If you are a naive and an amateur blogger you wouldn’t be much exposed to this guest posting concept. Even if you have some knowledge about guest blogging you may ask “what’s the big deal about this stuff?”
If this is your question or qualm then allow me to explain you one thing: “We (bloggers) will earn more backlinks through guest blogging than we get from social networks or by utilizing any SEO strategy”. As an active guest blogger myself who has successfully pitched many guest posts in A-list blogs, I can say one thing: Guest blogging rocks.
When you post one of a kind post on a blog which has bigger audience and reach than yours, you are performing on a bigger stage. You are stealing that blog’s traffic; this means more subscriptions, sales, credibility, backlinks, and much more.
Really, I have found this truth by my experience. I have written guest posts for some blogs and certain users write guest posts in my blog (this is all a give and take business). Bloggers do this in order to increase their exposure as well as build healthy relationship with fellow bloggers.
The ultimate problem for a first time guest blogger is “how to find the blog where I can guest post?” To solve this issue, am presenting you the step-step guide to find blogs where you could guest post.
Step 1: Search for it
You will seek it only if you search for it. You must search in Google, Twitter or any blog directories and check which of the blogs need a guest blogger.
If you have specific niche(s) then search according to your niche. For e.g. you can use the following queries in search engines:
site: blogging tips + submit guest post
site: relationships + write guest post
Alternatively, if you don’t have a niche or if you are a jack of all topics then it leaves you with more options.
Step 2: Segregate it
Immediate step after searching is segregation. Once you have found a few results for your search segregate it according to your needs. What you write is not a prime concern (don’t underestimate the power of quality though!), where you write is what matters more.
Writing guest posts in blogs with few or no followers is as good as not writing at all; since it won’t earn you anything (neither name nor fame).
Choose the blogs which has good number of subscribers however that doesn’t mean you should select only the blogs of top bloggers because as an amateur or mediocre blogger your blogs may be rejected (not deliberately but because your writing style may not sync with theirs).
Thereby select blogs that will have probability to accept your post as well as act as a platform to improve your exposure.
Step 3: Research
From a handful of blogs you get through search you would have handpicked few blogs through step 2, now what you have to do is to explore the blog. I am not saying to master everything in the blog but on the other hand am asking you to read through all the posts that are related to your niche (or title).
You should notice the following aspects in that blog:
- The writing style/voice of the blogger
- Is it a multi-author blog or does the author only occasionally allows guest posts
- The theme or goal of the blog
- The nature of the audience
- Is there an active discussion or is it all silent
- Formatting of posts. Some bloggers don’t use title tags (h2 or h3), some use bullet points, some use none.
By observing all these, you will be able to pitch the right post in a right tone to suit that blog.
Step 4: Build relationships
Once you have picked up a few blogs and read the posts in it comment on them (I mean valuable comments) and also subscribe. This is the first step towards building relationships with the host blogger. Befriend the blog owners in any of the social networks.
Don’t come up as a stranger and submit guest posts. It is always advisable to be known to the blogger in some way.
Step 5: Choose the topic
Once you have read the blogs and have built relationships with the owners, next step is to choose the topic in which you are going to write on. You may choose a topic which does not at all exist in the blog (but related to the blog’s niche) or alternatively choose a topic which is based on an already existing topic on that blog.
Step 6: Prepare a list
Once you start identifying potential blogs, make a list of those blogs. This will help you to be systematic with your guest blogging campaign. Even if you are not going to be a very active guest blogger, a list will help you when you are just ready.
Preferably maintain a spreadsheet with the list of blogs and some of their metrics like PR, Mozrank, Alexa rank, Number of links and so on.
All these may sound complicated. But if you initially spend some effort, you can sit back and guest post in a systematic manner with much ease.
These steps work for me and many of my fellow bloggers. It will work for you too. Let me know your thoughts in the comments.
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About Jane | Problogging Success
I’ve done a few through building relationships like you suggest here, and those are very beneficial. To be honest I feel that I’ve undervalued the benefits of guest posting, so now I will use these tips to increase my blog traffic.
How To SEO recently posted..Are You Akismet Banned?
