means you only have one shot to get their attention so make it count. Your Unique Selling Proposition (USP) needs to be compelling enough to get them to follow through on your call-to-action (CTA). So how do you do that?
You don’t have the space to give your entire life story in your Resource Box (nor should you try because readers are looking for content that specifically benefits them). What you place in your Resource Box is up to you, but think smart. To ensure you capture your audience, keep the following guidelines in mind:
What to Include in Your Resource Box
- Name – Sounds simple, but you’d be surprised at how many authors miss this. If you’re proud of work, OWN IT. Add your name to build on your credibility and brand.
- Elevator Pitch (a.k.a. USP) – A maximum of three sentences that shares the essence of what differentiates you from others in your niche. Why you?
- Call-to-Action – Tell the reader what you want them to do. If you’re offering something free, include it here. Keep it simple but know this is where you ask for the sale. “Visit my website for …”
- Website Address – Include a link to a valid URL with valuable content. Remember your credibility is on the line so deliver them the goods! (URL form: full http://Your-Company-Name.com/).
What NOT to Include in Your Resource Box
- List of Keywords – It’s okay to offer your readers a main area of expertise but leave it simple. Sharing your accomplishments using a list of keywords won’t provide added value (e.g. “dog groomer, grooming, cutting and grooming you do, clipping your dog, grooming tips …”). It’s simply confusing and it’s a turn-off.
- Your Life Story – Limit the size of your Resource Box to be no more than 15% of your total article size. When you’re deciding on what to include and what to leave out, think about what’s most beneficial for your readers to know. Ask yourself what relates to the article and go back to the basics of research. Your entire life accomplishments are well-deserved, but your Resource Box is not the place for them.
- Anything Not Relevant to the Niche – Not all links are created equal. If you have multiple niches, a link to your sporting goods business doesn’t make sense in an article about film-making. Don’t confuse your audience by roping them in only to shut them out. Link content should deliver the same subject matter as the article. Also, articles must be in English. This means the website must also be in English. Linking to a non-English site from an article in English is rude and confusing.
Is it time for you to order a new set of digital business cards? If you haven’t done so already, re-evaluate your Resource Box and change/add what’s missing. Then, meet us back here and if you have any questions leave a comment below.
I have found all the reading material on EzineArticles to be extremely valuable. I have been making so many mistakes in my articles including the correct way to use the resource box. EzineArticles is an outstanding service that takes the time to not only explain how to but also the reason why.
April 29, 2012 at 1:37 PMThank you EzineArticles!
[Reply]
Amelia –
It’s our pleasure. Thanks for being an EzineArticles Expert Author!
– Marc
April 30, 2012 at 10:25 AM[Reply]