Writing articles for the net can be a thankless task as about 99% of web publishers won't pay you.  They don't need to as there are many writers out there only too happy to have their work published.

Having said that, writing articles is an excellent way to get self-promotion online.

Articles also stimulate traffic flow to your own website and, if you are good at it and
create catchy, relevant titles Google will eventually list them.

Try writing for ezines.  You'll reach readers you wouldn't normally have access to.  Ezines have mailing lists of thousands and they are normally keen to get fresh articles of around 600 - 800 words.

Do some research first though and make sure you are writing the sort of article they want.

Add you URL to the bottom of your articles so that readers can find out more about you.

Another good way to spread your work is via article directories like www.ezinearticles.com. Submit articles to article directories.  Article Directories exist for websites to find free articles and reprint them!

This is another, really good way for you to spread your articles.

Most magazines have an online presence these days.  Find your favourites and logon and look at what they want from writers.  If it's a magazine you know you are much more likely to get published as you'll know what they want from you.

To be successful you need to get yourself out there!!!