Thank you for guiding me through the guest post inventory. The only thing I am still confused in is how to get our guest post approved by A list bloggers. This is going to be very useful for me in the near days :) I am going to implement this Guest blogging as soon as I get myself ready for it
Also bloggers need to remember to not be afraid to show who they are especially when they are guest posting, and make the best out of it. Or they can try doing what you guys are doing in weblogbetter.com. :)
Gary Ashton recently posted..LeAnne Constatine of TAREG and RE/MAX Elite writes another $2M team offer
I’m glad I found this post, as I’ve wondered the best way to find sites or blogs to guest post on. I’ve done a few through building relationships like you suggest here, and those are very beneficial. To be honest I feel that I’ve undervalued the benefits of guest posting, so now I will use these tips to increase my blog traffic.
I seem to pay attention to the content of my article instead of the site I’ll be posting for, and I appreciate you clearing this up. The blog or website’s reputation will help to increase the value of my content. Thanks for sharing these tips.
Carrie Smith recently posted..Personal Finance, Blogging and Starting with Why
Nice advice Jane. Step 1 could even be expanded upon by using advanced search parameters etc in Google. Perhaps a future blog post if its own??
Twitter: problogsuccess
says:
Sure I’ll consider that :)
Jane | Successful Blogging recently posted..Blogging Success: 53 Blogging Mistakes You Should Avoid
Hello there jane, this post is very unique, very intersting post which bloggers really like. I will use these tips for me to be like you. I also voted your post on BE.
Technology Lead Generation recently posted..Does your Website Generate Income? – SEO Can Make It Happen
First off great post – no flufftalk I like that :)
One question though; How much time should you put into building a relationship, (how close should one be with the blogger before offering to guestpost?).
I would guess one post is to little, but on the other hand one can’t expect to become Facebook buddies either – what’s the sweetspot?
All the best
Simon,
That’s a great question. You know, it always depends on the host blogger. But in general, if you are a regular commenter at their blogs, they will surely know you by name. Then if you pitch a guest post, you won’t sound like a stranger/spammer.
In addition you may also occasionally contact the blogger on social media, if you manage to get any nearer. But this is not a requirement – it just adds to the relationship and makes communications easier.
As I said earlier, some host bloggers are so friendly and open, some A-listers may be somewhat closed to open relationships and social media conversations (no offence though; every A-lister needs a defence parameter against spam).
Cheers,
Jane.
Jane | Find All Answers recently posted..Early Morning Riser: Why And How Should You Become One
There is really nice and long term strategy for gust blogging.
jane again , a good guest post,, you doing it great,, keep up the work high ,, Happy Blogging :D
Thank you for guiding me through the guest post inventory. The only thing I am still confused in is how to get our guest post approved by A list bloggers. They hardly accept them from amateurs.
Karan Lugani recently posted..Avoid “Free Item ” Facebook Scams
Karan,
Guess you can use some tips from a working strategy I use:
http://www.findallanswers.com/managed-posts-featured-alist-blogs/
Jane.
Jane | Find All Answers recently posted..Guest Blogging Etiquette: Do We Have One?
Thank you so much for linking . It is indeed a very nice blog post . I might try it on you and then move on to other blogs. So, indeed I owe you a guest post for leading me to the ultimate guest post guide.
Karan Lugani recently posted..Avoid “Free Item ” Facebook Scams
Thanks for sharing these useful tips for Guest Blogging and When coming to Guest blogging we must have a informative post which suits their Audiences. and before guest posting for a backlink we should see that we have enough good posts on our blog so that when their readers enter our blog they should not leave as soon as they enter so we need to keep some good number of posts in our blog.
KBharath recently posted..SPICE M-7070 – A Feature-Packed Phone for the Budget-Conscious User
Before trying to guest post, make sure that your blog is full of content (more) and readers will stay in your blog. Readers don’t want to end up in a 5 post blog, right? Nice tips though!
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Twitter: Pcmaster0
says:
My Funda of choosing a blog for guest post..That particular blog should have these characteristics.
1.DOFOLLOW.
2.Must be under 50 – 70 alexa rank.
3.Large reader base and followers.
4.should be owned by the nice and friendly natured guy.
5.must provide backlinks
6.revenue sharing(optional)
What else do you prefer..do make this list grow big..
amit sharma recently posted..Top Free Torrent Clients for Android Phones
You should also consider member engagement. In fact I would put that ahead of DOFOLLOW.
What do I mean by engagement? Specifically how are the readers of the blog interacting. Are they retweeting articles? Is there lively discussions in the comment section?
If the blog has a large number of readers who aren’t engaged then your stuff may not spread to other sites.
