How to Submit My Articles to a Yahoo Group

Yahoo Groups, like Google Groups, give writers and marketers an effective method of distributing articles in a large distribution network. Article submission can be time-consuming, but is well worth the effort--even on Yahoo. There are essentially two ways to distribute articles through Yahoo: you can join an existing Yahoo Group or you can start one. To use either method, you will need to create a user name. Otherwise, you will not be able to post to a Yahoo Group or start a new one.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. Go to the Yahoo! site (see resources).

2. On the left side of the screen, click on "Groups."

3. At the top of the screen, you should see a blue "Sign In" link and next to it in smaller letters a blue "Sign Up" link. Click "Sign Up." Fill out the form and follow the instructions.

Join a Yahoo Group

4. After getting a Yahoo ID, sign in. You can now begin searching for group, and there are two ways to do this. You can use the search box at the top of the Yahoo Groups page or you can browse groups using group categories.

5. In the Yahoo Groups Search box, type in "article" and the specific keyword that relates to your topic. For example, if you are looking for an article group on poodles, you would type in "article poodles." You may just type in "article" or "reprint article" and search for groups that allow articles on any topic to be posted.

6. Scroll the groups and visit those that interest you, based on name and description.

7. Join a group, then read the group's rules and FAQs, if it has one. Start posting.

8. If you want to browse the groups, click on a category at the bottom of the Yahoo Groups search page. Continue clicking links until you get to the most specific group category that interests you, and then explore groups based on name and description.

Start a Yahoo Group

9. To create a group, go back to the main Yahoo Groups search page and click on the "Start your group" link to the right of the primary search box.

10. It's a three step process. First, pick a category for your group. You can browse groups or type in a specific group category, if you know it.

11. Next, give your group a name and describe it. Be specific about the type of group it is. The description will be viewed by people looking for groups to join, so make sure it accurately describes your group and markets it to people looking for a group to join.

12. You'll then be asked to select a profile. If you have more than one Yahoo profile, you'll need to pick the one that is the most appropriate for your new group.

13. Once your group is created, adjust the preferences of your group to allow others either to post or to join and read what you post, without the ability to join in the discussions.

14. Begin posting articles. Like Google, Yahoo Groups allows you to enter the names from your mailing list, so that people on your list will receive your articles.

15. You can begin posting your articles after you have set your moderator preferences. This will allow others either to post to your group or simply to read and enjoy.

Tips & Warnings

• Make certain you are searching for groups that are for general article submissions as well as groups that are narrowly focused on a specific topic.
• Yahoo Groups allows you to target a specific audience for your articles. Use your description, if you create a group, to speak directly to that group and attract people with similar interests as members of your group.
• A Yahoo group may be large or small depending on the number of people interested. Bear in mind that some groups may not have as many readers as the popular article directories.