Guest blogging has been around since the dawn of time (or at least in 2000 when Google first started allowing companies to advertise their blogs). But with the advent of social media like Instagram and Facebook, we’ve seen an explosion in guest blogger activity that makes many marketers nervous about whether or not they should jump into this new world.
There's no real "right" way to go about doing it - but there are some guidelines you need to follow if you want your guest blog efforts to benefit both you and your website. Read through our quick guide below for tips on writing good guest post material, pitching well, and getting approved.
Your introduction is one of the most important parts of any piece of content because it sets up everything else to come after it. The best way to capture people's attention is by telling them exactly where they're going next. For example, "I've got something really interesting to share with you guys today." Or, "If you haven't heard yet, here's why you'll love what I'm sharing with you." The key thing here is to make sure you give your readers enough information so that they know immediately who you are and what you have to offer. If you don't set yourself apart from other bloggers, then you won't stand out.
The same rules apply as above, just replace 'guest' with whatever word you use to describe the person/company giving you permission to publish their work. This could be called a ‘contributing author', 'advertiser', or even 'brand ambassador'. It doesn't matter what term you choose – all you need to understand is that it will be someone whose name you won't see anywhere else on the site. And while it may seem obvious, it bears repeating that you need to let them know ahead of time that you'd like to feature their article!
You only get two lines when introducing a post, which means you have to make each line count. You also need to ensure that the reader gets excited about reading more. So instead of simply saying "Read More", try using words like exciting, informative, or thought-provoking. When you say these things, you're making promises to the reader that you intend to deliver.
For instance, "We had a very special visitor stop by recently," would probably sound better than "Here's another great post." That’s because visitors are naturally drawn to stories that promise excitement, novelty, or insight. By promising those three qualities upfront, you give the reader incentive to read further. Not every single piece of content needs to be a blockbuster – but if you can find ways to create intrigue and surprise without coming across too salesy, you’ll score big points.
This step is usually skipped entirely by many bloggers and advertisers alike. After all, isn’t it already assumed that everyone wants to hear about your awesome stuff? Well, yes…but it’s still worth putting together a few sentences that explain why you think the writer might enjoy contributing to your online property. In fact, I recommend sending a note via email before contacting anyone directly, because it gives you an opportunity to outline the value you hope to bring to the table.
A sample email pitch might look something like this:
Hi [name],
My name is [your name] and I am looking forward to featuring [article title]. While I was researching articles on the topic, I learned that [keyword phrase] is a popular choice among consumers interested in learning more about [topic]. To learn more about the topic, please take a moment to visit [site URL]."
It sounds much longer than it actually is, but hopefully you now feel confident knowing what to put down in that note. Just remember to keep your message professional, friendly, and to the point. Don't forget to thank the writer for agreeing to contribute!
To sum up, the goal of guest posting is to engage audiences who aren't already visiting your site. Once you start reaching out to potential contributors, you'll begin to build relationships within your target audience and attract new ones along the way. And don't worry – once you nail this process down, you'll discover that guest posting is easy and fun!
Have you ever written a guest post? What kind of results did you see? Share your tips and experiences in the comments section below!
The Basics
Before you start writing your very own guest posts, there are some things you need to know.
What is Guest Posting? - This is where you submit articles written by someone else and then link back to them as credit where it’s due.
Why Should You Write A Guest Blog For Someone Else?- There are several reasons why you would want to write a blog article for another company or website. Some of these include:
You have expertise in a particular area and feel comfortable sharing that knowledge with others.
Your business partners may ask you to share your thoughts/opinions on certain topics that will benefit their readership.
You have an audience who wants to hear from people like yourself but don't necessarily want to read "your" site's regular posts.
You're looking to build links to your own site through other sites.
Some businesses require you to publish articles on behalf of them for various reasons.
To get traffic to your site.
If any one of those applies to you, go ahead and write away! If none of them apply, well...you probably shouldn't bother. It doesn't matter if you've never even considered being a guest writer before because it just isn't necessary unless you think it might bring in more visitors to your site.
There are two ways you can go about submitting your article and
Guest Posting 101
In order to understand why so many people are writing these posts, you have to know what kind of content guest bloggers want to see.
If your blog is looking pretty empty, how could you get more traffic/visitors?
Which websites would benefit most from adding articles by “guest authors”?
Is there any way to monetize this type of article – does the author need to pay me anything if he publishes something here?
Do I really want to give away my name as a guest writer because someone might use it against me later?
I don't want to sound too much like a dick but...
Will other editors think less of me if I publish an article written by a guest writer?
With all those questions answered, let’s take a look at some tips for guest posting success.
I've been writing about blogging since before everyone was blogging (back when we were all just using Yahoo! Groups). In those days there wasn't much talk of guest blogs -- they didn't exist yet -- but the concept was already well established by then. A lot has changed since then...
In this article I'll share some tips that have helped me with my own guest blog writing, from submission guidelines to getting more traffic through your guest articles.
But first, let's take a look at exactly what "guest" means. What does it mean to call someone a "guest blogger"? It depends who you ask, so here are three different definitions of what a guest post is.
