Article submission is an off page SEO technique where content is published on external sites to build backlinks and authority.
Article submission involves writing and publishing original articles on third-party websites, directories, or blogs. The goal is to generate referral traffic, brand visibility, and most importantly, backlinks to improve your site’s domain authority and search engine rankings.
It was once a widely used SEO strategy, but due to misuse and spammy practices, search engines like Google now prioritize quality over quantity when evaluating article links.
Why It Matters in SEO:
When done right, article submission can help:
- Build high-quality backlinks
- Drive niche-targeted referral traffic
- Establish brand credibility and thought leadership
- Increase content reach and visibility
However, low-quality article directories or spun content can hurt your SEO efforts and even result in penalties.
Types of Article Submission Sites:
- High-Authority Blogs: Industry-relevant sites that accept guest contributions.
- Article Directories: Platforms like Medium, LinkedIn Articles, or niche portals.
- PR Sites: Syndicate news-style articles with backlinks.
- Web 2.0 Properties: Free blog platforms like WordPress.com or Blogger (should be used cautiously and with quality content).
Best Practices:
- Choose reputable, relevant platforms with real audiences.
- Write original, valuable, and topic-focused articles.
- Use proper formatting (headings, bullets, links).
- Include a contextual backlink to your website or content.
- Avoid duplicate submissions or spun content.
Common Mistakes:
- Using article spinners or AI-generated low-quality content.
- Submitting the same article to multiple platforms.
- Ignoring platform guidelines and editorial standards.
- Over-optimizing anchor text or stuffing keywords.
Example:
A digital marketing agency writes a 1,000-word article on “B2B SaaS SEO Tips” and publishes it on a reputable marketing blog with a do-follow link to their services page. This builds brand visibility, earns a high-quality backlink, and drives targeted traffic.