Writing a guest post for another blogger can be useful to you in so many ways as a blogger, especially if your blog is fairly new. It can be hard to find opportunities to guest post though, and when you do find one, you need to make sure you deliver the best post you can.
Reasons You Might Write a Guest Post
There are many reasons why you might find yourself writing a guest post for someone else’s blog:
- Perhaps a blogging friend asked you to
- Perhaps you want a little extra exposure
- Perhaps you want to write something about a topic outside of your blog niche
There are many other reasons for writing a guest post, these are just a few of the main reasons why it could be useful for you.
The Advantages of Writing A Guest Post
The main advantages of writing a guest post for someone are:
- It’s a chance to get your posts in front of new people, hopefully leading to them visiting your blog
- It helps build relationships within the blogging community
If you’ve never considered writing a guest post before, give it a go – you’ve got nothing to lose.
There are always bloggers looking for guest posters – have a look through Twitter, you’re sure to find one that takes your fancy, or be brave and pitch your idea to a blogger whose blog you would love to feature on.
How to Write a Guest Post to Impress
So, once you’ve found a blog to post on, and have a chance to get your post in front of a new audience – how do you make sure it ticks all the boxes? Read on for my top tips.
Read the Blog You are Submitting to
Have a look through some of the blog’s posts. What are they writing about? Have you spotted a gap you could fill? A point they have touched on that you want to expand on? A new perspective on something they post about?
For example, you are going to have very little success approaching a beauty blog with a post idea about potty training, however, a parenting blog would be much more open to the idea.
Now you have the general feel for the blog, and an idea for a post, have a search through their archives – make sure you aren’t just re-hashing a post they have already written.
Write Something Original
If the blogger is advertising for guest posters, check their guidelines, some will accept previously published posts, although most won’t. Even if they do, I would strongly recommend writing something original, even if it covers an area you have already posted about. If you are pitching to a blogger who isn’t actively advertising for guest posters, then you definitely need something previously unpublished.
Write As Yourself
Don’t change your writing style to mirror the blogger you are writing for. Not only will this be glaringly obvious, but presumably the blogger wants something fresh and different or they would just write the post themselves.
If the blog you are writing for has a set style of posting, for example, if all their posts are lists, there is nothing wrong with sticking to the format, in fact I think it would be a good idea, but don’t lose your voice. If you write humorous posts, keep them funny. If you use swear words in your general posts, check with the blogger that this is ok.
Don’t be afraid to put a little personality/passion into it.
Write Something Worth Reading
If you wouldn’t publish it on your own blog (in terms of quality, not subject matter) then don’t expect anyone else to. It is very insulting to a blogger to write something sub-par and expect them to fawn over it.
Check spelling and grammar – the odd typo happens to the best of us, but if it is a mess, then you probably won’t find much joy.
Add Some Images
Unless you are specifically requested not to, or after researching the blog, you find they don’t use images on any posts, then add some. It saves the blogger having to find images to use with your post, and also gives a visual that represents your post.
Make it Fit
Make sure your post fits the blog you are submitting it to (if you have followed the steps above, your subject and format will already fit). Now you need to tweak all the little things to make it fit their blog’s style.
Don’t write your posts in bright green, fussy font if all of theirs are in Arial and in black. The opposite is also true. If they use fancy fonts and lots of colour, do the same.
Check if they have a word count limit. If they do, stick to it. If it’s not specified, look through their posts. If they are all 1500+ words, they will have more interest in a longer post. If they write 300 word posts, they might not want a long post.
Check how many images they use. If they use a lot of images, make sure you attach more than one. If they limit it, then don’t add too many (or add the extras, letting them know they are free to use them all or choose their favourites).
Communicate
If you are going for something a bit different, it might be worth sending a brief outline to see if they are interested before you invest a lot of time in writing the post, especially if it’s on a topic that you wouldn’t be able to use on your own blog.
