Before I share the secrets to guest posting stardom I want to introduce the concept of guest blogging for those new to blogging.
What You Will Learn:
- What is Guest Blogging?
- Why Guest Blog?
- How to Guest Blog?
- Where to find Blogs to Write for?
- Top 8 Secrets to Guest Posting Stardom
Reading Time: 10.6 Minutes
Word Count: 1373
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What is Guest Blogging?
It is simply sharing your original content on someone else’s blog. Instead of writing a blog post for your blog you’ll be writing a post for another blog.
Why Guest Blog?
When done strategically, guest blogging can be better than any ad campaign. For example, in 2013, I did an intense round of guest blogging during my Crocheting a Business Blog Tour. It was a crazy 15-week blogging tour in which I wrote 15 guest posts for 15 different crochet blogs.
The net result of which boosted sales to my eBook, increased traffic, developed relationships, increased opt-ins to my email list, and although I no longer blog about crochet, still receive traffic and inquiries from those articles written nearly 3 years ago.
I patterned this off of Nicole Dean’s Rock Star Summer Tour which she did back in 2009. She even shares how you can do this to in her Blog World Tour Planner.
Back in the early days of blogging, Nicole used this as a way to market affiliate partners. Linking out for profit (affiliate links) is no longer accepted and is frowned upon by Google, but links that provide information and add value to the content are welcome. It was also a great way to build her reputation and mailing list subscribers.
Another example is Caylie Price’s Blogging for Growth tour. She used this as a way to grow her email list, promote her Blogging products and build relationships with other business owners.
What might you use guest blogging for?
How to Guest Blog?
Before you join the adventure that is guest blogging there are some ground rules. First, be respectful to the host. Second, don’t pitch blogs that you don’t read. Third, respect the host’s audience. Finally, remember you are a guest. Here are a few great posts for further research:
- The Ultimate Guide to Guest Blogging by Kissmetrics
- 10,000 Subscribers in 18 Months by Jeff Goins
- Guest Blogging Mistakes by Peter Sandeen
- How to Be a Successful Blogger in a World of Competition [Guest Blogging] by Janie Wald
Where to Find Blogs to Write For?
When you chose to write for someone else, you need to be really picky. The biggest benefit of sharing your content on someone else’s site is the opportunity to share your expertise and a link back to your site in your author biography. BUT, in order for it to be worth your time, it must be on an established blog with plenty of traffic and a large audience of engaged readers who actually care about what you are sharing.
When I did my blog tour, I wrote for medium to high traffic crochet blogs with audiences who were interested in crocheting, blogging, and selling crochet. They also had readers who were highly interested in the eBook I just released.
Although I didn’t sell the eBook in the post, my biography linked to my mailing list which offered access to a Blog challenge Email series for crochet bloggers. Inside the series, the next step was the eBook, which I promoted in the 4th email in the series as it is a companion to the challenge.
Are you an author like Jeff Goins?
Use guest blogging as a way to promote your book, introduce the characters, or connect with other authors. Traditional publishers will have this worked out for you, but there is no reason why you couldn’t do this yourself or hire a book marketer (virtual assistant) to guide you and book guest spots for you.
When looking for blogs to write for, look for blogs that are frequently read by the demographic you are targeting. The following “Secrets” will help you in your search:
Guest Posting Secret #1: Read The Blog First
I know you’re probably all happy inside thinking about all the great possibilities for your business blog. Before you start pitching other blogs (or worse begging) to include your super duper post on their blog - read the blog first. How will you know what to write if you don’t know the audience?
Guest Posting Secret #2: Comment on The Blog
Another important step is to comment on the blog. Show your interest not only in the audience but the blog owner too. Commenting is the quickest way to get to know another blogger.
Guest Posting Secret #3: Read the Host’s Blog Guidelines
Before you write that superstar pitch you should check to see if there are guest author guidelines. Would you want someone writing for you if they don’t even take the time to read your rules? Some are clearly written and linked to and others are a bit more hard to find. I often find information in the About section or the Contact/Media section.
