The Right Post for Guest Blogging
Now that you think you are in the right time for guest blogging, the next question would be: what kind of post will you make? Aside from the fact that the blog owner will require you to post an original post exclusively for his blog, you might also wonder about its content and how you will write it. Guest blogging will be another milestone for your blog, but some relevant factors should be considered before you submit a post. Here are some of them:
The post must be related to both of you. It is quite odd to see a parenting tip post to a money making blog. So do not even think of trying it. No matter how well you presented it, it will more or less be denied by the blog owner. This is because he has his own set of readers and your post will confuse them. A guest post must help both of you and not you alone.
It should not contain self promotion. Although guest blogging is a good way of promoting yourself, the post itself must not promote your blog or your affiliated product. Guest posts are supposed to be quality articles, not a product endorsement. It is enough that your name and a link to your blog is present. If your post is good enough, his readers will also visit your blog.
It should be your best post. You must make the best post that you can make. Do not be hesitant in doing this because you must remember that the blog that you will be submitting your post is more popular than yours. Just think that it will be more beneficial for you because it will be read by more people. After all, you can always make a good post for your own blog.
Respect the blog owner. Submitting your best post also mean that it should not be better than the posts of the blog owner himself. If his readers will find your post better, they might transfer to you. If the blog owner will learn about this, he will not allow you to post again. Note that you owe him something, and therefore you must show a little respect for him.
A guest post looks like a simple post, but it is not and should not be.
Thomas Sinfield | February 6th, 2008 at 9:01 am #
I agree. Your promotion should be the post itself, so make it the best you can. I wrote one of my best posts ever as a guest post and from it I was able to build a relationship with that blogger where he has posted on my blog and we are currently both in a competition for rss readers together.
Guest posts provides great opportunities to get known!
James Mann | February 6th, 2008 at 9:59 am #
It is most important to give your guest post your best effort. That way you will be invited to make more guest posts. On the other hand if you just provide crap you will not get published and most likely not be asked again.
I have not made too many guest posts but when I do I put 100% into the process so that each blog owner thinks I am a genius. Man if they only saw me trying to do my taxes.
Andy MacDonald | February 6th, 2008 at 11:14 am #
Again, another great post Angela, some nice tips. Could you provide some advice, or even write an article dedicated to how you should approach another blog owner to request or propose doing a guest post for them?
Most of us feel we have worthy content, and are good at what we do, but if you dont know how to approach another blogger, or present your ideas/article to him, then your writing skills are never going to reach the masses.
It would be interesting to hear some ideas on how best to do this.
Guardian Angel | February 6th, 2008 at 12:04 pm #
To all of you above,
Thanks for agreeing with me. Your comments inspired me to make more better posts. Guest blogging definitely helps new bloggers like me.
Of course, I would like to give my sincerest gratitude to Kevin for allowing me to be here for the second time around.
To Andy,
I made a post on my blog entitled “The Right Time to be a Guest Blogger” just last January 26 and I hope this somehow will answer your question.
Nevertheless, I will try my best to make a separate post and submit it here.
PS. Sorry for the correction, but my nickname is Angel and I am male, a Filipino and happily married to a Filipina.