Setting Up And Using Your Aticle Resource Box
How To Setup Signature Files
- What Is A Signature File
- Where To Use Signature Files
- Setting Up Your Signature File
What is a signature file (or resource box) and why we use them
A signature file is basically a summary you write about yourself as the author of an article, forum post or blog post. It is a place to write something that your readers may find of interest and compelling enough to click through to your website or offer.
It is where you would also include at least one link to your website, blog or business opportunity or even a product you are promoting.
Correct use of signature files offer a powerful way of getting targeted visitors as well as back-links to your website.
The following is an example of a signature file used at the foot of an article:
“Graham Maddison has been in internet marketing for some time now and has found success with his website Internet Marketing Tutorials The website features a number of tried and tested opportunities and centres its activity around helping others succeed, offering some good advice and free resources. Visit his website by clicking on the above link.
Following on from his success, he launched a niche website How To Play Bingo with which he is also finding success. This particular website is targeted toward anyone interested in the game of bingo
The following is an example of a forum signature:
“Let Graham Maddison Show You – The Keys To Success In Internet Marketing – visit Internet Marketing Tutorials
Do Not Underestimate The Power Of Signatures.
Where to use signature files
1. Articles
Whenever you write an article you should make sure you include a signature file. Article directories like Ezine Articles have strict rules regarding the number of links you include in your signature. Make sure you read the rules regarding signature files (resource box) before entering your details, otherwise you may find your article being rejected
2. Blog
When posting to your blog, it is not always critical to write a signature file, but if you have an RSS feed set up, it is a good idea as your blog post may well appear on other blogg’s or other places on the internet. Having your signature file included, may well gain another back-link.
Commenting on other blogs can be a good way of getting additional back-links and as long as you don’t “spam” most blog owners will allow at least one link back to your website. Most blogs use the html format. See below
3. Forums
Most forums allow you to have a signature file which will appear after each forum post. There are again normally strict rules as to what you can and cannot include in your signature, so make sure you read them when joining. Forums such as The Warrior Forum do not allow affiliate links and are do-follow which means each post has the potential of generating a back-link to your website. The majority of forums use BBcode. See below
4. Social Sites
Many social sites such as my space, squidoo, facebook etc. give you space to set up a bio which is basically an area to tell your readers about you. Although sometimes limited in what you can and can’t enter, if you can do so, use the below format to enter as much information as possible.
Setting up Your Signature File
When setting up your signature file you should remember to include the following:-
Your name – Many people neglect to include their name in their signature file but research has shown that using your name is a powerful means of instilling confidence in your readers. This ensures your readers know that they are reading articles from a real person and not just a Company or business. It also helps to brand yourself as an expert in your field.
Your Website Url – When setting up your resource box (signature file) for article directories, it is sometimes better to use your full website url eg http://www.the-newbie-manuals.com instead of using anchor text. The reason for this is simply that by using your full website url, as your article spreads virally across the web your link is more likely to remain active than if anchor text had been used. Many publishers delete anchor text whereas they are more prone to leave url’s in tact, ensuring a back-link to your website is not lost.
Unique Selling Point – Normally one to three sentences highlighting what makes you and your offer unique.
Call To Action – This is where you want your reader to either buy your product or visit your website. Normally only one call to action is necessary and can simply take the form of – “for more information, click here” or you could use something like “Visit my website at www.yourwebsite.com” or “Visit my website by clicking on the above link” the possibilities are endless.
1. Html – Used for most article directories and blogs
Most article directories use html formatting for signature files. You can easily set up your signature using the html code below.
<a href=”http://www.Your Website name.com“>YOUR TEXT</a>
Use the above html in your signature file or the below BBcode (depending on the application) and replace the brown text with YOUR website address or the url of your affiliate link. Replace the green text with your description or name you want to appear as you website.
2. BBcode – Normal forum code – although some do use html
[URL="http://www.YourDomain.com"]Your Text Here[/URL]
Even if after this explanation of how to set up a signature file you are still struggling, there is a relatively easy way you can achieve the results you want providing the application you are using ie a forum such as the Warrior Forum has a WYSWYG editor.
Using the wyswyg editor, just type in the full text of what you want your signature to say. Once you have done that, highlight the words you would like to link to your website or offer.
With the particular text still highlighted, find the “link” icon at the top of the wyswyg editor … (this is sometimes a picture of a globe or a chain link) click on it and now enter the url of the website you want the highlighted words to link to.
Then click save and you are done.
Note: Whilst in some cases this offers an easy solution to making your signature, it is recommended that you practise using html or bbcode as there are many times you will need use this when the shortcut isn’t available.
One important thing to remember, is ALWAYS test your links to make sure they are working.
I hope you have found this information useful.
Wishing you great success.
Do Not Underestimate The Power Of Signatures.