I certainly wouldn't be where I am today if it weren't for all of the wonderful article directories that have published my articles.

By publishing my articles, these article directories have allowed me to syndicate my articles on hundreds, possibly thousands of websites throughout the internet.

These directories have also allowed me to brand myself as an expert, build valuable backlinks to my websites, and share my knowledge with my potential customers and readers.

The problem these days seems to be those product owners who are more interested in creating phony trends than they are real products.

These products are supposed to tell you if you have "duplicate content" in your articles, sales letters, and other materials you're posting online.

The problem here is that there are only so many words in the language you speak. Someone, sooner or later, will use the same phrase to say something.

I highly doubt that the search engines are so interested in whether or not you're using a phrase or two that someone else has used.

Now I'm not saying that duplicate content isn't a problem or can't be a problem. I'm sure that the major search engines have probably dropped some articles, or maybe even article directories from their primary search.

This doesn't necessarily mean that it was because of duplicate content. Unless you ask, you can't be sure.

However, your concern as an article writer shouldn't be about how many times you have a particular article indexed in the search engines. Your primary concern should be getting your articles in front of the eyes of as many readers as you possibly can.

People buy; search engines don't.

This means that you should post your articles to as many article directories as possible so that your articles have the widest reach possible.

Again, it's about reach.

We all have our favorite article directories, and if your potential readers don't use the article directories you're posting to, then you've missed out. You've missed reaching a reader, publisher, or someone else.

The bottom line is about convenience. Make it convenient for your reader to find your articles.

There's also the issue of providing value. Google's policy is that your site, and therefore your content, should provide value to those who are searching for it.

If you concern yourself with providing value for your readers, rather than just trying to promote your business, or make a sale, it will definitely make a difference in your bottom line.

Your initial goal should be to find out what your readers are looking for and then give it to them. Give them what they want. Provide value in the process.

If you use "White Hat" tactics to promote your business, you'll succeed, and you'll stay successful long after those who use unethical techniques fail and disappear.

Your readers won't become your customers if you don't treat them right. Show them respect. Help them solve their problems. By providing helpful articles, you can lead your readers to your paid content.

Do you want to learn more about how to use articles to promote your business? Then read Cash Writing: Writing Articles for Fun and Profit. Learn how to earn at least $100 a day writing articles.

Jinger Jarrett is the author of "Internet Marketing for Free: The GUIDE." She uses articles to promote her business.