Why Bother with Guest Blogging?
Alright, let's chat about guest blogging, shall we? You've been managing your own blog, pouring in hours crafting your content, and sharing it far and wide. But have you ever considered guest blogging as a way to expand your reach? While it's true that guest blogging is more work-intensive than a quick social media post, it offers benefits that are genuinely invaluable.
Let's dig into the three main advantages:
Positioning Yourself as an Authority
Look, running a blog is great for demonstrating your expertise. But when you feature as a guest writer on a well-established blog, it’s a different ball game. Think about it—you’re not just a writer; you're a published author, vetted by an external source.
Driving Traffic to Your Website
With every guest post, there's usually a surge of traffic to your website. Sure, this might not last forever, but consistent guest blogging can keep the visits coming.
Acquiring New, Engaged Readers
We're talking about hyper-targeted readership, my friend. These are people who are genuinely interested in your area of expertise, making them more likely to stick around.
So, given all this, why wouldn't you want to integrate guest blogging into your content strategy? In this guide, you'll learn the ins and outs of how to start guest blogging. Ready? Let's get cracking!
Researching: Where to Find Prime Blogs for Your Guest Posts
First thing's first—you need to select the blogs where your guest posts will live. It's a bit like house-hunting; you want to make sure the neighbourhood suits you.
Relevance and Engagement
Two primary factors to look for are relevance to your target audience and high engagement levels. While relevance should be your top priority, high engagement is a delightful cherry on top. More readers equate to more potential traffic and subscribers for you.
Personal Connections
If you've been networking with other bloggers, why not start there? A warm email to a fellow blogger can often open the door to a guest posting opportunity.
Blogs You Already Follow
Here’s another simple route: your blog subscriptions. You already understand the type of content and audience they cater to, making your pitch more aligned with their needs.
Spotting Guest Bloggers in the Wild
A quick Google search can reveal guest bloggers in your niche. Simply type in “guest blog post by [blogger's name]” to discover where they've been featured.
A Deep Dive into Google and Social Media
Don't overlook the straightforward Google search. Use relevant keywords and phrases like “submit a guest post”, or “guest post guidelines”. The same approach works on social media platforms. On Twitter, for example, you can enter “[keyword] guest post” in the search bar.
Forum Finds
Forums can be goldmines. Some even have designated sections for guest blogging opportunities, making it easier for you to find a platform that aligns with your goals.
The Approach: How to Pitch a Guest Post
After you’ve identified suitable blogs, it's time for the pitch. Now, this part can be a bit intimidating, but it's crucial to get it right.
Read Their Guidelines
The first step is to read the guest post guidelines. These are the rules of the game, and you want to make sure you’re playing correctly.
Tailor the Email
When you reach out, customise your pitch. Make it clear that you know their blog, their audience, and what you can offer. Nobody likes a generic email, do they?
Propose Specific Topics
It’s better to pitch a couple of specific topics rather than asking if they’d like a guest post from you. A detailed proposal will make you stand out.
Be Patient But Follow Up
Remember, bloggers are busy people. If you haven’t heard back in a week or two, it's perfectly acceptable to send a polite follow-up email.
FAQ: Your Burning Guest Blogging Questions Answered
How often should I guest blog?
So, you're pondering how frequently you should dive into the guest blogging pool? A good starting point could be to aim for one guest post a month. It's a manageable commitment that allows you to gauge the impact on both your website traffic and your growing reputation as an expert.
Personally, I've found that hitting the sweet spot of three guest posts a month has done wonders for me. Mind you, there was a time I went all out with a staggering 39 guest posts in a single month! But even if it's just one for now, that’s absolutely fine. Each post is a stepping stone to greater visibility and authority.
How long should my guest post be?
Ah, the age-old question: “How long should my guest post be?” I get it, you're keen to strike the perfect balance. Generally, guest posts tend to roam within the 800 to 1,500-word range. But here's the kicker—it largely hinges on the specific blog you're writing for. Some blogs adore long, in-depth pieces, while others favour concise, snappy articles.
So, before you put pen to paper or, more likely, fingers to keyboard, make sure to peruse the blog's guidelines. That way, you'll give your post the best shot at fitting in seamlessly with their existing content.
Can I republish my guest post on my blog?
Ah, so you've crafted a guest post you're absolutely chuffed with and you're pondering, “Can this masterpiece grace the virtual pages of my own blog?” Great question! The first step is to delve into the republishing guidelines of the host blog. Some blogs might give you the green light, but it's worth noting that the majority often prefer to keep your content exclusive to their site.
If you're brimming with pride over your post and want to give it more airtime, why not keep sharing it? You could use a nifty tool like MissingLettr to keep the buzz going on social media. That way, your brilliant piece gets the attention it deserves, even if it can't make a curtain call on your own blog. Always a way around, right?
How do I know if my guest blogging is effective?
So, you've put in the graft, written a cracking guest post, and now you're sat there wondering, “Was it all worth it?” I get it; you want to know if your effort is translating into tangible rewards. Here's what you do: keep an eye on key metrics like the number of people visiting your site through the guest post (that's your referral traffic), any uptick in new subscribers, and of course, how many times your article gets shared on social media. These indicators will give you a pretty good idea if your guest blogging adventure is hitting the mark or if it needs a bit of a tweak. Trust me, a little bit of number-crunching can go a long way in telling you if you're on the right track!
Making Guest Blogging a Permanent Fixture
So there you have it—how to start guest blogging from A to Z. It's not something you can master overnight, but with consistent effort, it can become a robust aspect of your content marketing strategy.
The time you invest in crafting a thoughtful guest post for a carefully selected blog can pay off tenfold. So, roll up those sleeves and start making guest blogging a regular part of your content creation calendar.
So, what do you think? Ready to jump into the world of guest blogging? I'm keen to hear your thoughts!