Guest Posting Secret #4: Prepare a Sample Title, Paragraph, and 2 - 3 Keywords
You’re a little closer to being a guest on your desired blog. Now it’s time to pitch your idea. Unless stated in the guidelines do not send the entire post. Simply write a sample paragraph with a title along with a couple of keywords that target their readers not yours.
What NOT to Do When Pitching a Blog Post as shared by Ann Smarty of SeoSmarty.com.
Click the graphic to go to the original post to see the Full-size Graphic plus a funny video.
Guest Posting Secret #5: Write Non-Promotional UBER Awesome Content
Promotion is for your blog and for your readers NOT for the host’s blog. This post is going to be your best work. Do not include sales copy or affiliate links. Google frowns on promotional guest blogging and trickery that tries to game their system. Legitimate links are perfectly fine.
Guest Posting Secret #6: Include Your Bio with Link to Your Opt-in
Here’s a BIG tip for you -> most hosts let you include a biography, a photo, and one link - make that link to your RSS feed sign up page or your newsletter opt-in page. I didn’t know this when I started so it was often missing in my earlier posts.
BONUS TIP: Create a unique welcoming page for the readers of this blog. It does a few things for you. First, you welcome potential readers to your own blog. Second, you can track the traffic coming from the guest post thus monitoring the return on your investment. Finally, it keeps you accountable as a guest to return often to interact with comments and promote the host’s blog.
One of the great things about being a guest or a host is the cooperative nature of this type of blogging. They (the host) get something - a free day and great content - and you get something - a new audience with the potential to increase your subscribers and authority.
Guest Posting Secret #7: Promote Your Guest Post
After you write your post you need to promote your post. Here’s a great post by Michelle Shaeffer’s on 3 Ways to Stand Out and Be an Awesome Guest Blogger).
Share it with your fans, followers, readers, subscribers, and email list. Don’t stop after one day or even one week. Keep sharing the post throughout the year. (Tip: You can auto-share these in Hoot Suite)
Guest Posting Secret #8: Return Often to Answer Comments
The final secret that will make you a rock star guest is to return often to your post to answer any comments. This shows your host that you care about her audience. Don’t just post and run as it is very similar to link dropping. Schedule a block of time each month to drop in or add a Google Alert for this post. This way you get an email each time a new comment is made.
Three Things to Do Right Now:
- Make a List of 3 Blogs You’d Like to Guest Post For
- Prepare a Pitch Based on Your Research of the Blog
- Pitch. Ideally, You Want to Be a Regular Reader so You know the Blogger before You do this.
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Mike Gardner says
This is a great post Sara, full of really useful information regarding guest blogging which I think is still an underrated traffic/lead generation tool
#YouAreLoved says
Mike, I agree. I follow a number of bloggers who got their start and ‘fame’ because of their guest blogging. Think: Freddy Crouger of Blogger Danny Iny and Jon Morrow of SmartBlogger.
Molly stevens says
This is great information Sara. I am definitely not utilizing my email list to its fullest capacity. I will bookmark this and return to put these strategies into action.
#YouAreLoved says
Molly, lovely, I’m glad you are able to use some of these tips. They’re simple, yet very effective.
Bonnie Gean says
Hi Sara!
I don’t do much guest blogging, but I would like to! Thanks for sharing such great tips. They’ll surely come in handy for me.
#YouAreLoved says
Bonnie, I haven’t done much lately, but there was a time I was all over the place. It’s great for new bloggers and those who are promoting something that needs eyeballs.
Rosemond says
Your first tip is so basic but I do think that so many bloggers don’t do that. Just start by reading and following the blog you want to write for to make sure you understand the blog’s voice before you try to write for them. Pinned!
#YouAreLoved says
Rosemond, it really is. It is usually the basic or simple things that get overlooked in our desire to ‘hurry up and grow our own blogs’.
karen says
Guest blogging is a really fun way to connect with other bloggers. I love the idea and love mixing it up. Your tips are right on and helpful for anyone wanting to try this out!