The term 'Guest Post' has many different meanings depending on context. For example, if an author writes for another site or publication under their real name - as opposed to writing under a pen-name - they may consider themselves a guest writer rather than a guest blogger. But if a publisher wants to publish a piece written by a journalist whose company isn't known or respected enough to merit its own column, they will usually refer to them as a guest blogger.
Similarly, if you're submitting work for consideration on another website, whether because you've had previous success as an affiliate partner or simply want to get involved in other people's projects, they might also think of you as a guest contributor. There's no hard and fast rule on these terms, however, so don't worry too much if you find yourself being referred to as either one instead of the other. The important thing is to understand what each role entails, and make sure you know why you should accept the invitation to contribute.
If you're an expert in a particular topic, you could argue that your expertise makes you a better candidate for contributing to a new audience's knowledge base than most journalists would be. If you write very compelling articles regularly, you'd probably be considered a valued asset by any media outlet that wanted to add you to their team. So, while you wouldn't necessarily be called a guest blogger, you certainly could be considered a guest content writer. It really comes down to what you're offering up to the host website.
When you're searching for information online, Google likes sites that provide useful answers to questions users are asking. That's not always easy to achieve, though, especially if you're looking for something specific like product reviews or industry news. By providing good original content that helps readers answer questions they may have, you're showing Google that you're worth including in search results, even if you aren't technically a full-time employee of the publishing house.
There are plenty of ways to approach guest blogging, though. You can offer to join a team of writers and editors, helping out with research and fact checking. Or you can create original pieces and send them over to a regular columnist or editor. Either way, you're adding value to the web community by sharing your insights and experiences with others.
While there are lots of websites dedicated to listing opportunities for guest contributors, that doesn't guarantee anyone will actually contact you. Some publishers only list open positions within their editorial departments, which means you need to apply directly. Others prefer to reach out to freelancers via email, social networks, and job boards. Still others use more traditional channels such as LinkedIn and Twitter.
Whether you decide to go straight to the source or start exploring options elsewhere, remember that you need to stand out among hundreds of applicants. Make sure you include links to relevant samples of your best work, and show off your skillset and experience in a professional manner. Don't forget to mention any special qualifications or areas of interest you have, as well.
With so many places to turn for potential contributions, it's tough finding the perfect fit between you and a prospective client. After all, every person you come across is going to have different needs, goals, and expectations. No two pitches will ever be identical. While some guidelines are universal, it's still helpful to have a general idea of how to craft a winning guest post pitch.
First of all, aim high. Aiming low won't serve you well in the long run. Your goal shouldn't be to score a spot on the homepage of a major news site. Instead, focus on smaller publications where you can build a reputation as a reliable resource. Remember, though, that small audiences often translate into fewer page views per visitor. If you want to maximize your chances of landing a great gig, it pays to target niche markets.
Second, tailor your pitch accordingly. Every publication is different, and you'll never know until you try. When pitching to an individual or group affiliated with a larger organization, keep in mind that you're likely dealing with busy professionals who have limited time to read submissions. They're going to want to see proof that you can deliver on your promises. Showcase past successes (and failures) in your field. Offer detailed explanations of what you plan to cover, along with sample images and videos that illustrate your points. Be prepared to demonstrate your ability to meet deadlines, and explain how you handle crises and setbacks. Most importantly, make sure you clearly state your bottom line. Ask yourself, "Would I pay money for this?"
Finally, choose the format wisely. As mentioned above, you'll want to avoid sending unsolicited emails. Instead, follow these steps to ensure you present your case effectively:
Create a PDF document containing your top five reasons why the publication should hire you. Include screenshots, charts, graphs, and anything else you feel will set you apart from the competition.
Send the file to the appropriate person (e.g., Editor), attaching a brief note explaining why you chose to pursue this opportunity, and what you hope to gain from working together.
Wait patiently for a response. Sometimes, you may receive nothing at all, but sometimes you may hear back almost immediately. Keep pressing forward, regardless of whether you receive a reply.
Once you finally land an assignment, stay cool and calm throughout the process. Even if things don't go according to plan, remain patient and positive. Mistakes happen. Take responsibility for your part, apologize sincerely, and move forward.
Remember, you're building relationships. People respond positively to genuine enthusiasm and energy. Once you've earned the respect of your colleagues, future assignments become easier to secure. And once you've built your credibility, you'll be able to command higher rates and demand more creative freedom.
So now you know everything you need to know about creating a successful guest blog post. Now it's time to put it into practice. Let us know below if you've landed any awesome guest blog spots recently, and share your thoughts in the comments section below.
Guest blogging has become the norm when it comes to online content creation. It's not just about getting your articles published but also about building relationships with other bloggers who have similar audiences as yours. It's an easy way of increasing traffic to your website or blog by sharing their content.
