You've done it. You've written an article that has been printed in a newspaper or magazine. Congratulations! You did well. But now what?
That's right; now what? Today's newspaper or magazine is tomorrow's recycling, but that doesn't mean that the life of your article is over -- far from it, as a matter of fact.
That piece you've written and gotten published, whether it is a top 10 list, book review, article, or "think" piece (like an editorial or letter to the editor), still has lots of promotional juice left in it if you know how to squeeze it out.
Here are just a few things you can do with your published works, once the rest of the world has moved on to the next edition of whatever periodical has published your piece:
Tell the world about your published status by posting your piece on your web site. You can either post a PDF of the article, or a link to the publisher's web site (assuming it is on their web site), or you can post the original copy you submitted along with a mention of when and where it was published.
Frame it. That's right, make a nice clean copy on archival paper, lay it out nicely to fit on a single page, and frame it like a photo. Hang it proudly in your office or reception area, so that your visitors who missed your piece when it was published can see what it looked like, and be just as impressed (if not more so) than the readers who stumbled over your article in the first place.
Copy it. You can use the layout you created to frame your article or the PDF you made for your web site to make copies. Include the banner of the paper or magazine, along with the date, so that it is obvious when and where your piece originally appeared in print. Be sure to add your contact information as well, because you never know who might end up with a copy (and they might want to contact you). Use both sides of an 8.5x11" sheet of paper if you have to, but make it look nice.
Use the copies in your press kit (which is now growing with the addition of your published pieces), so that you have proof that your expertise is recognized by some third party (such as the publisher).
Mail copies of your article to your clients with a short note.
Copies will come in handy for getting business, too. You can include a copy with your proposal, bid, or sales information to demonstrate your expertise.
You might also use it to get back in touch with prospects who haven't committed to working with you yet. Just send the copy with a business card and a short note that says something like: Hi Prospect, Did you happen to see this article in the Business section of the Times on Saturday? I know you are interested in [whatever you wrote about], and thought you might like to see this. I'll be in touch soon! Best regards, Your Name.
Submit the article for publication in other media. Yep, once you've published it in one publication, others might be interested in reprinting it. Distribute your piece to online article banks, EZines, and information sites for reprinting. Or submit it to the newsletters of your trade associations or networking organizations. Very often, they are looking for content, and since your article has the endorsement of the publication that published the first time, it might look mighty good to others.
Send it out as a press release. At the very worst, nothing will happen, but other media could pick it up to use as a filler piece. And there is always the possibility that an editor might be looking for an expert with your background, and may call you for an interview.
So whatever you do, don't just let your published article fade away. Use it again and again to get the most from your work. You'll raise your credibility in the eyes of your clients, prospects, and the world. And you'll have something to remind yourself of how good you can be when you put your mind to it.
Carpe diem,
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