Published my very first linked articles about Salem, the game.

Hi all.

I was wondering if I can get some feedback on the two Salem articles I've just published. It's the first two articles I have written that are linked and I worry that I should've done it differently.

Review of Salem (Beta, Dec 2012 – Jan 2013)
Comparing Salem clients: Default vs Ender

I know the first thing anyone will point out is the lack of adverts. I left it blank intentionally since there's nothing available online regarding this game, and I haven't had time to look into custom made Zazzle items yet.

Thanks in advance.

/Jay

Personally I feel if an advert doesn't "fit", I won't put it in. Saying this, I'm new to online income, so that could be the totally wrong approach, but whenever I go to a page and it's flooded with random ads, I just click off.

All of my GIMP articles are ad-less (aside from the Google ones), so there's definitely no shame in having articles with no true monetisation if you don't want it there! 

Anyway, with regards to the articles, I thoroughly enjoyed them and can tell that you've put a lot of effort into them! The only one tiny thing I would suggest is an explicit direct link in the review of Salem, but other than that, I see just a well crafted article!

Thank you!

I agree about the number of ads. There needs to be a balance between those and the actual text otherwise it gets cluttered. I would like ads but at the same time I don't want to add something just for the sake of adding.

May I ask what you mean by "explicit direct link"? Like a text link to the client article at the very beginning?

I was thinking something along the lines of what I did in this article. Maybe either at the beginning or at the end - just a big "If you'd like to play the game, click here" sort of thing. It's not necessary, just that it seems it would fit nicely. :)

I've also just noticed that it appears you're not a native English speaker which is very impressive because your article's flawless and reads like it was written like one!  I'm always jealous of bilingual people.

Yes, I agree it is very impressive and informative leaving nothing but a clear answer to whether or not the game is for you. I like it!

Ah ok. Now I get what you mean about the link. I can do that.

And thanks for the compliment about my English. I really like the English language and use it much more than Swedish. At least in writing. But I have to confess, I rely on the help of Word with the grammar and little mistakes that I tend to do. It gets really strange though when I find myself looking for a word in Swedish and have to search my English vocabulary for the translation. XD

Edit:

Thanks Katiem. :)

I wouldn't want you to miss an opportunity to generate sales on an article this well written :) so I did some checking based on what I'd do monetize-wize on the "Review of Salem (Beta, Dec 2012 – Jan 2013)" article.

If the game isn't available you can redirect that passion you built up in your writing to similar games too.  I found 4 for you all based on the name Salem (and similar gaming structures/graphics)  they will blend in.  I'd say add some other games that you yourself think would interest you being yourself you love this game your reviewing :)

You may want to list them just at the end of the article in gallery large view or sprinkle one at a time beside a small paragraph you put in it's own text module and make a half size with the amazon ad next to it... (plug these DP (amazon product number) numbers into an amazon box and see if you like them for your article...

(other Salem games)

B003UD7RV4
B003SEIKXO
B00470LIEQ
B006X20C48

Another angle is offering helpful guides in strategy, things they need to play the game (as you said, strategy is important so ask yourself what points in the game would they want to beef up on i.e. being more observant is one, there are books on how to tune in, focus better, etc... although that may be too much, some people may think, wow I can benefit from boosting my ability to focus more on character (istics) and all my games will be better played...

I tried to find other titles by the same company but nothing on amazon, often if someone enjoys a game they will enjoy other titles by the same company so that's a good option for ads too... you can also find a product that has an affiliate link you can add to your article i.e. when the game comes out if it's not available on amazon you can see if their site has an affiliate program. Check ebay too...

Overall this is a great article, it covers all sides of the issue including your disdain for ugly characters haha (but also showing that this doesn't affect how cool the game is)... shows honesty in review is what I'm saying there. It's low key formatting helps bring out the pictures/screenshots so that works well (if your formatting was like this article the gaming images would likely look cheaper or drown for example).

Well done chap, well done.

Jerrico

Thank you so much for the feedback - and for the research. I've been so focused on the writing and getting it right that I haven't spent enough time on all the other things that can boost the article, or possible bring in some money in the future.

Guides and tips is something I started thinking about yesterday, after realizing Salem could be a huge topic. I think I'm going to enjoy myself. :D