Not long ago I started writing these articles and sending them out on a regular basis. And the reason for that is simple, really. The process is on-going. That's because my articles are located on web sites that offer free content for reprint. Soon they are reprinted in newsletters or on web sites.
People read the articles.
Then they click on the link in the reference box at the end of your article and go directly to your site. You pay nothing for any of this traffic . . . Now, don't get me wrong. I'm sure trading reciprocal links can work, but with this process I don't have to trade at all. My articles are added and the link to my site is automatic.