So You Want To Guest Post – What Happens Next?

I’ve just submitted my second guest blog post for a larger site. It was a good experience.

I’ve learned some things along the way, which I will share here.

Be on the look out for guest post opportunities – they are everywhere

This guest post came about because I had written a product review and shared it. That led to a Twitter conversation, which led to an offer to guest post.

Guest post chances might also arise from:

• Checking websites you like and want to write for – you might see a post requesting guest writers.
• Looking through lists of websites that accept guest posts. Here is a list of over 140 sites you can write for in various niches.
• Meeting people at industry trade shows or conferences who run blogs.
• Asking bloggers you know if they would like a post – they might welcome you with open arms.
• Just asking! Gavin Bell had an article published on the Huffington Post website by emailing Ariana Huffington to ask. Simple as that.

When contacting the blog owner, let them know a little bit about yourself with a link to your blog, any places you have written before, any relevant credentials you have and why you’d like to write for them.

Read the blog before you make your submission

By reading the other posts on the blog you’re posting for, you’ll get a good idea of:

• Who the blog audience is. For my guest posts it’s been technically literate people. Adapt your writing to suit.
• What type of articles the audience is interested in. It could be tutorials, how-tos, reviews or anything else. Check comments and shares to see the most popular posts.
• What type of headlines posts typically have – you might notice a particular style after reading a number of them.

Have your personal bio ready

You’ll need to supply a short biography to go with your article – you do want people to know who you are, don’t you? A couple of sentences is enough. Include information about who you are and where you can be found online.

Follow the site’s posting guidelines

Each site has got some editorial advice. Read it carefully and ask if there’s anything you don’t understand.

There will usually be rules about:

• What topics you can write about.
• What you have to submit and when by.
• Desired word count. Longer articles are usually preferred.
• What images you can include and in what format – some people are wary of stock photos unless you can prove you purchased them.
• The review process and feedback – you might get a login to post the article for review, or you might email it in.

When you write your article

Make sure you submit an original piece. (If you want to offer a previously published post to a site, here’s a list of places you can try.)

Be mindful of the deadline. Leave enough time to research, write and edit your post. In my experience, this always takes longer than you imagine!

You may be asked to outline your post first. This is helpful because it focuses your mind on the task and keeps your points relevant.

Think about where you will source images from, if you use any. In my case, screenshots were the most relevant to use. If asked to make them a specific size, do so.

Take time over crafting your title. It’s really important.

Check and double check your English.

Give the reader some actionable takeaways – something practical they can do after reading.

Published? Share and follow up

Once your article is published, share it on social media. Check back on the blog site to see if anyone has commented on your post. If they have, thank them and leave a response.

Look at your site’s traffic once the post is live. Make the most of any bounce in visitors that you get.

And don’t forget to thank the website you blogged on!

More guest blogging resources

The Ultimate Guide To Guest Blogging – this contains pretty much everything you might need to know on the subject.

8 Reasons Why Guest Posting Is An Advantage – a great summary of the benefits of guest posting.

Guest Blogging and SEO: Still a Match Made in Heaven – how guest blogging can improve your SEO if you do it right.

9 Tips to Perfectly Pitch Your Guest Blog Post – tips on pitching and creating guest posts.

And if you want to read my guest post…

Here it is:

14 Must Have Free Online Tools and Plugins For Super Bloggers

Have you got an interesting guest blogging story? Leave me a comment and let’s talk!