While there are many ways to get started with this process, one thing that should always remain consistent is consistency. And while this may seem like a very basic rule, it doesn't mean that you shouldn't try something new every once in awhile (and yes, we're talking about guest posting!). A lot of people think that they need to jump from site to site trying out different methods until they find the magic formula that will make them successful at promoting all their articles. But if this was true, then everyone would be doing well! The reality is that there isn’t such a thing as “the best method” – each strategy works differently depending on its purpose, audience, and niche.
So instead of focusing too much on finding the perfect solution, let us focus more on being flexible enough to adapt our methods according to whatever situation arises. This means that while some strategies might work better under certain circumstances, others could actually fail miserably even though they worked perfectly fine before. So here we go:
When you first start off creating guest posts, you'll want to keep things simple so that you don't waste time and energy going down rabbit holes. There are only two main goals for any guest post promotion campaign: increase traffic to your own site/blog and build up your brand recognition. Both these goals require you to share your article somewhere else. You can use many techniques to achieve both of those aims including social media shares, email blasts, commenting on relevant blogs etc...
But no matter which technique you choose, you must ensure that you follow the same steps consistently across sites because otherwise it won’t look natural or organic. If you decide to share via Facebook, for example, don’t forget to mention the author name, link back to your blog, and include tags related to your industry. Also remember to check that your audience likes the publication where you shared your article. For instance, if you posted your article on Mashable, you wouldn't want to share it on Reddit. That would come off spammy.
The most important part of guest post promotions is to create great content that is valuable to readers. In order to determine whether or not your guest post was successful, ask yourself questions like "did anyone read it?" or "was it helpful?". If you answered 'yes' to either question, then congratulations! Your guest post succeeded! If you didn't answer positively to at least one of the above questions, then chances are that nobody really cared about reading your piece. Don't worry - you can still learn from your mistakes and improve upon next time.
As mentioned earlier, consistency is key when it comes to guest posting. Your goal is to provide value to readers without coming off as pushy or spammy.
To stay away from any negative connotations, consider asking your potential collaborator a few questions beforehand. Things like "how often does he publish" and "what kind of topics did his last article cover". These types of questions will give you insight into the writer's style and preferences.
Also, make sure that your post follows a clear headline that makes sense and includes keywords. Remember that search engines rank websites based on relevance, meaning that you'll want to put your keyword in the title or URL of your article. When it comes to titles, avoid using long words since Google uses shorter versions of these terms to show snippets inside SERPs. Instead, use phrases that describe your topic concisely.
In addition to providing information, you need to present it in a compelling manner. Use bullet points, subheadings, images, videos, and illustrations to grab readers' attention. Make sure that you add links throughout your text to support claims made in your article. Lastly, proofread everything carefully and remove unnecessary jargon. While these tips sound rather obvious, they are essential to ensuring that you deliver high-quality content that keeps visitors engaged.
A guest post is basically an article written by someone else that appears alongside your original material. Guest posts are popular among publishers because they allow authors to expand their reach beyond their existing network of followers. They also serve as excellent opportunities for brands looking to establish themselves within specific niches. However, they aren't freebies. To succeed, you need to offer something unique and interesting to your partners. You can also leverage guest posts to gain exposure to new markets and connect with influencers outside of your core audience.
There are three main categories of guest posts:
1) Featured Post: This is essentially an interview between a blogger and another expert.
2) Expert Opinion Piece: This type of post relies heavily on statistics to prove why a particular subject matters to readers.
3) How-to Article: This post provides step-by-step instructions on how to perform a task.
According to Hubspot, guest posts are considered low effort activities. Basically, you simply copy paste your content onto someone else's platform, tweak it slightly, and voila! You've got a fresh piece of content ready to be promoted. Although this sounds simple, it's far easier said than done. There are several factors involved in successfully executing this tactic. First, you need to know exactly what you're supposed to say. Second, you need to figure out the correct tone for your voice. Third, you have to make sure that your message is tailored towards the person whose platform you chose to host it on.
The biggest mistake that writers usually commit during guest posts is failing to properly research their partner's blog. By conducting thorough searches through Google Analytics, Pinterest analytics and Twitter analytics, you'll be able to identify the topics that are popular amongst your target audience. From there, you can narrow down your list further by searching for hashtags relating to your chosen niche. Once you have a final list of possible platforms, you can begin contacting bloggers directly. Alternatively, you can contact a company called Outbrain, which specializes in connecting publishers with writers. They specialize in making connections between publishers and writers. They claim that they have over 100 million users worldwide and have helped over 2 billion publishers generate millions of pieces of content.
Although guest posting has proven effective for many marketers, it has been criticized for its tendency to lower trust levels in consumers. According to an analysis conducted by Shareaholic, only 17% of respondents felt that they were capable of trusting the opinions expressed on a given article. In fact, 52% of respondents reported feeling less confident that they could trust a guest poster after seeing multiple guest posts on a single page.
However, it seems that guest posting is gradually becoming more acceptable. As more businesses realize the positive effects of engaging in strategic partnerships, the number of companies willing to participate in these collaborations continues to grow. If you're interested in learning more about how to use guest posts to boost your business profits, please feel free to visit our resource hub.
Just follow our battle-tested guidelines and rake in the profits.