Also, if you are unsure of something, ask. Bloggers don’t bite, and asking the question early on usually avoids confusion and extra work later on.
After the Post is Live
So many bloggers seem to think that once their guest post goes live, then that’s their part over. It isn’t (at least not if you want to be thought of as someone worth collaborating with).
Once you have secured your guest post, and it goes live, promote it. Remember, you want their readers to see your post, it can’t hurt to return the favour and potentially send some of your readers their way.
Promote it on your social media. You are also more likely to be invited to do more posts for them if you actively promote the post, especially if they see you sending them extra traffic.
And don’t forget to respond to comments on the post.
I hope you find these tips useful. Let me know how you get on. Do you have any tips to add? If so, share them in the comments.
Love all of these tips!! Definitely agree with adding traffic to the other blog because I believe that's crucial and respectful of the other person!! Come stop by Stylish Muse if you get some time!
I blog over at stylishmuse.com | Blog Lovin'
Thank you 🙂 It has to be mutually beneficial to really work well! Will do 🙂
Love it! I just recently wrote a guest post for another blogger but It won't air until October. It was exciting though and I am looking at other blogs/sites to do some guest posting. Thanks for sharing on #anythinggoes
Thank you 🙂 It's great fun isn't it, I love doing guest posts!
Wonderful tips, Debbie! I have written a few guest blog posts, and it's definitely proven beneficial to the host blogger as well as to myself. The way I handle promoting guest posts is to treat them as if they were posted on my own blog. Promote the other person's blog on all social media platforms as much as you'd put yours out there. Thanks for hosting #AnythingGoes!
Thank you 🙂 It definitely helps both parties, its good to bring a fresh voice to your blog now and again. I totally agree about promoting it well! You're welcome, thanks for linking up 🙂
Really great tips for guest blogging. I've only done one guest post but I enjoyed it a lot. I was able to find a blog that was a bit less parent and was able to bring out my sarcastic side. Great tips. #AnythingGoes
Thank you 🙂 That's one of the things I enjoy about guest posting – being able to write something different to what would fit your own blog!
Good tips. I'd like to do more guest posts but some days I'm fighting just to keep my head above water with my current obligations.
#anythinggoes
Thank you 🙂 Yes, I know what you mean, sometimes it's hard enough to fit everything in without adding more to your to do list!
Oh such great tips! I have been thinking about this topic quite often so I am thankful you wrote a post on it! #AnythingGoes
Kristen
Thank you, glad you found it helpful 🙂
Thanks for sharing this. I had a few questions about guest blogging and didn't know who to ask but this post has answered them all for me!
#AnythingGoes
I'm glad I could help you 🙂
Fantastic tips – thank you for sharing this! I'll definitely be referring back to your good advice.
Thank you, I'm glad you found it useful 🙂
Great tips! I have not tried doing a guest post yet as I'm not confident to do so…. but eventually in the future, I might find one that suits, and I will definitely be taking your wonderful advice. #Anything Goes
Thank you, I hope they help you when you are ready to give it a go 🙂
Thank you so much for this! Wonderful tips and advice. I really need to sit down and plot my next few moves and this post will be a fabulous tool!
Thanks so much … and for hosting yet another amazing linky.
#anythinggoes x
Thank you 🙂 I hope it helps you and good luck in your new ventures!
Awesome tips I need to incorporate in my writing #anythinggoes
Thank you 🙂
Fab tips lovely. I have done a few guest posts and sometimes worry I need ti make it like the bloggers style.You are right you don't ; that's the whole point! Thanks for hosting xx #anythinggoes
Thank you 🙂 You definitely don't – if you are invited to guest post somewhere, it's generally because the blogger likes your style 🙂 Thanks for linking up! x
These are great tips! I'm actually thinking of giving guest posting a try and your tips are just really helpful. Thanks! 🙂 #anythinggoes
Thank you, I'm glad you found them helpful 🙂
These are really good tips & great timing, as looking for some guest post opportunities is something I have been thinking about doing soon! #anythinggoes
Thank you, I hope they have helped you 🙂
Excellent advice. Saving for when the opportunity comes along #anthing goes
Thank you 🙂 I hope they help!
