Articles published in article websites have the disadvantage that they very quickly fall deep into the site, making them pretty much unfindable and thus have very little value.

I would never submit articles that you also publish in your own site by the way. Either submit them or publish in your own website. Don't do both.

All the time and money spent on articles and article submissions, is better spent at getting your site mentioned in (local) newspapers and magazines. (will get you natural links as well)

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