Karen | GlamKaren.com
#YouAreLoved says
Karen, thanks for stopping by my little ‘neck of the internet woods’. I found it to be a great way to connect with bloggers. Many of the relationships I’ve built turned into collaborations too.
Ali Gilbert says
These are all really good tips. I don’t guest post hardly ever and I really don’t know what to do so this is so helpful. Its good to know that it does help grow your audience. I especially like the tip about guest blogging only on blogs that you follow or that have the same target audience as your blog. Thanks for these tips!!
#YouAreLoved says
Ali, it is a good strategy especially when you’re just starting out. That tip is key because it is that audience that will be most interested in what you write and share on your own blog.
Yvonne Sowell says
I am new to this so this is a perfect list of advice for me. Thank you!
#YouAreLoved says
Yvonne, thank you for visiting and I hope these tips help you grow your blog.
Katie Jenkins says
Hi there, Sara! This was such a useful post, I can’t even tell you! I love reading a post that shares tips I haven’t already seen a gazillion times before:-) Really. Terrific information.
I’m still in the process of growing my list and I’ve contributed to some online magazines and what not, but have never submitted to personal blogs. From what I could tell, my posts seemed to get positive feedback from the readers (in the comments sections), but didn’t see any increase in traffic or my email list. Do you think guest bloggers see a better turn out when they write a post on a personal blog?
Again, your post was fantastic. Thank you so much. I will definitely be pinning this.
#YouAreLoved says
Katie, I believe the key to using this strategy is the blog you choose to partner with. In my early days, I wrote for other bloggers based on friendship and topic. What I failed to do was select blogs with my demographic who have a larger reach and influence. This is by far the top thing to look for. It is the eyeballs and the action takers of these larger bloggers that help.
Another important thing to note is to include a special landing page or optin in your bio. In the early days I only linked to my blog page. Having a complimentary optin (printable) that ties into your guest post will increase your results. The link can even be your Facebook page or Twitter account if that is what you choose to grow.
As far as writing for personal blogs as opposed to online magazines, I think it all depends on the amount of traffic and influence the blogger/magazine has. Danny Iny “the Freddie Krueger of Blogging” has a great book “Engagement From Scratch” that you should download. It’s a free PDF.
Katie Jenkins says
Oh, and I forgot to mention that I came across your blog at the Blogger’s Pit Stop! 🙂
#YouAreLoved says
Katie, thank you for letting me know you stopped by via Blogger’s Pit Stop. I really like that linky and have found some lovely blogs to read.
Christia Colquitt says
These are such great tips. I have not had a lot of luck with guest posting so pinning these tips to have for future reference!
#YouAreLoved says
Christia, using this strategy should increase your success with guest blogging.
Roxanne says
All great tips! I haven’t had much time to guest post for others but sounds like I should start again!
#YouAreLoved says
Roxanne, guest posting does take time but it is worth it. I use to write only for my own blog but once I started writing and promoting my guest posts, I grew my sphere of influence.
Linda says
These are very helpful ideas. I have been thinking of doing a guest post, thanks.
#YouAreLoved says
Linda, guest posts can come in handy when you are sick or when you take a summer holiday.
Heather says
Way back in the day I used to guest post and have people guest post on my blog - but I never used it for promotion, just as someone else sharing their information on my blog. Great idea though, I think I might try it again!
#YouAreLoved says
Heather, that was how I initially started in guest blogging too. It was a way to share someone else’s expertise and a day off for me.
Reesa Lewandowski says
This is great advice. So many bloggers don’t realize how important guest blogging is to their OWN site! Great for SEO! Thanks for sharing!
#YouAreLoved says
Reesa, exactly. Having a guest posting strategy in place can really grow your blog.
jill conyers says
This is great. My experience with guest posts is that they’re not as much of a traffic source as I expected them to be. It helps. I’m going to go through your tips again to see what I’m not doing that I should. Thanks.