Really great tips here Debbie – I love your blogging posts, they are always so helpful! I hope to get my act together in the Autumn & start having a few guest posts! 🙂 #anythingGoes
Thank you 🙂 I'm glad you enjoy them. I love having guest posters, it adds a fresh perspective!
These are good tips! I want to have guest posts but have so much on my plate at the minute, however I'll keep all these tips in mind for when I do start doing this!
Angela xx
Thank you 🙂 Good luck for when you start! It is a little time consuming, but totally worth it 🙂
Great tips – would definitely agree with all of these, especially making sure you write something that you would be happy to publish on your own blog and making sure you share it on your social media too. Thank you for sharing.
Thank you 🙂 I think those 2 are probably the most important to remember!
I've not actually done many guest posts but great tips!
Thank you 🙂
Great post. Very helpful 😊
Thank you, glad you liked it 🙂
This is hugely helpful. I'm relatively new to blogging (almost two months), but I'm looking forward to guest posting someday. I will definitely reference this in the future. Thank you for your tips and your link-up! #anythinggoes
Thank you, I'm glad you found it useful! Good luck with your future guest post 🙂
Great tips, thanks, I have not done much guest posting, these tips will be helpful for the future! Thanks.
Thank you, I hope you find them useful 🙂 Good luck with your future guest posting!
Awesome post! I hope to eventually guest blog for someone so I will be reviewing this post before I do that. Thanks for linking up with #Alittlebitofeverything! Have a great week!
Thank you 🙂 I hope it helps you! Thanks for hosting, you have a great week too 🙂
Great post, I have never done a guest post before and it's something I keep meaning to do!!
Kay | #MMWBH http://www.mummyburgess.co.uk xxx
Thank you 🙂 Good luck if you choose to do one! x
There are some excellent tips here. I have never done a guest post and I would love to. But I don't think it will happen anytime soon. I struggle to keep my own blog ticking over. But if I did write a guest post then I would bear these tips in mind. Thanks for linking up with #SundaysStars. Hugs Mrs H xxxx #TwinklyTuesday
It can be hard to fit in sometimes, especially if your schedule is already tight! Thank you, I hope you find them useful if you choose to do one in the future 🙂 Thanks for hosting 🙂 x
This is all great advice. I've guest posted a lot over the years, and frequently accept guest posts. The pitches that I reject immediately are the ones where it's painfully obvious that the person has never read our blog. I find that really tacky. Why would someone ask to contribute to a blog they're not interested in reading themselves?!
Thanks for linking with #TwinklyTuesday.
This is all great advice. I've guest posted a lot over the years, and frequently accept guest posts. The pitches that I reject immediately are the ones where it's painfully obvious that the person has never read our blog. I find that really tacky. Why would someone ask to contribute to a blog they're not interested in reading themselves?!
Thanks for linking with #TwinklyTuesday.
Thank you 🙂 I've read some of the guest posts on your blog, they've all been really good. Exactly, the guest posts I've done have all been for blogs I actively read. I would say if anyone was looking for a guest post opportunity, it would make sense to read their blog first to see if you have anything relevant to add! Thanks for hosting 🙂
Loving all your advice and tips this week. Thanks for linking to Share With Me I hope to see you again soon #sharewithme
Thank you so much 🙂 Thanks for hosting!
Super tips and advice! Thanks ever so much for linking up to #TheList 🙂 x
Thank you, and thanks for hosting 🙂 x
I think so many people underestimate the importance of appearing on other blogs, I love guest posting on other people's blogs and it opens you up to a whole host of new readers as well as giving you some lovely back links. More people should do it! #blogstorm
I love guest posting and also love having guest posts on my blog too 🙂 Thanks for hosting!
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