Joe C recently posted..The Secret to Peering Into The Minds Of Your Customers
Twitter: Pcmaster0
says:
Thanks for adding a great tip Joe C, agreed with your every word of your comment. Actually, Engagement works as a encouragement to us, encourages us to write more for that blog.
amit sharma recently posted..[Giveaway] License Key Of Audials One 8
Nice tips shared…i prefer to make a list of blogs which offers guest authoring…
Sara recently posted..Fast Page Free CSS Template
hello jane..thanks for this tips,so easy and simple
Twitter: BoyVeasley
says:
Jane: Great tips here for guest blogging as that is what I’m trying to get my hands dirty with again. When your do a google search you find blogs, but many of them have little to no traffic. I rather try guest posting on blogs that I already regularly visit. Most of those blogs are well worth the value for me to guest write on.
Just my 2 cents.
God bless,
William Veasley
William Tha Great recently posted..The Lesson Of Mr. Wise Guy!
Twitter: hajraks
says:
Hey Jane,
I love this! I did a couple of guest post but I am planning to do some more. But I keep thinking of what I would be writing about. Guest posting is a wonderful way of establishing good netwroking with fellow bloggers and also getting others to know about you.
Thanks for such a useful guide. Off to think about posts to guest blog!
Have a lovely weekend!
Hajra recently posted..Really, who are we again?
Thanks allot.
This is going to be very useful for me in the near days :) I am going to implement this Guest blogging as soon as I get myself ready for it, with my new blog.
Thanks much for this valuable post of yours. all the best
Michael recently posted..What Are The 10 Disadvantages Of Homeschooling
These tips are really good. You are right, every blogger who wants to do well need to guest blog, and keep a list of blogs to do so. Good stuff!
Jasmine recently posted..Best Website Uptime with iPage Downtime Prevention Systems
Twitter: ronniedare
says:
Thanks for the tips. Guest blogging is the newest thing in terms of building community, link building and SEO. It is a cost effective way as well. Pretty powerful.
RonLeyba recently posted..Angry Birds Fun Facts, Trivia, Video And Infographics
Jane, great points. I was big time into article marketing but after panda/farmer update I have reduced the efforts there. I was planning to give the guest posting concept a try.
My main issue is that I do not blog about blogging. Do you have any experience of guest posting for blogs that are in non-blog niche (something that does not attract too many bloggers)? I mean is guest post about blogging as effective when the backlinks are to a different niche? Any advices?
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Hi,
Hi Jane! Guest blogging is a great way to promote ourselves to the blogging world especially for the beginner.Thanks for sharing this informative article.
Thanks a lot
nifty future recently posted..Secrets to Fx Investment and Ideas
I’ve been afraid to do guest blogging because I haven’t really felt comfortable in how to prepare for it. This post has helped tremendously. Now I feel that I can go hunting now.
Glynis Jolly recently posted..To Truly Be Authentic
Twitter: problogsuccess
says:
Glynis, there is nothing to be afraid of. As you would write for your own blog, you are going to write for another blog. Indeed you should be proud to write guest posts :) Good luck with the hunting!
Jane | Find All Answers recently posted..Google+ Circles And Sparks, What Do Bloggers Have In Them?
Thanks Jane.Guest blogging is best method to promote our blog.But Guest posting on top blog is difficult.Because they get lot of Request.So may be they avoid our Guest post.I hate “E-mail subscription” My inbox become bulky.Thanks ,anyway i will try to write on top blogs
sibin recently posted..Google Hotel Finder:New Google Search Tool to Find Best Hotels
I think guest post can be a help for improving their sites…Thanks for sharing this one…
Clark Minn recently posted..How to Lose Belly Fat After Pregnancy
Hi Jane! Guest blogging is a great way to promote ourselves to the blogging world especially for the beginner. One of my friends who called Onibalusi is a great example of guest blogger. He did a lot of guest blogging when he just started his blogging journey. He introduced himself to the world with a dedicated way. :)
Twitter: problogsuccess
says:
Kok, Onibalusi is one of the example of successful guest bloggers in the blogosphere. Yes indeed, he established his expertise and presence with guest blogging.
Jane | Find All Answers recently posted..Customizing Archives Page in Thesis WordPress Blog
I’m a new blogger. I never thought of guest blogging up until now….I’ll try it once my blog will gain some traffic of its own :) Thanks!
Larissa recently posted..Hair removal methods
Hi Jane, the purpose of guest posting i would say it to build a relationship between bloggers and bloggers. If the post is a quality post between bloggers, definitely it’ll bring success to both sides as well
Ricardus recently posted..We are sponsoring WordCamp Chicago 2011
Twitter: problogsuccess
says:
Very true Ricardus. Above anything else, I respect the privilege of getting into a nice relationship with bloggers and their community. It feels great that way.