#YouAreLoved says
Jill, in my experience, choosing a site with a large following is the key. I used to guest post on any site that asked. After learning from a friend the ‘key’, larger sites with more traffic that complimented my own blog saw better results both in sales and in subscribers.
Debra says
I honestly haven’t written a guest post in year. I am going to have to think about doing it again.
#YouAreLoved says
Debra, it used to be a common thing, but some no longer participate in it.
Amanda Love says
Those are some great tips. I’ve guest posted on a few blogs and have had a few guest posters as well. I don’t promote myself on other blogs but do write as if I’m writing for my own.
#YouAreLoved says
Amanda, “I do write as if I’m writing for my own (blog)” is great. Promotion for most is done only in the by-line and that only a mention of their blog and/or newsletter (social).
Di says
Love this Sara! I’ve guest posted a few times and this would have come in handy before then. Now I feel like I’ve got it down 🙂 I’ve also had a a couple of people guest post for me. Honestly I’ve had a great experience with guest posting on both sides 🙂
#YouAreLoved says
Di, my experience with it has mostly been positive as well. It really helps when you are friends with the bloggers/writers and are well versed in each others audiences.
Codi Lynn says
Love all the benefits that you share about guest blogging, when I started my blog I always thought that guest blogging would be a waste of time but the more that I am blogging I see how beneficial it is to share and get your name out there more.
#YouAreLoved says
Codi, the benefits of guest blogging can go either way depending on how it is used. When it comes down to it, a spammy post is a spammy post no matter which site you post it on. Right?
Guest Posting, like blogging builds friendships and grows community.
Megan Mccoig says
This is a fab post and lots of good advice. I went into guest blogging without knowing much and haven’t done it since, this is making me want todo more and do it properly!
#YouAreLoved says
Megan, sometimes it’s the close your eyes and JUMP things that we do that we learn most from. If something was not good at first, wait a bit and try again. I know with blogging and friends, you will eventually find something that fits.
Sarah says
I really need to start guest posting- I don’t do it ever, but these tips are great. I just might have to start contacting some bloggers today.
#YouAreLoved says
Sarah, go for it. It is a great way to learn about your writing and an excellent way to spread your wings to new audiences.
Janice Wald says
Hi Sara,
What a wonderful article! I have also blogged about the protocol behind guest posting.
Thanks for coming to the Blogger’s Pit Stop Linky Party last week.
Janice, Pit Stop Crew
#YouAreLoved says
Hi, Janice. Wow, I’ve been gone a long time as this linky was done in June. I’m glad to be back and will join in another fun Blogger’s Pit Stop soon. I’ll have to take a look at your guest blogging post. I enjoy your blog so much, I’m sure I will learn a lot.
Janice Wald|MostlyBlogging says
Hi Sara,
I am getting traffic from this URL today. Exciting! Thank you for your interest in my guest blogging article. Here it is:
http://www.mostlyblogging.com/how-to-be-a-successful-blogger-in-a-world-of-competition/
Janice
Magical V.A. says
That’s nice to hear Janice. I was on my way to read it today, but time slipped past me. I’ll read it here in a few. Thanks for sharing it to this post as it will help others. (I’ll add it to the article too.)
Edward says
WOW Sara what a great blog post you have here! I have never got into guest blog posting as I am not good at writing for my own blog and keeping track of that. I also do not think I am good at grammar so I do not write for others. It is weird though as I own a plr store and I do write the content for that.
All The Best
Edward Haberthur
#YouAreLoved says
Edward, I know a few writers who write PLR who don’t blog or guest post. It may sound weird but understandable.
Amber Nelson says
Guest blogging is a great thing to do. The more you can get your name out there, the better!
#YouAreLoved says
Amber, agreed. Even with keyword SEO for organic ranking on Google, being ‘everywhere’ your target audience is keeps you in their minds.