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First of all, let's clarify our terms:
What is the difference between article submission software and an article distribution service?
Article submission software is something that you buy and install on your computer. The software helps you fill in the fields for each site that you submit to, but you still need to go to each site to submit your article. You will also need to create individual accounts at most of the sites the software lists.
Another thing to keep in mind is that with the software you will need to maintain your site list and email list yourself. You'd be amazed at how quickly the lists provided with article submission software go out of date. This can be rather time consuming to maintain the lists yourself, but if you don't you can start getting complaints from publishers.
Is using the software easier than trying to submit articles manually?
A little, but as someone who has tried to use article submission software I can tell you that the time saved is minimal, and there is actually more time invested because of the work you need to do in constantly maintaining the email list and publisher list.
What about an article distribution service?
An article distribution service is a web-based membership service that will submit your article for you to the various publishers. There is no installation involved--the service is entirely on the internet. You just sign up, get your login information, and then enter the membership site. The submission process is very streamlined--all you have to do is enter your article into the submission page, and then submit your article.
An article distribution service that has an editorial staff is a great bonus, as your articles can be pre-screened before they are distributed, ensuring that they have the best chance possible of being accepted by publishers.
There are a few major benefits that go along with using an article distribution service (aka an article submission service):
-The work is largely done for you. You do not have to maintain lists or go to each website to submit your articles. Just enter your article once on the membership site and click to distribute.
-Targeted publishers--a good article distribution service will update their publisher list on a daily basis, which helps ensure that your articles are distributed to people who actually want to receive them.
-Editorial assistance--having your articles reviewed by professional editors helps to be sure that your articles are up to the standards of most publishers.
-Saves time--By outsourcing the distribution of your articles, you free up valuable time to write more quality articles and build your business.
Article Submission Software vs. Online Article Distribution Service
So, which one should you use?
Obviously it depends on what type of return you want for your article writing efforts and how much time you are willing to invest. I can tell you from my own experience--if you are serious about article marketing and your goal is to get great results with minimal effort and time, then you will vastly prefer the convenience and effectiveness of using an online article distribution service.