Jane | Find All Answers recently posted..Guest Blogging Etiquette: Do We Have One?
Guest blogging is by far the best way to get backlinks, traffic and most importantly authority on the blog world.
Of course the difficult part after writing it, is to get it published on a blog with a lot of traffic and high pagerank.
This is really difficult especially in the beginning, but if someone uses your advises in this post especially step 4 building relations will have much better chances from someone who just send randomly emails with guest posts and expecting to see them published
extra Income recently posted..Tips for Excelling as a Freelance Web Designer
I followed your post up until where you said that you track all the metrics of the blogs you want to write for. Why exactly do you do this? Wouldn’t it be enough to just make sure they have the kind of traffic you are looking for and then sort them into pursue / don’t bother lists?
Twitter: problogsuccess
says:
Reno, what you say is right if you are guest posting only for traffic and popularity. If you also want some good SEO benefits like links from authority sites, you have to find them by looking at the metrics. A backlink from a site with good metrics has got more value than a backlink from the site with poor metrics (yet great traffic). I hope you get the idea. :)
Jane | Find All Answers recently posted..Simplistic Approach Is Your Best Time Saver Ever
Hi Jane!
thank you for this article, i considered it before i read this, but now i’m sure :)
sapir recently posted..Diet for Life
Thank you Jane for making guest post look so easy and simple :-)
Erin recently posted..Golf Swing Tempo Drills -Basic Drills to Improve Your Golf Swing Tempo
Twitter: TrafficColeman
says:
Erin..I think the reason why guest posting is so easy is because you can build a relationship today and be posting your content to thousands the next.
“Black Seo Guy “Signing Off”
TrafficColeman recently posted..Selling Ad Space Is Another Great Way To Make Money Online
Guest posting should be simple if all the rules and guidelines of the blog where the guest post will be published are followed exactly. By complying to all rules you will also build long lasting relationships with the blog owner which may be important for future cooperations.
Thank you Jade for describing guest posts in such a simple and easy way :-)
Erin recently posted..Golf Swing Tempo Drills -Basic Drills to Improve Your Golf Swing Tempo
Great tips. Anyway who is searching for finding blogs to guest post should take into consideration what you’ve written here.
Bob recently posted..Watch Vampire Diaries Online
I can see gaining popularity by getting your name out there sort of featured, but I don’t see gaining any more backlinks any more than commenting, or a variety of other methods. There are a many fast and much less work methods, and on many high traffic and popular sites. I am guessing it may give a temporary bump but not long term. Not that I am against it, more power to anyone that has the time to do so. But, I think there are many alternatives that are less work, but possibly not as much getting your name out there. I have written articles in the past that were very time consuming. Maybe I am a stickler for quality. Maybe it was because I had a deadline and on rare occasions paid several hundred dollars so I feel I should go the extra mile.
Ray recently posted..Cloudflare 1 week review
Twitter: problogsuccess
says:
Ray, it all depends on what you want. If you want to establish your expertise and authority in your niche easily this is one of the coolest ways :) You can do the same by writing high quality posts in your blog too. But when you are exposed to big and varied type of audience, just imagine the reach.
Jane | Find All Answers recently posted..5 Ways To Romance Your Blog Readers Like a New Girlfriend
Hi Jane! Excellent tips, there is nothing to add… Thanks a million!
Hello there Jane! Your tips were really great but are these your strategies? I can see that you’re doing it well and I might use these tips for my own sake. And I might also use what Edgar added. Thanks for the both of you!
Ryan recently posted..used ford trucks
Thanks for the tips. I still think that the most important is to select a good and catching topic that will suit everybody on the blog and write in a good language. It is a success.You are sure to have good relations with other readers.
Hello Jane, nice to see you here again. I see that you’ve been featured in ComLuv blog for being an active guest blogger. I would like to add that i sometimes use a service called myblogguest.com. It acts like a medium between the blog owner who needs quality guest post and the guest blogger him or herself.
Edgar recently posted..Improving your-blog with web hosting
Twitter: problogsuccess
says:
Myblogguest is a great place. They take most pain for themselves. You have to be bit picky in accepting the offers though.
Jane | Find All Answers recently posted..3 Reasons Why You Will Get Rich Slowly In This Niche